NEW BRITAIN, Conn. -- Farmington High School Senior Taylor Escajeca said she got a big surprise when she went to the principal's office Friday when Ronald McDonald awarded her a $5,000 scholarship from the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“It's a huge help to my family,” said Escajeca. “My mom works two jobs. My dad works constantly, so anything I can do to try to support myself for college is helpful.”

Escajeca was chosen from more than 800 applicants for the scholarship, which targets students with at least one parent of Hispanic origin, according to application rules. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic achievement, community involvement and financial need.

“I want to major in U.S. history and go on to teach in an inner-city school,” he said.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts are awarding scholarships totaling $50,000 to 22 graduating high-school seniors this year through one program with no racial or ethnic requirements and another targeted at Hispanic students, according to the organization.