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Pan American Round Table of Houston

Scholarship Recipients Awarded in 2013

Scholarships 2013

PART’s scholarship selection process is well defined and focused on the applicants’ academic

record, extra-curricular activities, potential to succeed, and environments as supported in the

letter of reference. Each year, the Scholarship Committee, comprised of the current and two past

Table Directors, the Treasurer, Scholarship Chair and three other members, selects recipients.

The number and amount of annual scholarships awarded is determined each term, based on the

scholarship dollars raised.

2013 PAN AMERICAN SCHOLARS

The Marlyn Greiner Scholarship is awarded to Casey Alvarado

Casey Alvarado is a senior graduating from Carnegie Vanguard High School with a 4.35 GPA.

She is the National Honor Society President and is involved in the arts at her school. She is also

active in the National Thespian Society. Last year, her thespian skills were recognized when she

was named Stage Management National Qualifier.

While Casey is extremely focused on her studies and juggles many duties in the arts, she found

time to intern at Cooper Industries in the Information Technology department. Through her

internship experience she “learned that technology and a great college education are the essential

tools for a successful future.”

She quoted Bernard Shaw in her essay saying: “Life isn’t about finding yourself, life is about

creating yourself.” PART Houston agrees. We can’t wait to learn which lucky university will

have her as their student.

PART Houston Believes in Casey Alvarado!

The PART Membership Scholarship is awarded to Selena Alvarado

Selena ranks first of 451 students at Milby High School with a 4.48 GPA. She is President of the

National Honor Society, Treasurer of the Math, Science, and Spanish Honor Society, Secretary

of the History Honor Society and member of the National English Honor Society. She is an

official member of the Name that Book Team/Club. She plans to study Civil Engineering at the

University of Texas at Austin.

Selena was ranked second in her class until this semester, and she credits hard work and the

support of her family, friends, and church in helping her achieve her goal of being Valedictorian.

She wrote in her essay, “I believe that if I could accomplish something like that, I can achieve

my goal of attaining a college degree.” She also wrote that she wants to make her family proud,

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and for the “organizations that awarded me with scholarships to know they did not choose the

wrong contender.”

Selena has been accepted to the University of Texas at Austin into the Civil Engineering plan for

fall 2013.

PART Houston believes in Selena Alvarado!

The PART Scholarship is awarded to Nohemi Chavez

Nohemi will graduate this June with a 4.1 point GPA from Milby High School. She was first

place winner in the IPAA/PESA Petroleum Academies 2013 Scholarship, National Art Honor

Society President, History Honor Society Vice President and member of the National Honor

Society, Science Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, History Honor Society, and Student

Council. She was an extern at Apache Corporation shadowing industry professionals. School

counselors praised Nohemi’s dedication and determination to succeed, as well as her cheerful

volunteering and leadership in school organizations. She plans to attend Texas A&M University

and major in Geology.

Nohemi overcame a devastating loss in 2011 when her mother passed away. She wrote in her

essay, “My mother was the glue that kept our family together and having lost her, we all fell

apart.” She wrote that she, her father, and sister have worked together to overcome the tragedy.

Nohemi plans to earn Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Geology with a dream to build safer

communities. Nohemi believes looking at past events of earth’s history might show future

events, and lead to maps of places least likely to be affected by a natural disaster. She also plans

to volunteer to help those affected by natural disasters.

PART Houston believes in Nohemi Chavez!

The PART Membership scholarship is awarded to Diana Estrada

Diana will graduate from Stephen F. Austin High School with a 3.92 GPA. She is a member of

the National Honor Society, Science Club, Student Council, and the Best Buddies Program, and

is a cross-country runner and right defender on two Soccer teams. She is a member of the UH

Academic Achievers Program. Diana plans to study Biology at the University of Houston. She

will be the first in her family to attend college.

Diana’s parents emigrated from Mexico in 1989, looking for a better life for their children.

Financial struggles, slot-machine addiction, and alcoholism were challenges in Diana’s

childhood, and they made her determined to get an education. She wrote, “I believe maintaining

a positive attitude in spite of the circumstances is the key to achieve one’s goals.” Diana

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discovered early that she felt joyful going to a hospital and learning how to help others. She

wrote in her essay, “I honestly felt like nursing was made for me.” She also wrote, “What I have

been through from my childhood has encouraged me to set an example and commit to goals to

become successful.”

