LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Wednesday the futures of four young students were changed forever thanks to the help of the Glenn Armentor Pay it Forward Scholarship. The scholarship awards ten thousand dollars to students with exceptional grades, but these students are not typical straight “A” students.

“Any young person from ages 14 to 18 who can make a 4.0 while being homeless and not see either parent for 3 years, has to be somebody special,” said Armentor.

The room filled with applause after each student’s touching story. Marcelino Cruz has been living in the United States alone since the eighth grade when his family was forced to leave the country.

“They decided it would be best for them to both go back to leave me here to have a better future and to do better for them and my brothers,” said Cruz.

Cruz works 40 hours a week, has a 3.6 GPA, and is the captain of the Breaux bridge football team. Cruz said this scholarship has lifted a huge burden off his shoulders.

“It’s such a relief, it’s something off your back. All through senior year I would think I need to pay for college.”

Yves Hamilton comes from a single parent home. She loves math and plans to major in physics. Hamilton said it’s a huge relief to know she will have the funds to chase her dreams.

“I just feel so blessed because I would have been more nervous about how I was going to pay for college.”

Scholarship benefactor Glenn Armentor said he is proud to help at-risk students, like these, have the chance for a better future.

“These kids are special and I believe they are going to change the world its just a matter of time.”