Elina Fernando - East River High School

It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Elina as a participant in the Orlando Mayor’s MLK Youth Humanitarian Program. Elina’s story is one of perseverance and empathy.

As her school counselor, I have witnessed her unwavering commitment to service and leadership, which truly embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Having moved across four states, she has faced constant change with grace, deepening her understanding of diversity and the importance of respecting others’ unique backgrounds. In spite of, she manages to be a competent leader and the team captain of both the girl’s lacrosse and swimming teams.

Perhaps most inspiring is her dedicated work with ESE/Special Needs students, whom she approaches with profound patience and kindness, along with her involvement in food drives and other youth outreach opportunities. This commitment extends to her volunteer work tutoring at local schools and in service organizations like BETA Club and National Honor Society. Elina’s certifications in Basic Life Support and Stop the Bleed further illustrate her compassion, preparedness, and willingness to care for others.

In every way, Elina already exemplifies the qualities highlighted in being a humanitarian, such as: Service, Opportunity, Peace, Respect, and Unity. She motivates others through her actions, inspires hope through her character, and fosters a sense of community and unity wherever she goes. I am confident she will continue to honor Dr. King's legacy and I am proud to recommend her for this award as she is a remarkable young woman and an influential role model to her peers.

- From Elina's School Counselor