Business & Enterpreneurship
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Education
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Business & Enterpreneurship
GOLD - Arthur Blake
Hometown: Lakeway, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Lake Travis High School
Heritage: Venezuelan
Arthur Blake was born for business. His interest in the topic began at an early age and skyrocketed his freshman year of high school when he joined his high school’s DECA club. DECA is an organization that encourages the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions. When he joined, he decided to compete in an event called the principals of finance in which he went on to finals at the Texas state conference. The club advisors also awarded him with the freshman of the year honor.
The following year, he was appointed as an officer, a role he continued in for the rest of his high school career. He also started a business club at a local middle school and wrote a twenty-page essay on this topic. He and his partner competed in the Project Management Career Development event and qualified for the international competition with the paper they published.
After two years of learning business concepts and applying them at a small level, he decided to create an actual business. He is now the co-founder of Snkr Truck, an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that collects and redistributes shoes to the underprivileged community in Austin, Texas. The Snkr Truck has donated back over 500 pairs of shoes to locals in the city and hopes to continue donating thousands more in the years to come. He wrote about this endeavor for my junior year DECA project, and he finalized as a state champion in the project management community giving event. One day, Arthur would love to become a CEO and run his own private company.
Arthur is an Eagle Scout, an AP Scholar, drum major at his high school, and received a Hispanic Recognition award last year. He has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to study business at either Stanford University, the University of Texas, or Texas A&M.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Lake Travis High School
Heritage: Venezuelan
Arthur Blake was born for business. His interest in the topic began at an early age and skyrocketed his freshman year of high school when he joined his high school’s DECA club. DECA is an organization that encourages the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions. When he joined, he decided to compete in an event called the principals of finance in which he went on to finals at the Texas state conference. The club advisors also awarded him with the freshman of the year honor.
The following year, he was appointed as an officer, a role he continued in for the rest of his high school career. He also started a business club at a local middle school and wrote a twenty-page essay on this topic. He and his partner competed in the Project Management Career Development event and qualified for the international competition with the paper they published.
After two years of learning business concepts and applying them at a small level, he decided to create an actual business. He is now the co-founder of Snkr Truck, an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that collects and redistributes shoes to the underprivileged community in Austin, Texas. The Snkr Truck has donated back over 500 pairs of shoes to locals in the city and hopes to continue donating thousands more in the years to come. He wrote about this endeavor for my junior year DECA project, and he finalized as a state champion in the project management community giving event. One day, Arthur would love to become a CEO and run his own private company.
Arthur is an Eagle Scout, an AP Scholar, drum major at his high school, and received a Hispanic Recognition award last year. He has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to study business at either Stanford University, the University of Texas, or Texas A&M.
Silver - Francisco Félix
Hometown: Von Ormy, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Somerset High School
Heritage: Mexican
“My interest in financial analytics began in the eighth grade as I dragged my bag stuffed with candy bars across the hall,” says Francisco. With a set goal to purchase a new pair of shoes, he started to sell snacks around his school and in his hometown of Somerset. When he began to make money, he started calculating his daily average, then estimating his weekly earnings, all to determine what he might be able to afford.
Although his parents would continually tell him to not plan too far ahead, and he understood some calculations were bound to fail, he knew it was important to build a structured path. He followed this mindset into high school which helped him build the budget for his school's store “The Set”. By creating spreadsheets to track data and setting financial goals to build strategic plans, he was able to eventually take responsibility for all financial management.
Francisco continues to help “The Set” and has expanded it across the Somerset community. Similarly, he knows that the knowledge and resources attained in college will expand his understanding and will help him be able to provide financial guidance to small businesses across the nation who need assistance while continuing to contribute to the community. This is a personal passion of his and he hopes to pursue this especially after graduation.
He is also a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, a University of Texas McCombs Subiendo Scholar, and a LEDA Scholar. He has a perfect 4.00 GPA and wants to major in finance at either Stanford University, Dartmouth College, or Yale University.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Somerset High School
Heritage: Mexican
“My interest in financial analytics began in the eighth grade as I dragged my bag stuffed with candy bars across the hall,” says Francisco. With a set goal to purchase a new pair of shoes, he started to sell snacks around his school and in his hometown of Somerset. When he began to make money, he started calculating his daily average, then estimating his weekly earnings, all to determine what he might be able to afford.
Although his parents would continually tell him to not plan too far ahead, and he understood some calculations were bound to fail, he knew it was important to build a structured path. He followed this mindset into high school which helped him build the budget for his school's store “The Set”. By creating spreadsheets to track data and setting financial goals to build strategic plans, he was able to eventually take responsibility for all financial management.
Francisco continues to help “The Set” and has expanded it across the Somerset community. Similarly, he knows that the knowledge and resources attained in college will expand his understanding and will help him be able to provide financial guidance to small businesses across the nation who need assistance while continuing to contribute to the community. This is a personal passion of his and he hopes to pursue this especially after graduation.
He is also a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, a University of Texas McCombs Subiendo Scholar, and a LEDA Scholar. He has a perfect 4.00 GPA and wants to major in finance at either Stanford University, Dartmouth College, or Yale University.
Bronze - Diana Cortez
Hometown: Austin , TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Del Valle High School
Heritage: Mexican
As a first-generation college student, Diana understands all too well the struggles around financial literacy and managing personal finances. “I was raised in a business environment without knowing it. From selling pecans at the flea market when I was seven, to doing math problems for my parents to find out how much money we had left to pay bills and buying from thrift stores to save money. Little did I know this was the start of my love for managing money,” she says.
In school, she was always one of the top performers in her math classes. She would tutor her classmates, help solve complex problems, and submit extra credit work for fun. Seeing how much her parents struggled to understand money and how to make it work for them drives her to want to help others understand these very foundational matters.
Diana also enjoys helping her community in more humanitarian ways. Most recently, she has been an active helper around her community and school by volunteering with the Red Cross Club at her high school. Even during the pandemic, she found ways to volunteer by cleaning parks, writing letters to veterans, and distributing food to those in need. But the one volunteering event that is particularly special to her was when she helped distribute the Covid-19 vaccines at her school. She signed up for a position to direct traffic of the people who were waiting to get vaccinated and translated from English to Spanish for non-English speakers.
Diana is an AP Scholar, is a member of the National Honor Society, has received the PBIS award and a trustee award. She has a perfect 4.00 GPA and wants to study accounting this fall at the University of Texas Austin, University of Notre Dame, or St. Edward's University.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Del Valle High School
Heritage: Mexican
As a first-generation college student, Diana understands all too well the struggles around financial literacy and managing personal finances. “I was raised in a business environment without knowing it. From selling pecans at the flea market when I was seven, to doing math problems for my parents to find out how much money we had left to pay bills and buying from thrift stores to save money. Little did I know this was the start of my love for managing money,” she says.
In school, she was always one of the top performers in her math classes. She would tutor her classmates, help solve complex problems, and submit extra credit work for fun. Seeing how much her parents struggled to understand money and how to make it work for them drives her to want to help others understand these very foundational matters.
Diana also enjoys helping her community in more humanitarian ways. Most recently, she has been an active helper around her community and school by volunteering with the Red Cross Club at her high school. Even during the pandemic, she found ways to volunteer by cleaning parks, writing letters to veterans, and distributing food to those in need. But the one volunteering event that is particularly special to her was when she helped distribute the Covid-19 vaccines at her school. She signed up for a position to direct traffic of the people who were waiting to get vaccinated and translated from English to Spanish for non-English speakers.
Diana is an AP Scholar, is a member of the National Honor Society, has received the PBIS award and a trustee award. She has a perfect 4.00 GPA and wants to study accounting this fall at the University of Texas Austin, University of Notre Dame, or St. Edward's University.
Community Service
GOLD - Sean Macías
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Northside Health Careers High School
Heritage: Mexican
During the beginning of lockdown, Sean witnessed first-hand the drastic economic and health effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on the world. Specifically in Texas, this was only further amplified by the Winter Snowstorm that left many without basic resources. Upon seeing this, a group of friends and he decided they wanted to help make a difference. Thus, he created Project Helping Hearts (PHH), a community club that focuses on public health issues with an emphasis on food scarcity in the local community.
