BNP Paribas, Europe’s leading financial institution and a global sponsor of tennis, announced Friday its awarding of the seventh annual BNP Paribas Open Scholarships to Stephanie De La Rosa, Daniel Fernandez-Roles, José Hernandez-Beltran and Caitlyn Hill from the 2023 graduating class of Desert Mirage High School in Thermal, CA. The scholarships will be granted Saturday during the BNP Paribas Open as the Bank celebrates 50 years of commitment to tennis and its power to mobilize for the good of society and its youth.
Each student received a $20,000 college grant on Thursday, March 16 at a ceremony at their school and will be recognized during an on-court presentation at the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday, March 18. The grant will be presented to the scholars while fans watch the men’s and women’s tennis doubles final matches. As the scholars embody the future of tennis they will also participate in the trophy presentation to the tennis doubles champions.
“BNP Paribas clients trust us with their banking needs because social impact is core to our business model and because we focus on giving back to the communities where we operate. We are very proud to once again offer scholarships to tennis-playing students from the Coachella Valley as they demonstrate that success is measured not only by individual achievements but also by how those talents are used to help others,” said Jean-Yves Fillion, CEO of BNP Paribas USA.
“Congratulations to Stephanie, Daniel, José and Caitlyn who have worked so hard both on and off the court. Today, you’ve represented the future of tennis and we know you’ll bring your exceptional drive and compassion to the college arena.”
“These scholarships are a great example of BNP Paribas’ continued commitment to using their involvement with the tournament to have a positive influence on the broader community in the Coachella Valley,” said Peggy Michel, Assistant Tournament Director of the BNP Paribas Open.
“We are thrilled to offer our most sincere congratulations to the deserving recipients, and can’t wait to follow the future success of Stephanie, Daniel, José and Caitlyn both in the classroom and in their local communities.”
Stephanie is an honor roll student, has enrolled in rigorous courses like Advanced Placement (“AP”) Spanish Language and Culture, and maintains a 4.4 grade point average (“GPA”). As a member of the varsity tennis team since her freshmen year, Stephanie was recognized as ‘Most Improved Player’ and received the Coaches Award for her positive outlook and support for teammates. Stephanie has participated in extracurricular organizations including Ballet Folkloric Dance Club, the East Valley Dance Project, Aztec Dance Team, Cheer and Advanced Via Individual Determination (AVID). She also participates in Associated Student Body and volunteers in UCIC, a community nonprofit that operates food drives, mental health clinics and provides COVID resource kits. Stefanie has been awarded the Seal of Multi-literacy which began with her work in Spanish IV Honors as a freshman. She plans to study Economic Development and Public Administration and earn her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of California, Irvine.
Daniel has been enrolled in AP coursework and is an Honor Cord recipient with a 4.38 GPA. As a scholar athlete, he is on the honor roll, plays tennis and runs cross country. Daniel was recognized as ‘Most Improved Player’ for the 2022 season and became team captain in 2023 for the varsity tennis team. Daniel is an active member of clubs like Yearbook, Ballet Folkloric Dance Club, DM Productions (film club) and has been identified as a Puente scholar since his freshman year. He has also contributed volunteer hours for Coachella Inc. and participated in community service activities like trash pickup. He hopes to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, so he can create spaces for people in need of mental rehabilitation.
José currently has a 4.5 GPA and is an Honor Cord recipient who is consistently on the honor roll with perfect school attendance. He also received his AP Readiness Certificate. José has enjoyed being a member of his school tennis team since his freshman year as the sport helps him practice a growth mindset. He is a member of the Coachella Valley Youth Organizing Council, worked as an intern for the ‘Dr. Raul Ruiz for Congress’ campaign and participates in the 4th District Youth Advocacy Coalition. José has been awarded the Riverside County Seal of Multiliteracy and is well recognized for his leadership skills and ability to apply school lessons to real-life applications. He plans to pursue a Mechanical Engineering degree at the College of the Desert so he can continue to serve his community.
Caitlyn is an honor roll student since her freshman year and maintains a 4.5 GPA. She also received the prestigious AP Scholar Award and the Seal of Multiliteracy. Caitlyn is the captain of her high school varsity tennis team and named the Desert Valley League’s Most Valuable Player in Tennis Singles. She is the first-ever Student Trustee on the Coachella Valley Unified School District Board of Education and was recognized for her service with a Proclamation of Leadership from Riverside County Office of Education. Caitlyn is a leader in her school through roles like Puente Program President, Associated Student Body Executive President, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan Movimiento Minister of Information and Eastern Valley Surf Club Treasurer. In addition, Caitlyn volunteers her time for children’s events at Mecca Library and Animal Samaritans Critter Camp. Caitlyn recently received the Puente Statewide Academic Leadership Award which is given to only one student per school. She plans to attend the University of California, Irvine to become an aerospace engineer.
