OMAR MARES ORELAS RECEIVES ROTARY FULL-RIDE SCHOLARSHIP 

Thomas Worthington High School graduate Omar Mares Orelas is the first recipient of a full-ride scholarship to Columbus State Community College provided our club and the Worthington AM Rotary Club. (See related story about the initiation of the scholarship in the July ?? newsletter issue.) 

Concerned about college expenses and debt, Omar was delighted to learn about the new Columbus State scholarship program of the two Rotary clubs. “Because college is very expensive, I realized starting out at Columbus State and then transferring to a four-year college would be much more affordable for me and my family,” he says. “Graduating with no debt is very important to me.” 

Omar’s goal is to complete his general education classes, and then transfer to a four-year university, most likely The Ohio State University. He will pursue a degree in business management in hopes of one day opening his own restaurant.  

“The majority of my family is involved in the restaurant business, and I have grown a passion for it,” he explains. He plans on taking some culinary classes at CSCC to improve his skills and learn new techniques to one day implement into his future business. 

Omar knows the value of hard work, which he credits to the strong work ethic of his mother, a single parent. “Since I was little, I have watched my mom work herself from sunrise to sundown trying to provide a better life for my brother and me,” he says. “She did all that while still attending sporting events and other school activities.”  

Since turning 16, Omar has worked 35 to 40 hours a week at two area restaurants and a bakery, where he was promoted to a supervisory position after a few months on the job. “I wanted to contribute to the family income, provide for myself and take some weight off my mom’s shoulders,” he commented.  

Omar also credits his mother for instilling in him at a young age the importance of putting others before himself. “I’ve been in many positions where I have had the opportunity to demonstrate this belief in school, work, extra-curricular activities and community,” he says. 

He volunteered regularly for five years at The Salvation Army, where he was involved in planning, cooking, and serving meals to the homeless. He also restocked local food pantries and assisted in the Christmas kettles as well as other service projects.  

Omar also volunteered for four years at Worthington Service Day, assisting elderly community members, building a community garden, and helping individuals with physical and mental disabilities.  

As a captain for the TWHS boys soccer team for two years, Omar served as a leader and mentor to other players, taking time outside of practice and games to help teammates academically and personally. He was also a member of the Lacrosse and football teams and was a leader of the Latinx Club, a SOCA (Students of Color and Allies) board member and a member of the Diversity Club and yearbook. He was selected to be one of five Cardinal Crazies to lead students during events. 

A solid student and a fluent Spanish speaker, Omar was a member of the school’s Entrepreneurship Business Academy for four years, which lead to a 15-week internship at Avalos Food Enterprises, where he excelled.   

According to Darnell Perkins, chair of the scholarship selection committee, members were impressed with Omar’s character and accomplishments. The committee narrowed the 11 applicants to four finalists before selecting Omar as the recipient. 

“While all of the finalists were strong, Omar’s community service and school and work activities stood out,”’ he said.  “He has clearly defined educational and career goals and has demonstrated a commitment to helping others in our community, a key value of Rotary.” 

With the scholarship award being for two years, Darnell said that club members are looking forward to building a relationship with Omar and his family. “We want to help Omar be successful and achieve his goals.” 

Members serving on the selection committee were: Our club- Jennifer Heasley and Janet Wagner; Worthington AM Rotary Club, Pete Macrae and Joe Murnane.  

Photo Caption: Scholarship recipient Omar Mares Orelas. He will begin his two-year program at Columbus State Community College on Aug. 30.