PHH has taught him many valuable lessons such as maintaining a website and social media accounts and finding service opportunities and partnering with organizations. More importantly, he has been able to see firsthand the effects of his actions. Taking three hours out of his day to help sort items at the Food Bank might not seem like a lot to some, but for a family in need of food for the week, it means the world.
“Intent is important for me. That is why it was incredibly important for me to ensure the work we were doing with PHH was impactful and wasn’t a resume packer,” says Sean. Therefore, he prides himself on what we have accomplished in PHH. He has volunteered over 650 hours in his local community and served a variety of social, ethnic, and economic groups. He plans on continuing my community service endeavors in college and beyond. He believes that it is through volunteerism that we make the world a better place.
Sean is a National Honor Society member, the recipient of the Yale Book Award, an AP Scholar, and a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar. He has a 4.0 GPA and plans to study finance and biochemistry this fall at either University of Texas at Austin, Trinity University, or Baylor University.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Northside Health Careers High School
Heritage: Mexican
During the beginning of lockdown, Sean witnessed first-hand the drastic economic and health effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on the world. Specifically in Texas, this was only further amplified by the Winter Snowstorm that left many without basic resources. Upon seeing this, a group of friends and he decided they wanted to help make a difference. Thus, he created Project Helping Hearts (PHH), a community club that focuses on public health issues with an emphasis on food scarcity in the local community.
PHH has taught him many valuable lessons such as maintaining a website and social media accounts and finding service opportunities and partnering with organizations. More importantly, he has been able to see firsthand the effects of his actions. Taking three hours out of his day to help sort items at the Food Bank might not seem like a lot to some, but for a family in need of food for the week, it means the world.
“Intent is important for me. That is why it was incredibly important for me to ensure the work we were doing with PHH was impactful and wasn’t a resume packer,” says Sean. Therefore, he prides himself on what we have accomplished in PHH. He has volunteered over 650 hours in his local community and served a variety of social, ethnic, and economic groups. He plans on continuing my community service endeavors in college and beyond. He believes that it is through volunteerism that we make the world a better place.
Sean is a National Honor Society member, the recipient of the Yale Book Award, an AP Scholar, and a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar. He has a 4.0 GPA and plans to study finance and biochemistry this fall at either University of Texas at Austin, Trinity University, or Baylor University.
Silver - Patricia Martínez
Hometown: Mesquite, TX
GPA: 3.97
High School: Dr. John D. Horn High School
Heritage: Mexican
“Community Service is a gift that has the power to brighten the day of someone with kindness. My interest in Community Service was influenced by my desire to help others and my belief that it is important to give,” says Patricia.
She has been able to nourish her desire to practice service in her community through her church, where she serves Catholic families through the Divine Mercy of Our Lord autumn festivals. Her interest in Community Service further grew when, as a member of the National Honor Society, she was able to help teachers move and organize their classrooms at the beginning of each school year. She learned through these acts of kindness that helping others, even with things brings joy and satisfaction. Moreover, she has also served her community as a member of the Spanish Honor Society by helping to educate non-Spanish speaking students about Latino culture through events like Culture Night. She has also helped the community feel included in my Mesquite ISD District by serving as a translator to Spanish-speaking families during the Sharing Life Christmas event, where economically disadvantaged parents went to find Christmas presents for their children. Serving others has continued to inspire her dream of becoming a Social Worker.
“I realized, through the service done with Hispanic families, that I wanted to help children and immigrant parents that struggle in America, due to their language barrier,” says Patricia. These experiences were very impactful in transforming her into the individual she is today.
Patricia is a Principal’s PSAT Scholar, has received the National Honor Roll Award, and the National History Day Breaking Barriers Award. She has a 3.97 GPA and wants to major in social work this fall at either Texas Woman's University, the University of Texas at Arlington, or the University of North Texas.
GPA: 3.97
High School: Dr. John D. Horn High School
Heritage: Mexican
“Community Service is a gift that has the power to brighten the day of someone with kindness. My interest in Community Service was influenced by my desire to help others and my belief that it is important to give,” says Patricia.
She has been able to nourish her desire to practice service in her community through her church, where she serves Catholic families through the Divine Mercy of Our Lord autumn festivals. Her interest in Community Service further grew when, as a member of the National Honor Society, she was able to help teachers move and organize their classrooms at the beginning of each school year. She learned through these acts of kindness that helping others, even with things brings joy and satisfaction. Moreover, she has also served her community as a member of the Spanish Honor Society by helping to educate non-Spanish speaking students about Latino culture through events like Culture Night. She has also helped the community feel included in my Mesquite ISD District by serving as a translator to Spanish-speaking families during the Sharing Life Christmas event, where economically disadvantaged parents went to find Christmas presents for their children. Serving others has continued to inspire her dream of becoming a Social Worker.
“I realized, through the service done with Hispanic families, that I wanted to help children and immigrant parents that struggle in America, due to their language barrier,” says Patricia. These experiences were very impactful in transforming her into the individual she is today.
Patricia is a Principal’s PSAT Scholar, has received the National Honor Roll Award, and the National History Day Breaking Barriers Award. She has a 3.97 GPA and wants to major in social work this fall at either Texas Woman's University, the University of Texas at Arlington, or the University of North Texas.
Bronze - Jorge Pereira Martínez
Hometown: Spring, TX
GPA: 3.93
High School: Spring Early College Academy
Heritage: Salvadoran
Jorge still remembers how he used to watch Caso Cerrado, a Spanish-language court show. Although the episodes were dramatized, he still felt the positive impact many endured in court. At five years old, this was the first step into his passion for law, and the older he got, the more aware he became of the systematic issues facing this world.
It was while watching the Daniel Villegas trial that further ignited his desire as
the defense team presented crucial evidence aiding in Villegas’ freedom. He realized the impact lawyers could make in people’s lives and the justice system. Additionally, hearing stories of community members being deported, wrongfully accused of crimes, and seeing injustices to George Floyd and Vanessa Guillén, have inspired him to play a role in changing the broken justice system. He wants to help reform police practices and eliminate disproportionate sentencing.
He has recently delved into the governmental system, discussed Latinx/BIPOC issues, and created media literacy and water conservation project solutions with the CHCI R2L NextGen program and Subiendo Academy. He has also studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, to understand Spanish culture while creating sexual abuse and social injustice awareness campaigns. These experiences commenced his journey in creating a cleaner, safer, and more equitable world. He is also passionate about community service, a spark that stems from seeking additional knowledge to help people of color and underserved communities. Many encounter disparate treatment as they go through the justice system and he wants to help alleviate the injustices that have affected him and other vulnerable community members.
Jorge is a QuestBridge National College Match finalist, a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, a LEDA Sem-finalist, and a JASON National Student Argonaut. He maintains a 3.93 GPA and plans to study political science at Columbia University this fall.
GPA: 3.93
High School: Spring Early College Academy
Heritage: Salvadoran
Jorge still remembers how he used to watch Caso Cerrado, a Spanish-language court show. Although the episodes were dramatized, he still felt the positive impact many endured in court. At five years old, this was the first step into his passion for law, and the older he got, the more aware he became of the systematic issues facing this world.
It was while watching the Daniel Villegas trial that further ignited his desire as
the defense team presented crucial evidence aiding in Villegas’ freedom. He realized the impact lawyers could make in people’s lives and the justice system. Additionally, hearing stories of community members being deported, wrongfully accused of crimes, and seeing injustices to George Floyd and Vanessa Guillén, have inspired him to play a role in changing the broken justice system. He wants to help reform police practices and eliminate disproportionate sentencing.
He has recently delved into the governmental system, discussed Latinx/BIPOC issues, and created media literacy and water conservation project solutions with the CHCI R2L NextGen program and Subiendo Academy. He has also studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, to understand Spanish culture while creating sexual abuse and social injustice awareness campaigns. These experiences commenced his journey in creating a cleaner, safer, and more equitable world. He is also passionate about community service, a spark that stems from seeking additional knowledge to help people of color and underserved communities. Many encounter disparate treatment as they go through the justice system and he wants to help alleviate the injustices that have affected him and other vulnerable community members.
