11 High-Achieving Students Receive Mr. South Texas Scholarship
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Aug 2, 2016, Comments Off
Courtesy Will Krueger,
(LAREDO, Tx) — The Mr. South Texas Foundation (MSTF) awarded $1,000 scholarships to 11 potential future Mr. South Texas honorees from Laredo high schools, Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University yesterday (Tuesday).
“Our foundation’s motto—From Scholarship to Leadership—reflects our mission to help outstanding students achieve their higher education goals before they return to South Texas as leaders,” said Senator Judith Zaffirini, MSTF president. “These 11 future leaders lead by example, and they have demonstrated a commitment not only to excellence in academics and extracurricular activities, but also to family and community service. ”
When the Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association named her Mr. South Texas in 1999, Senator Zaffirini established the MSTF and raised the money for the annual scholarships. Her goal was to honor students deemed the most likely future Mr. South Texas honorees and who will pledge to return to South Texas.
Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the foundation has provided $161,000 in scholarships to 161 Laredo students. Selection criteria include a commitment to live in South Texas after college graduation, a minimum “B” average in high school, minimum 90 percent attendance, exemplary character and leadership potential.
“Our state and region benefit when we invest in promising students pursuing higher education,” Senator Zaffirini said. “Higher education will open doors for these students and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their dreams. What’s more, it will prepare them to help countless others throughout their lives.”
The scholarship presentation ceremony was hosted by Dr. Pablo Arenza, interim president, and Dr. Minita Ramirez, dean of student success, at A&M International.
The 2016 Mr. South Texas Foundation scholarship recipients are:
Rebecca Marie Guerrero, United South High School
Celeste Maria Gonzalez, St. Augustine High School
Marco Damian Guajardo, J.W. Nixon High School
Bryan Lara, Early College High School
Andres Martinez, Alexander High School
Cesar Navarro, Lyndon B. Johnson High School
David Ivan Nuñez, Cigarroa High School
José Ochoa, United High School
Gabriela Torres-Gomez, Martin High School
Nelly Guadalupe Garcia, Laredo Community College
Stephanie Martinez, Texas A&M International University