Jorge is a QuestBridge National College Match finalist, a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, a LEDA Sem-finalist, and a JASON National Student Argonaut. He maintains a 3.93 GPA and plans to study political science at Columbia University this fall.
Education
GOLD - Marques Watson
Hometown: FRISCO, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Memorial High School
Heritage: Mexican & Spanish
Marques chose to apply for the education category of this scholarship due to his passion and abundance of experience in the education space. He was accepted into a very competitive career readiness program in his school district that provided him with a student teaching internship at the elementary level. Through this internship, his excitement to become a teacher grew exponentially. Additionally, he has been able to get an advance head start on refining certain skills often required in this profession. He began shy at first, unable to stand up in front of the whole class and teach without stuttering, so he started small and slowly built up his confidence. He led small reading groups where he could practice reading out loud and facilitating discussion. Eventually, he worked his way up to leading writing and grammar lessons for the whole class. This personal growth that he had during his teaching internship has better prepared him for a college experience oriented towards education.
His commitment to education became noticeable to others. Eventually, he was invited to apply for an officer position for this district-wide program. Ultimately, his leadership and passion earned him the position of treasurer over the entire program. His ability to break out of my shell to learn and grow from this internship emphasizes that he will continue to thrive as a professional educator.
Marques is an AP Scholar, Senior Class Vice President, and Treasurer of the Texas Association of Future Educators. He has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to study elementary education at either Vanderbilt University, Dartmouth College, or New York University.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Memorial High School
Heritage: Mexican & Spanish
Marques chose to apply for the education category of this scholarship due to his passion and abundance of experience in the education space. He was accepted into a very competitive career readiness program in his school district that provided him with a student teaching internship at the elementary level. Through this internship, his excitement to become a teacher grew exponentially. Additionally, he has been able to get an advance head start on refining certain skills often required in this profession. He began shy at first, unable to stand up in front of the whole class and teach without stuttering, so he started small and slowly built up his confidence. He led small reading groups where he could practice reading out loud and facilitating discussion. Eventually, he worked his way up to leading writing and grammar lessons for the whole class. This personal growth that he had during his teaching internship has better prepared him for a college experience oriented towards education.
His commitment to education became noticeable to others. Eventually, he was invited to apply for an officer position for this district-wide program. Ultimately, his leadership and passion earned him the position of treasurer over the entire program. His ability to break out of my shell to learn and grow from this internship emphasizes that he will continue to thrive as a professional educator.
Marques is an AP Scholar, Senior Class Vice President, and Treasurer of the Texas Association of Future Educators. He has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to study elementary education at either Vanderbilt University, Dartmouth College, or New York University.
Silver - Fernando Nava González
Hometown: Gonzales, TX
GPA: 3.67
High School: Gonzales High School
Heritage: Mexican
Although Fernando was born in the United States, he was not raised here. He lived in Guanajuato, Mexico for eight years until he arrived in Texas to start a new life. He arrived at school in the 3rd grade knowing no English. He remembers going home and seeing his mom cry in frustration because she couldn't help him with his homework and neither of them understood English. He recalls feeling angry at himself for not being “smart enough” to do his homework and that's when for the first time a spark ignited inside him. That spark has helped him achieve many goals that he has proposed to himself, and that same spark helped him discover creative ways to help him master English.
That spark made him proud of himself because he could now translate for his mom; that spark helped him go from being the new kid that did not know English to be graduating #4 in his class; that spark made him want to strive for more. That’s why he sees himself as an Educator and desires to help future generations find their sparks just like he once found his. Being an educator has always been a dream of his, but when he became part of the Spanish club his sophomore year, he felt that spark ignite again. It made him realize that his calling was to be a Spanish teacher so I could help students that started out like him have a successful future and break the boundaries of the stereotypes that are given to Latinos.
Fernando was nominated for the Minnie Piper Foundation Scholarship, was awarded the President role of the Spanish Honors Society Club and is a FCCLA STAR Regional Competition FCS Gold Medalist. He has a 3.67 GPA and plans to major in education at Texas Lutheran University, the University of Texas at Austin, or Texas State University.
GPA: 3.67
High School: Gonzales High School
Heritage: Mexican
Although Fernando was born in the United States, he was not raised here. He lived in Guanajuato, Mexico for eight years until he arrived in Texas to start a new life. He arrived at school in the 3rd grade knowing no English. He remembers going home and seeing his mom cry in frustration because she couldn't help him with his homework and neither of them understood English. He recalls feeling angry at himself for not being “smart enough” to do his homework and that's when for the first time a spark ignited inside him. That spark has helped him achieve many goals that he has proposed to himself, and that same spark helped him discover creative ways to help him master English.
That spark made him proud of himself because he could now translate for his mom; that spark helped him go from being the new kid that did not know English to be graduating #4 in his class; that spark made him want to strive for more. That’s why he sees himself as an Educator and desires to help future generations find their sparks just like he once found his. Being an educator has always been a dream of his, but when he became part of the Spanish club his sophomore year, he felt that spark ignite again. It made him realize that his calling was to be a Spanish teacher so I could help students that started out like him have a successful future and break the boundaries of the stereotypes that are given to Latinos.
Fernando was nominated for the Minnie Piper Foundation Scholarship, was awarded the President role of the Spanish Honors Society Club and is a FCCLA STAR Regional Competition FCS Gold Medalist. He has a 3.67 GPA and plans to major in education at Texas Lutheran University, the University of Texas at Austin, or Texas State University.
Bronze - Antonio Ajero
Hometown: Nacogdoches, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Nacogdoches High School
Heritage: Filipino
Antonio’s lifelong passion has been playing the piano. His passion for piano has led him to want to become a professional professor of piano instruction. While he enjoys performance, he also loves to teach younger artists and helping them develop their love for music so they can perform and inspire audiences to develop an appreciation for the arts.
In 2019, he had the opportunity to participate in NPR’s From the Top Outreach Program where he, along with the other From the Top musicians went to the Hispanic Cultural Center in San Marcos, TX to give the elementary school children, in which all of them were of Hispanic descent, some short lessons on piano. Although the children were beginners on piano, they were very enthusiastic about performing and learning from
us. He felt like he achieved his goal in the outreach program because he was able to make the kids feel happy about performing, as they had a successful final recital performance for their friends and family.
He was able to share more about his elementary school stories and how he developed as musicians, and the Hispanic Cultural Center students were very engaged with what each musician had to say. This experience inspired him to not only be a performer but to also teach because he knows how important it is to develop and nurture your talent from a young age.
Antonio is the recipient of an AP Capstone Diploma, an AP Scholar, and won the Atlantic Music Festival Piano Competition. He has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to major in piano performance at either The Manhattan School of Music, The Juilliard School, or The New England Conservatory.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Nacogdoches High School
Heritage: Filipino
Antonio’s lifelong passion has been playing the piano. His passion for piano has led him to want to become a professional professor of piano instruction. While he enjoys performance, he also loves to teach younger artists and helping them develop their love for music so they can perform and inspire audiences to develop an appreciation for the arts.
In 2019, he had the opportunity to participate in NPR’s From the Top Outreach Program where he, along with the other From the Top musicians went to the Hispanic Cultural Center in San Marcos, TX to give the elementary school children, in which all of them were of Hispanic descent, some short lessons on piano. Although the children were beginners on piano, they were very enthusiastic about performing and learning from
us. He felt like he achieved his goal in the outreach program because he was able to make the kids feel happy about performing, as they had a successful final recital performance for their friends and family.
He was able to share more about his elementary school stories and how he developed as musicians, and the Hispanic Cultural Center students were very engaged with what each musician had to say. This experience inspired him to not only be a performer but to also teach because he knows how important it is to develop and nurture your talent from a young age.
Antonio is the recipient of an AP Capstone Diploma, an AP Scholar, and won the Atlantic Music Festival Piano Competition. He has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to major in piano performance at either The Manhattan School of Music, The Juilliard School, or The New England Conservatory.
Engineering
GOLD - Evan Kamriguel
Hometown: Broken Arrow, OK
GPA: 4.00
High School: Broken Arrow High School
Heritage: Colombian
Evan has been interested in mathematics, engineering, and medicine since his freshman year of high school. He took an introduction to Engineering Design as a freshman, where he was able to learn robotics, and this piqued his interest in prosthetics.
He previously served as Vice President of the Technology Student Association and was able to present his work at regional and state competitions, receiving a First-Place Regional prize in 2020 and he has been advanced two years in mathematics since middle school. Even is currently one of two students at his high school doing an independent study around the topic of Advanced Studies in Math: Calculus III/Differential Equations. Using online coursework from MIT in this class, he is studying college-level math concepts. He has always taken Honors or Advanced Placement math and science courses in high school and is also currently enrolled in three math and science courses.
He is intrigued by Biomedical Engineering and Applied Mathematics because these studies would allow him to use mathematical concepts to have a tangible effect on people’s lives, helping design medical technologies or cutting-edge prosthetics. These devices allow individuals to experience life more fully, enable them to make fine motor motions others often take for granted, or regulate body functions better. In this setting, seemingly abstract mathematics principles can produce practical and powerful applications. Such a career would be interesting and fulfilling, and he hopes to work in an arena where he can help others.
Evan was named AP Biology Student of the Year and was a National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist. He has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to major in biomedical engineering and applied mathematics at either The University of Oklahoma-Norman, The University of Tulsa, or the Oklahoma State University.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Broken Arrow High School
Heritage: Colombian
Evan has been interested in mathematics, engineering, and medicine since his freshman year of high school. He took an introduction to Engineering Design as a freshman, where he was able to learn robotics, and this piqued his interest in prosthetics.
He previously served as Vice President of the Technology Student Association and was able to present his work at regional and state competitions, receiving a First-Place Regional prize in 2020 and he has been advanced two years in mathematics since middle school. Even is currently one of two students at his high school doing an independent study around the topic of Advanced Studies in Math: Calculus III/Differential Equations. Using online coursework from MIT in this class, he is studying college-level math concepts. He has always taken Honors or Advanced Placement math and science courses in high school and is also currently enrolled in three math and science courses.
He is intrigued by Biomedical Engineering and Applied Mathematics because these studies would allow him to use mathematical concepts to have a tangible effect on people’s lives, helping design medical technologies or cutting-edge prosthetics. These devices allow individuals to experience life more fully, enable them to make fine motor motions others often take for granted, or regulate body functions better. In this setting, seemingly abstract mathematics principles can produce practical and powerful applications. Such a career would be interesting and fulfilling, and he hopes to work in an arena where he can help others.
Evan was named AP Biology Student of the Year and was a National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist. He has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to major in biomedical engineering and applied mathematics at either The University of Oklahoma-Norman, The University of Tulsa, or the Oklahoma State University.
Silver - Rodrigo Garza García
Hometown: San Antonio , TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Ronald Reagan High School
Heritage: Mexican
Even from a young age, Rodrigo excelled in STEM subjects. Math and science were always his favorite in school and not because they were necessarily the easiest but because they were the most interesting. There was something about solving an equation for a variable, or figuring out the velocity of a moving projectile that just drew him in. At the same time, he found these subjects to be challenging, and this was his favorite part about it all.
He loved going into a class knowing would be challenged. He feels fortunate to have had access to explore the various STEM that his high school provides. He took multiple years of physics, calculus, chemistry, and biology, and these were always his favorite classes. In the summer of 2021, he was able to go deeper into STEM, particularly math, when I got accepted into Math ROOTS 2021, a math program at MIT where he was able to learn discrete and applied mathematics. After high school, he sees himself going into an engineering career, particularly electrical or mechanical engineering.
Rodrigo is an AP Scholar with Distinction, was awarded the NEISD’s Gold Student Volunteer Service Award, and scored in the 99th percentile in the SAT exam. He has a perfect 4.00 GPA and wants to major in computer science at either the University of Texas at Austin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or Carnegie Mellon University.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Ronald Reagan High School
Heritage: Mexican
Even from a young age, Rodrigo excelled in STEM subjects. Math and science were always his favorite in school and not because they were necessarily the easiest but because they were the most interesting. There was something about solving an equation for a variable, or figuring out the velocity of a moving projectile that just drew him in. At the same time, he found these subjects to be challenging, and this was his favorite part about it all.
He loved going into a class knowing would be challenged. He feels fortunate to have had access to explore the various STEM that his high school provides. He took multiple years of physics, calculus, chemistry, and biology, and these were always his favorite classes. In the summer of 2021, he was able to go deeper into STEM, particularly math, when I got accepted into Math ROOTS 2021, a math program at MIT where he was able to learn discrete and applied mathematics. After high school, he sees himself going into an engineering career, particularly electrical or mechanical engineering.
Rodrigo is an AP Scholar with Distinction, was awarded the NEISD’s Gold Student Volunteer Service Award, and scored in the 99th percentile in the SAT exam. He has a perfect 4.00 GPA and wants to major in computer science at either the University of Texas at Austin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or Carnegie Mellon University.
Bronze - Cristian Finley
Hometown: Lake Jackson, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Brazoswood High School
Heritage: Mexican
Cristian remembers watching the rockets ascend from the screen. The burn was steady, but it was lasting for far longer than expected. The projected burn time with the fuel they used, and their fuel port geometry was 20 seconds, but it wasn’t until about 30 seconds that the combustion ended.
“That wasn’t necessarily a deal breaker but generally, you want to combust your fuel in a shorter amount of time to ensure that the difference between theoretical and actual specific impulse isn’t too large. This was the 8000kn hybrid rocket made by the class before mine, made by friends who are turning out to be some of the most exceptional people I’ve ever met,” continues Cristian. He knew this is what he wanted his future to be.
As an Eagle Scout, he has also dedicated a lot of time to working at his local church and giving back to the community has become of high important to him. Part of that involves going out and doing service in the community. To that end, his group who was studying for the badge decided to go help at a local food depository called the "Dream Center". Volunteering at the dream center made him realize that helping others is one of the only true ways to witness human kindness and that changing the world doesn't require a predisposition to success or a large sum of money, but a willingness to sacrifice for the sole benefit of others. Only through sacrifice is kindness truly apparent.
Christian is a National Merit Semifinalist, a National Hispanic Merit Scholar, and has received the Merit Award for AP Physics. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and plans to major in chemical or aerospace engineering at either Texas A & M, the University of Texas, or Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Brazoswood High School
Heritage: Mexican
Cristian remembers watching the rockets ascend from the screen. The burn was steady, but it was lasting for far longer than expected. The projected burn time with the fuel they used, and their fuel port geometry was 20 seconds, but it wasn’t until about 30 seconds that the combustion ended.
“That wasn’t necessarily a deal breaker but generally, you want to combust your fuel in a shorter amount of time to ensure that the difference between theoretical and actual specific impulse isn’t too large. This was the 8000kn hybrid rocket made by the class before mine, made by friends who are turning out to be some of the most exceptional people I’ve ever met,” continues Cristian. He knew this is what he wanted his future to be.
As an Eagle Scout, he has also dedicated a lot of time to working at his local church and giving back to the community has become of high important to him. Part of that involves going out and doing service in the community. To that end, his group who was studying for the badge decided to go help at a local food depository called the "Dream Center". Volunteering at the dream center made him realize that helping others is one of the only true ways to witness human kindness and that changing the world doesn't require a predisposition to success or a large sum of money, but a willingness to sacrifice for the sole benefit of others. Only through sacrifice is kindness truly apparent.
Christian is a National Merit Semifinalist, a National Hispanic Merit Scholar, and has received the Merit Award for AP Physics. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and plans to major in chemical or aerospace engineering at either Texas A & M, the University of Texas, or Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Healthcare & Science
GOLD - Joshua López
Hometown: Garland, TX
GPA: 3.97
High School: International Leadership of Texas - Garland High School
Heritage: Mexican
Joshua’s interest and love of biochemistry stems from personal experience. His personal journey with weight has been something that has shaped who he is at his core. He has had the unfortunate experience of being bullied and teased because of his weight due to his insulin irregularities. He had a constant internal battle about what to eat or what not to eat. He tried to do crash diets that simply would not work. For so long he felt like his weight determined whether he would have friends but then he began to change the narrative in his mind. “Finally, it clicked. Food is fuel—I didn’t have to deprive myself to be healthy,” he thought to himself. Eventually, he was able to successfully lose weight in a healthy way.
He began to enjoy food again, not just eating it, but also learning about it and studying it more in depth. He was surprised to learn about carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in biology. Were these really the same things on nutrition labels he had learned to decipher long ago? He was astounded to learn that these molecules quite literally run cells: researching these biomolecules can help solve issues in agriculture, medicine, and ecology - research that can save lives. This information was fascinating to him and has played a large role in who he is today.
Joshua has been named the USA Biolympiad Semifinalist and ranked in the top 100 of almost 7,000 students and has competed in teams at the state level and place second and fourth in the Science Olympiad competitions. He has a 3.97 GPA and plans to major in biochemistry at either the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at Austin, or Florida International University.
GPA: 3.97
High School: International Leadership of Texas - Garland High School
Heritage: Mexican
Joshua’s interest and love of biochemistry stems from personal experience. His personal journey with weight has been something that has shaped who he is at his core. He has had the unfortunate experience of being bullied and teased because of his weight due to his insulin irregularities. He had a constant internal battle about what to eat or what not to eat. He tried to do crash diets that simply would not work. For so long he felt like his weight determined whether he would have friends but then he began to change the narrative in his mind. “Finally, it clicked. Food is fuel—I didn’t have to deprive myself to be healthy,” he thought to himself. Eventually, he was able to successfully lose weight in a healthy way.
He began to enjoy food again, not just eating it, but also learning about it and studying it more in depth. He was surprised to learn about carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in biology. Were these really the same things on nutrition labels he had learned to decipher long ago? He was astounded to learn that these molecules quite literally run cells: researching these biomolecules can help solve issues in agriculture, medicine, and ecology - research that can save lives. This information was fascinating to him and has played a large role in who he is today.
Joshua has been named the USA Biolympiad Semifinalist and ranked in the top 100 of almost 7,000 students and has competed in teams at the state level and place second and fourth in the Science Olympiad competitions. He has a 3.97 GPA and plans to major in biochemistry at either the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at Austin, or Florida International University.
Silver - Ashley Mascorro
Hometown: El Paso, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Bel Air High School
Heritage: Mexican
Ashley is passionate about serving others through healthcare. She plans on serving her community by becoming a neurologist, which are in dire need in her hometown of El Paso, Texas. She keeps this goal in mind every day, motivated to become the role model she wishes she would have had when she was younger. “Women in STEM are underrepresented and often have their capabilities dismissed,” she says. Society often places women in gender specific roles, but her goal is to defy those roles and become a top neurologist in the state of Texas. And she has already taken steps in the right direction to accomplish that goal.
She is a National Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist and is currently studying towards her Pharmacy Technician Certification. She has also taken courses in Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology, classes that serve as a steppingstone towards becoming a medical professional. She has spent the last few summers volunteering at a local hospital where she has been exposed to hearing different codes, seen joy and heartbreak, and has gotten to learn from physicians. As she has been able to gain knowledge and experience over the past few years, her desire to enter the medical field has deepened. She has gotten to see the specialist disparity firsthand through her volunteerism, further strengthening her leadership as a future doctor.
Ashley is a National Honor Society member, a Carnegie Mellon SAMS Student, and a Bank of America Student Leader. She has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to major in public health and Spanish at either Johns Hopkins University, the University of Texas at Austin, or Tulane University.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Bel Air High School
Heritage: Mexican
Ashley is passionate about serving others through healthcare. She plans on serving her community by becoming a neurologist, which are in dire need in her hometown of El Paso, Texas. She keeps this goal in mind every day, motivated to become the role model she wishes she would have had when she was younger. “Women in STEM are underrepresented and often have their capabilities dismissed,” she says. Society often places women in gender specific roles, but her goal is to defy those roles and become a top neurologist in the state of Texas. And she has already taken steps in the right direction to accomplish that goal.
She is a National Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist and is currently studying towards her Pharmacy Technician Certification. She has also taken courses in Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology, classes that serve as a steppingstone towards becoming a medical professional. She has spent the last few summers volunteering at a local hospital where she has been exposed to hearing different codes, seen joy and heartbreak, and has gotten to learn from physicians. As she has been able to gain knowledge and experience over the past few years, her desire to enter the medical field has deepened. She has gotten to see the specialist disparity firsthand through her volunteerism, further strengthening her leadership as a future doctor.
Ashley is a National Honor Society member, a Carnegie Mellon SAMS Student, and a Bank of America Student Leader. She has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to major in public health and Spanish at either Johns Hopkins University, the University of Texas at Austin, or Tulane University.
Bronze - Danyella Mora-Espinoza
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
GPA: 3.92
High School: St. Anthony Catholic High Shool
Heritage: Mexican & Spanish
Danyella remembers the challenges, especially those that require critical thinking and unforgettable tear-jerking rewards in the end. She was never set on about anything all her life and thought maybe she would never find that something that would spark something in myself, but that was until she was introduced into the medical field. She knew she was destined for it the day she walked into her mom’s work at an OBGYN office the first time and something lit up in me. Upon learning this information, she was inspired and acted upon the flame in me. Since then, she has attended STEM camps and even won an award for the best presentation on bacteria with my colleagues.
At her high school, she created a Pre-Med Club, and she currently serves as President with over 80 students for those interested and willing to take on this rewarding career. Some projects that she has been able to initiate through this club include a fundraiser for World Heart Day, donated the money received to the heart association, and is now in the talks of a Christmas project with the incarnate word sister hospitals.
Along with the nurse at her school, she has helped set up a student trainer position for those interested in sports medicine. Currently, she is taking anatomy and physiology and lab classes for the dual credit program at UIW in San Antonio. She has also enrolled in Biology AP, which is a must for those planning to study biology in college.
Danyella is an honor roll student and recently won best presentation at a STEM camp. She has a 3.92 GPA and plans to study biology and nursing at either the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University, or Baylor University.
GPA: 3.92
High School: St. Anthony Catholic High Shool
Heritage: Mexican & Spanish
Danyella remembers the challenges, especially those that require critical thinking and unforgettable tear-jerking rewards in the end. She was never set on about anything all her life and thought maybe she would never find that something that would spark something in myself, but that was until she was introduced into the medical field. She knew she was destined for it the day she walked into her mom’s work at an OBGYN office the first time and something lit up in me. Upon learning this information, she was inspired and acted upon the flame in me. Since then, she has attended STEM camps and even won an award for the best presentation on bacteria with my colleagues.
At her high school, she created a Pre-Med Club, and she currently serves as President with over 80 students for those interested and willing to take on this rewarding career. Some projects that she has been able to initiate through this club include a fundraiser for World Heart Day, donated the money received to the heart association, and is now in the talks of a Christmas project with the incarnate word sister hospitals.
Along with the nurse at her school, she has helped set up a student trainer position for those interested in sports medicine. Currently, she is taking anatomy and physiology and lab classes for the dual credit program at UIW in San Antonio. She has also enrolled in Biology AP, which is a must for those planning to study biology in college.
Danyella is an honor roll student and recently won best presentation at a STEM camp. She has a 3.92 GPA and plans to study biology and nursing at either the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University, or Baylor University.
Media & Entertainment
GOLD - Landon Alarcón
Hometown: Georgetown, TX
GPA: 3.70
High School: Georgetown High School
Heritage: Mexican
Landon’s goal is to pursue his passion for sports by majoring in journalism with a focus on sports broadcasting upon graduation. He is an all-around sportsman at his high school and has qualified for national level meets and has competed against the best in the country. In fact, this fall he will be competing at the University of Utah
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he decided to sharpen his broadcasting and interviewing skills through his podcast @UpNext1 on his following on Instagram. This experience flamed the passion he has for sports, interviewing and meeting athletes of all kinds. After seeing some of his work, a local high school sports broadcasting organization “FLX ATX” reached out and asked him to join their team as an “i-Reporter.” He has also applied and was given an opportunity to pitch, collaborate, and publish articles in “Swimming World Magazine.” As one of two interns selected, he was honored to be the first to break a story on a shocking coaching change at the NCAA level.
He has also been nominated to be an athlete and at-large representative for the South Texas Swimming Board of Directors. His task on the board is to add the athlete’s perspective of decision-making and promote high-level performance. He is honored to have all the above opportunities, especially as a young Hispanic male in an underrepresented sport. He looks forward to beginning his college years and continuing to fine-tune his swimming and journalism skills.
Landon is a member of the National Honor Society, a Rouse High School Scholar, and a College Board National Rural & Small Town Scholar. He maintains a 3.70 GPA and plans to enroll at the University of Utah this fall to study journalism with a concentration in sports broadcasting.
GPA: 3.70
High School: Georgetown High School
Heritage: Mexican
Landon’s goal is to pursue his passion for sports by majoring in journalism with a focus on sports broadcasting upon graduation. He is an all-around sportsman at his high school and has qualified for national level meets and has competed against the best in the country. In fact, this fall he will be competing at the University of Utah
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he decided to sharpen his broadcasting and interviewing skills through his podcast @UpNext1 on his following on Instagram. This experience flamed the passion he has for sports, interviewing and meeting athletes of all kinds. After seeing some of his work, a local high school sports broadcasting organization “FLX ATX” reached out and asked him to join their team as an “i-Reporter.” He has also applied and was given an opportunity to pitch, collaborate, and publish articles in “Swimming World Magazine.” As one of two interns selected, he was honored to be the first to break a story on a shocking coaching change at the NCAA level.
He has also been nominated to be an athlete and at-large representative for the South Texas Swimming Board of Directors. His task on the board is to add the athlete’s perspective of decision-making and promote high-level performance. He is honored to have all the above opportunities, especially as a young Hispanic male in an underrepresented sport. He looks forward to beginning his college years and continuing to fine-tune his swimming and journalism skills.
Landon is a member of the National Honor Society, a Rouse High School Scholar, and a College Board National Rural & Small Town Scholar. He maintains a 3.70 GPA and plans to enroll at the University of Utah this fall to study journalism with a concentration in sports broadcasting.
Silver - Danelo González III
Hometown: Roma, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Roma High School
Heritage: Mexican
During his high school years, Danelo has been able to participate in programs and clubs that pertain to media as well as entertainment. Primarily, he has been a part of his high school's drama club for all my 4 years of high school. He has put on many productions and won several accolades. All of this has led to him creating a name for myself amongst other schools' drama organizations as an amazing actor.
He has also been a part of his school district's student news network, the Gladiator Television Network for all four years of high school. This experience has taught him how to edit and create videos and create news broadcasts pertaining to news surrounding his school district. He even became the news anchor for the main news program as his teachers and the organizers of the Gladiator Television Network noticed his unique style of speaking and presentation of news.
Danelo does not stop there as he is also passionate about helping his community and giving back. Living in a small border town has familiarized him the realities that many immigrant families face such as lack the need for food, shelter, and other aid. He regularly volunteers at food banks, festivals, and most recently the city's annual Miss Roma contest, where he was the Master of Ceremonies.
Danelo maintains a 4.00 GPA and plans to study history and journalism at either The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, or Texas State University.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Roma High School
Heritage: Mexican
During his high school years, Danelo has been able to participate in programs and clubs that pertain to media as well as entertainment. Primarily, he has been a part of his high school's drama club for all my 4 years of high school. He has put on many productions and won several accolades. All of this has led to him creating a name for myself amongst other schools' drama organizations as an amazing actor.
He has also been a part of his school district's student news network, the Gladiator Television Network for all four years of high school. This experience has taught him how to edit and create videos and create news broadcasts pertaining to news surrounding his school district. He even became the news anchor for the main news program as his teachers and the organizers of the Gladiator Television Network noticed his unique style of speaking and presentation of news.
Danelo does not stop there as he is also passionate about helping his community and giving back. Living in a small border town has familiarized him the realities that many immigrant families face such as lack the need for food, shelter, and other aid. He regularly volunteers at food banks, festivals, and most recently the city's annual Miss Roma contest, where he was the Master of Ceremonies.
Danelo maintains a 4.00 GPA and plans to study history and journalism at either The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, or Texas State University.
Bronze - Kylie Hernández
Hometown: Leander, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Rouse High School
Heritage: Spanish
Kylie remembers always having a deep passion for the performing arts and consistently seeking out different performances and art events to attend both within and outside of school. Since her freshman year, she has been a member of her school’s choir and show choir programs as well as the theatre program. She was cast as the lead for several roles in multiple school productions including Eva (Bring it On! The Musical) during my freshman year and Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) this year as a senior.
During her junior year she was nominated for best solo musical performance for the Heller Awards for Young Artists. She is also a member of my school’s International Thespian Society troupe, an honor society for those who have dedicated over 100 hours of engagement to the performing arts. She is currently in her second year of music theory where she plays guitar and keyboard and is an avid songwriter as well. She has written, self-produced, and released multiple songs on various streaming platforms available for the world to listen to.
To gain performance experience, she has auditioned for the television talent shows such as The Voice and American Idol and was invited to perform at a private audition for the producers of The Voice in Los Angeles and American Idol virtually during 2020. She has also performed the National Anthem at a variety of venues including but not limited to, varsity football games, track meets, and more.
Kylie has a perfect 4.00 GPA and wants to major in songwriting and music business at Belmont University, Middle Tennessee State University, or the University of Mary Hardin Baylor.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Rouse High School
Heritage: Spanish
Kylie remembers always having a deep passion for the performing arts and consistently seeking out different performances and art events to attend both within and outside of school. Since her freshman year, she has been a member of her school’s choir and show choir programs as well as the theatre program. She was cast as the lead for several roles in multiple school productions including Eva (Bring it On! The Musical) during my freshman year and Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) this year as a senior.
During her junior year she was nominated for best solo musical performance for the Heller Awards for Young Artists. She is also a member of my school’s International Thespian Society troupe, an honor society for those who have dedicated over 100 hours of engagement to the performing arts. She is currently in her second year of music theory where she plays guitar and keyboard and is an avid songwriter as well. She has written, self-produced, and released multiple songs on various streaming platforms available for the world to listen to.
To gain performance experience, she has auditioned for the television talent shows such as The Voice and American Idol and was invited to perform at a private audition for the producers of The Voice in Los Angeles and American Idol virtually during 2020. She has also performed the National Anthem at a variety of venues including but not limited to, varsity football games, track meets, and more.
Kylie has a perfect 4.00 GPA and wants to major in songwriting and music business at Belmont University, Middle Tennessee State University, or the University of Mary Hardin Baylor.
Public Service & Social Justice
GOLD - Nicholas Campos
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
GPA: 3.95
High School: Saint Mary's Hall High School
Heritage: Mexican
Nicholas is passionate about making the world a better, more just place for all. The same ideas that drive him into public service and the fight against social injustice are the same ideas that inspire him to do community service. He’s passionate about learning more regarding labor unions, fair laws, and other historical events not typically taught in school.
His junior year on the debate team began without the graduating seniors, without his old coach, and with very few current seniors. Then before the first quarter was completed, the new debate coach left. Thus, he currently serves a dual role on his debate team, both that of a competitor spending eighteen weekends of his school year at tournaments, but also that of a coach helping younger debaters understand the basic rules of not only public forum debate, his main event, but also of extemporaneous speaking and Congress. Figuring out how to teach the younger debaters the basics and then the intricacies of PF and other events required substantial learning on the spot. Creating PowerPoints on basic argumentation and describing claims, warrants, and impacts were the first step in the learning process.
Additionally, his role as one of the few upperclassmen led to a natural position of leadership, where he could give advice about balancing homework with tournaments and maintaining general wellness. There was no guide for inspiring a love for an event that he had developed a passion for, but throughout the year tried to give the new debaters a sense of community.
Nicholas has a 3.95 GPA and plans to major in international relations at the University of Chicago, Georgetown University, or Princeton University.
GPA: 3.95
High School: Saint Mary's Hall High School
Heritage: Mexican
Nicholas is passionate about making the world a better, more just place for all. The same ideas that drive him into public service and the fight against social injustice are the same ideas that inspire him to do community service. He’s passionate about learning more regarding labor unions, fair laws, and other historical events not typically taught in school.
His junior year on the debate team began without the graduating seniors, without his old coach, and with very few current seniors. Then before the first quarter was completed, the new debate coach left. Thus, he currently serves a dual role on his debate team, both that of a competitor spending eighteen weekends of his school year at tournaments, but also that of a coach helping younger debaters understand the basic rules of not only public forum debate, his main event, but also of extemporaneous speaking and Congress. Figuring out how to teach the younger debaters the basics and then the intricacies of PF and other events required substantial learning on the spot. Creating PowerPoints on basic argumentation and describing claims, warrants, and impacts were the first step in the learning process.
Additionally, his role as one of the few upperclassmen led to a natural position of leadership, where he could give advice about balancing homework with tournaments and maintaining general wellness. There was no guide for inspiring a love for an event that he had developed a passion for, but throughout the year tried to give the new debaters a sense of community.
Nicholas has a 3.95 GPA and plans to major in international relations at the University of Chicago, Georgetown University, or Princeton University.
Silver - Savanna MerrimaN
Hometown: El Paso, TX
GPA: 3.90
High School: Silva Health Magnet High School
Heritage: Mexican
Savanna’s experiences at her school, Silva Health Magnet High School for Healthcare Professions, has had an immense impact on her passion for studying medicine. Being in this program these past years was very challenging and eye opening. Throughout her high school career, she participated in health science courses such as Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Health Science Theory. She has been able to further explore her interests in medicine and has developed important skills such as taking vials, bedside manner, and basic life support. She learned that she greatly enjoys making an impact on people’s lives.
One class that stood out to her was AP Psychology and Sociology. Learning how the brain works and the way that humans relate to each other was fascinating. This class started her interest in mental health and psychology. She learned that a large factor of health is not just physical, but mental. She wants to be an advocate for mental health to help others who are in need.
During her junior year, she was involved in a Health Science Practicum where she had the opportunity to learn about the field of medicine firsthand from nurses and doctors through community presentations. This year she is in the Pharmacy Technician Program where she will be training in a pharmacy and take the PTCE and IV Certification Exams. These exiting experiences have greatly grown my passion to help others. Attending this health magnet school has greatly sparked her interest in
healthcare.
Savanna is an AP Scholar and has won numerous science fairs awards. She has a 3.90 GPA and wants to major in psychology this fall at either Baylor University, UTEP, or UTSA.
GPA: 3.90
High School: Silva Health Magnet High School
Heritage: Mexican
Savanna’s experiences at her school, Silva Health Magnet High School for Healthcare Professions, has had an immense impact on her passion for studying medicine. Being in this program these past years was very challenging and eye opening. Throughout her high school career, she participated in health science courses such as Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Health Science Theory. She has been able to further explore her interests in medicine and has developed important skills such as taking vials, bedside manner, and basic life support. She learned that she greatly enjoys making an impact on people’s lives.
One class that stood out to her was AP Psychology and Sociology. Learning how the brain works and the way that humans relate to each other was fascinating. This class started her interest in mental health and psychology. She learned that a large factor of health is not just physical, but mental. She wants to be an advocate for mental health to help others who are in need.
During her junior year, she was involved in a Health Science Practicum where she had the opportunity to learn about the field of medicine firsthand from nurses and doctors through community presentations. This year she is in the Pharmacy Technician Program where she will be training in a pharmacy and take the PTCE and IV Certification Exams. These exiting experiences have greatly grown my passion to help others. Attending this health magnet school has greatly sparked her interest in
healthcare.
Savanna is an AP Scholar and has won numerous science fairs awards. She has a 3.90 GPA and wants to major in psychology this fall at either Baylor University, UTEP, or UTSA.
Bronze - Caleb Díaz
Hometown: Tomball, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Tomball Memorial High School
Heritage: Mexican
By the age of eight Caleb’s bookshelves became heavy with titles like “Astronomy”, “Who Was... Albert Einstein?” and many more detailing the mysteries of our solar system. He began to constantly pester his siblings with facts about the universe, which he had fallen in love with. As he grew older, so did his love for space and his desire to further his knowledge of its intricacies. This feeling has stayed constant with him, and he would like to advance this curiosity into a career.
Aerospace engineering is the field that best fits his interest the most because of his fascination with the depths of space and discover innovations. What interests him about aerospace engineering is that it combines different aspects of engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Using his knowledge that he has already gained through physics, computer science, and calculus, he will be able to combine these areas and utilize them in real world systems.
These classes have introduced him to different concepts and rules that are utilized within our system of space. This knowledge will enable him to fully utilize his creativity and experience to work on the creations in aerospace. Expanding the boundaries mankind has set has always been a dream of his. Therefore, creating different structures that can give society more knowledge on other planets or systems, is what he strives for to help the world. Aerospace engineering will allow him to flourish and achieve his goals.
Caleb has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to major in aerospace engineering at either the University of Texas at Austin Texas, A&M University College Station, or Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Tomball Memorial High School
Heritage: Mexican
By the age of eight Caleb’s bookshelves became heavy with titles like “Astronomy”, “Who Was... Albert Einstein?” and many more detailing the mysteries of our solar system. He began to constantly pester his siblings with facts about the universe, which he had fallen in love with. As he grew older, so did his love for space and his desire to further his knowledge of its intricacies. This feeling has stayed constant with him, and he would like to advance this curiosity into a career.
Aerospace engineering is the field that best fits his interest the most because of his fascination with the depths of space and discover innovations. What interests him about aerospace engineering is that it combines different aspects of engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Using his knowledge that he has already gained through physics, computer science, and calculus, he will be able to combine these areas and utilize them in real world systems.
These classes have introduced him to different concepts and rules that are utilized within our system of space. This knowledge will enable him to fully utilize his creativity and experience to work on the creations in aerospace. Expanding the boundaries mankind has set has always been a dream of his. Therefore, creating different structures that can give society more knowledge on other planets or systems, is what he strives for to help the world. Aerospace engineering will allow him to flourish and achieve his goals.
Caleb has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to major in aerospace engineering at either the University of Texas at Austin Texas, A&M University College Station, or Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Sports & Fitness
GOLD - Leonardo Cuellar
Hometown: Laredo, TX
GPA: 3.70
High School: United High School
Heritage: Mexican
GPA: 3.70
High School: United High School
Heritage: Mexican
Silver - Victoria Torres
Hometown: Dallas, TX
GPA: 3.91
High School: International Leadership of Texas High School - Garland
Heritage: Mexican
GPA: 3.91
High School: International Leadership of Texas High School - Garland
Heritage: Mexican
Bronze - Saviana Augustine
Hometown: Houston, TX
GPA: 3.70
High School: Saint John's School
Heritage: Salvadoran
GPA: 3.70
High School: Saint John's School
Heritage: Salvadoran
Sustainability (Green)
GOLD - Alysia Palomo
Hometown: San Marcos , TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: San Marcos High School
Heritage: Mexican
Alysia has big dreams for her future as an environmental leader. Currently, she meticulously organizes each step for her newest project, an environmentally friendly (but still fashionable) shoe, made from 100% recycled materials. Earlier that week, she stumbled across a video of a man creating his own clothes by ironing plastic bags. After being given complete freedom for her engineering design project, she was ready to get to work. The words from the video stuck in her mind: High-density polyethylene.
She was inspired to pursue engineering after attending UT’s Women in Engineering Program Summer Camp, where she was able to hear the success stories of women within the field and learn about the diverse career paths. Engineering always felt intimidating but connecting with current students and asking questions one on one helped her understand engineering as something that was accessible.
In addition to her summer camp experience, her parents encouraged her to always take advantage of opportunities they did not have growing up and encouraged her to pursue the STEM classes offered in school. She has also always loved art and has a passion for math, science, and art classes. The combination of these classes is what continues to inspire her to pursue a degree in the creative and challenging field of engineering.
Alysia is an AP Scholar with Honors, an Outstanding Student in AP History, and won the Leadership Award for Service at her school. She has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to major in environmental engineering at either University of Texas, Rice University, or Columbia University.
GPA: 4.00
High School: San Marcos High School
Heritage: Mexican
Alysia has big dreams for her future as an environmental leader. Currently, she meticulously organizes each step for her newest project, an environmentally friendly (but still fashionable) shoe, made from 100% recycled materials. Earlier that week, she stumbled across a video of a man creating his own clothes by ironing plastic bags. After being given complete freedom for her engineering design project, she was ready to get to work. The words from the video stuck in her mind: High-density polyethylene.
She was inspired to pursue engineering after attending UT’s Women in Engineering Program Summer Camp, where she was able to hear the success stories of women within the field and learn about the diverse career paths. Engineering always felt intimidating but connecting with current students and asking questions one on one helped her understand engineering as something that was accessible.
In addition to her summer camp experience, her parents encouraged her to always take advantage of opportunities they did not have growing up and encouraged her to pursue the STEM classes offered in school. She has also always loved art and has a passion for math, science, and art classes. The combination of these classes is what continues to inspire her to pursue a degree in the creative and challenging field of engineering.
Alysia is an AP Scholar with Honors, an Outstanding Student in AP History, and won the Leadership Award for Service at her school. She has a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to major in environmental engineering at either University of Texas, Rice University, or Columbia University.
Silver - Cristina Castilla
Hometown: Selma, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: Judson Early College Academy
Heritage: Mexican
Cristina has enjoyed the outdoors ever since she was young. She fondly recalls her enthusiasm for visiting National Parks, and hiking, and learning about different species of animals. These experiences have inspired her devotion to wildlife and conservation.
As a volunteer at the San Antonio Zoo, she interacts directly with guests to introduce topics of wildlife and conservation. She has worked in the Butterfly House teaching families about pollinators and on the giraffe, deck feeding the giraffes and preaching about endangered species. Her strong connection to nature motivates her to do her part in combating the global climate crisis. She knows the contribution she makes will be through science, and she has explored this path by participating in MIT’s Online Science, Technology and Engineering Community (MOSTEC). Through this program, she has explored various subjects relating to sustainability via webinars hosted by members of the scientific community.
She has also led presentations to various audiences about teaching families how to practice energy conservation in their homes. In college, she hopes to pursue biochemistry and environmental studies and apply this knowledge through research to enact positive change. Not only is sustainability important for protecting fragile ecosystems, but it also affects global health. It’s known that any global crisis will disproportionately affect those living in low-income communities with less access to resources. This is something near and dear to her heart as most of her family lives in Mexico and she feels a personal responsibility to ensure these communities are not further harmed by our inaction to the alarming issue of global warming.
Cristina maintains a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to study biochemistry with a minor in environmental studies at either the University of Washington, University of Texas at Austin, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
GPA: 4.00
High School: Judson Early College Academy
Heritage: Mexican
Cristina has enjoyed the outdoors ever since she was young. She fondly recalls her enthusiasm for visiting National Parks, and hiking, and learning about different species of animals. These experiences have inspired her devotion to wildlife and conservation.
As a volunteer at the San Antonio Zoo, she interacts directly with guests to introduce topics of wildlife and conservation. She has worked in the Butterfly House teaching families about pollinators and on the giraffe, deck feeding the giraffes and preaching about endangered species. Her strong connection to nature motivates her to do her part in combating the global climate crisis. She knows the contribution she makes will be through science, and she has explored this path by participating in MIT’s Online Science, Technology and Engineering Community (MOSTEC). Through this program, she has explored various subjects relating to sustainability via webinars hosted by members of the scientific community.
She has also led presentations to various audiences about teaching families how to practice energy conservation in their homes. In college, she hopes to pursue biochemistry and environmental studies and apply this knowledge through research to enact positive change. Not only is sustainability important for protecting fragile ecosystems, but it also affects global health. It’s known that any global crisis will disproportionately affect those living in low-income communities with less access to resources. This is something near and dear to her heart as most of her family lives in Mexico and she feels a personal responsibility to ensure these communities are not further harmed by our inaction to the alarming issue of global warming.
Cristina maintains a perfect 4.00 GPA and plans to study biochemistry with a minor in environmental studies at either the University of Washington, University of Texas at Austin, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Bronze - Olivia Cantu
Hometown: Dallas, TX
GPA: 3.76
High School: Woodrow Wilson High School
Heritage: Mexican
Green sustainability was an obvious category choice for Olivia. Her passion for conservation of the earth and the preservation of our natural environment began while she was still in elementary school before she even started Kindergarten. Her mother is the lead teacher of the Garden and Outdoor Learning Lab. From a young age, she has been surrounded by sustainable practices such as planting crops for food, harvesting, composting, recycling, and reusing. This year, her summer ended with a trip to the magnificent Pacific Northwest to donate my time working for a unique organization, GIVE Volunteers.
GIVE’S mission is to inspire growth, empower global citizens, and ignite sustainable change world-wide. On her trip, she worked on reforestation of old growth forests and reconstruction of trails. Volunteers also had impactful experiences such as: swimming in alpine lakes, climbing Cascade peaks, floating on the Snoqualmie River, and whale watching. Thanks to the host community members, counselors that lead the volunteers and the natural, delicate landscape of the Pacific Northwest, her inner environmentalist and conservationist had been solidified.
Although sustainable practices were introduced to her at a young age, this trip reignited these best practices and urged her to pursue this meaningful career path in the future. Recently in her AP Environmental class, she learned the true meaning of sustainability and biodiversity. She wants to study abroad in natural environments that are unfamiliar. She is confident in her passion to learn everything possible about sustainability and preservation of our environment.
Olivia is Student Government Secretary and has a full AP course load. She has a 3.67 GPA and plans to major in environmental science and sustainability at San Diego State University, Cal Poly SLO, or the University of Oklahoma.
GPA: 3.76
High School: Woodrow Wilson High School
Heritage: Mexican
Green sustainability was an obvious category choice for Olivia. Her passion for conservation of the earth and the preservation of our natural environment began while she was still in elementary school before she even started Kindergarten. Her mother is the lead teacher of the Garden and Outdoor Learning Lab. From a young age, she has been surrounded by sustainable practices such as planting crops for food, harvesting, composting, recycling, and reusing. This year, her summer ended with a trip to the magnificent Pacific Northwest to donate my time working for a unique organization, GIVE Volunteers.
GIVE’S mission is to inspire growth, empower global citizens, and ignite sustainable change world-wide. On her trip, she worked on reforestation of old growth forests and reconstruction of trails. Volunteers also had impactful experiences such as: swimming in alpine lakes, climbing Cascade peaks, floating on the Snoqualmie River, and whale watching. Thanks to the host community members, counselors that lead the volunteers and the natural, delicate landscape of the Pacific Northwest, her inner environmentalist and conservationist had been solidified.
Although sustainable practices were introduced to her at a young age, this trip reignited these best practices and urged her to pursue this meaningful career path in the future. Recently in her AP Environmental class, she learned the true meaning of sustainability and biodiversity. She wants to study abroad in natural environments that are unfamiliar. She is confident in her passion to learn everything possible about sustainability and preservation of our environment.
Olivia is Student Government Secretary and has a full AP course load. She has a 3.67 GPA and plans to major in environmental science and sustainability at San Diego State University, Cal Poly SLO, or the University of Oklahoma.
Technology
GOLD - César Picazo
Hometown: Eagle Pass, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: CC Winn High School
Heritage: Mexican
GPA: 4.00
High School: CC Winn High School
Heritage: Mexican
Silver - Jaquelín Quintero Ortíz
Hometown: Bryan, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: James Earl Rudder High School
Heritage: Mexican
GPA: 4.00
High School: James Earl Rudder High School
Heritage: Mexican
Bronze - Jeremy Laue
Hometown: San Marcos, TX
GPA: 4.00
High School: San Marcos High School
Heritage: Mexican
GPA: 4.00
High School: San Marcos High School
Heritage: Mexican