Diana plans to earn her pre-Nursing requirements, then enter the Nursing program. Her goal is

to work at a children’s hospital. She would like to return to school for a Master’s degree and

possibly a Doctorate, always looking to continue her education in medicine.

PART Houston believes in Diana Estrada!

The Maude Cashin Scholarship is awarded to Daisy Mabel Gomez

Daisy will graduate next month from S.P. Waltrip High School as the schools’ Valedictorian and

plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin. She is a member of the National Honor

Society, Waltrip Spanish Club, STAND (Students Taking Action Not Drugs), Computer

Programing UIL, Teen Court, an AP Scholar, Posse Foundation Semi-Finalist, and has had

perfect attendance from pre-K-11th grade. The daughter of two hard working parents, Daisy

grew up thinking that everyone has a job!

Her plan is to obtain a degree in International Business. She would like to continue her education

after obtaining her undergraduate degree and getting either an MBA or Law degree. She wants

to make her parents proud and give back to hem for everything they have given her.

PART Houston believes in Daisy Mabel Gomez!

The Irma Diaz-Gonzalez Scholarship is awarded to Jessica Haroldson

Jessica Haroldson is graduating from North Houston Early College next month. She is ranked

4th in her class and has simultaneously earned an Associate’s Degree. The dual credit program

has been challenging, but Jessica credits her mother’s persistence and encouragement as the

foundation of her academic success.

She is President of her school’s National Honor Society, and Founder and President of Academic

Worldquest Club. She is also an AP Scholar, participates in STEM science and medical clubs, as

well as the First Robotics Club.

Jessica wants to become a Registered Nurse and pursue a Master’s degree to become a Nurse

Anesthetist. Her aspirations include working at Texas Children’s Hospital and Doctors Without

Borders. She believes that as a Registered nurse, she can help not only her community but

beyond. Jessica will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to pursue her nursing degree.

PART Houston believes in Jessica Haroldson!

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The Roberto Gonzalez Scholarship is awarded to Jaira Pereznegrón

Jaira is a member of the Academic Achievers program at Stephen F. Austin High School and is

graduating 5th in her class where she also participats in the Lady Mustang’s Soccer Team, the

Science Club, Spanish Club and the ROTC.

Jaira keenly understands that the obstacles we encounter in life impact our personality and

perspective. Experiencing the loss of her father at an early age caused her to mature quickly and

focus on her goals.

She strives to serve as a role model to her younger siblings, and give back to her community. She

will attend the University of Houston where she plans to major in Accounting and minor in

Computer Science.

PART Houston believes in Jaira Pereznegron!

The Georgina Rodriguez Scholarship is awarded to Emily Rodriguez

Emily Rodriguez will graduate from Westside High School next month with excellent grades.

She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Student Council

and Photography Club.

She credits her determination and eagerness to succeed to her parents. Her parents immigrated to

the U.S. at a young age and have worked hard to provide for their only child. Though sometimes

others have expressed concern that Emily will be attending a large university, she affirms: “My

decision is made. No one will stop me from reaching my dream of becoming Dr. Rodriguez!”

She plans to attend Texas A&M and major in Biomedical Sciences and wants to further extend

her studies in hopes of achieving her dream of a medical degree. Emily states that the

possibilities for her are limitless, and we agree!

PART Houston believes in Emily Rodriguez!

The Yanne Moreano Scholarship is awarded to Cynthia Salazar

Cynthia is a student at East Early College where she will not only graduate with a high school

diploma, but also an Associate’s degree from Houston Community College. She is in the top ten

percent of her graduating class, ranking number 5. Thanks to her impressive GPA, she has been

accepted to all the Universities she has applied and she has selected Texas A&M.

She has participated in Soccer, is Student Council Treasurer, De Zavala Elementary School

Mentor, Falcon Scholar Award recipient and Academic Honor Roll.

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For now, she wants to concentrate in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Biology. After completing

her undergraduate degree, she plans to apply to a Master of Science Physician’s Assistant

Program.

PART Houston believes in Cynthia Salazar!

2013 Returning Scholars

The Part Membership Scholarship is presented to Pamela Antunez

Pamela Antunez is a returning PART Scholarship winner studying at the University of Texas-

Austin. She has a 3.0246 GPA and is working towards her goal of obtaining a Bachelor of

Science in Psychology. Between her rigorous coursework, Pamela also finds time to work as an

Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Management Information System Department for the

McCombs School of Business.

Whenever she is not studying or working, she is taking part in organizations such as Lending

Hearts, and is team leader in The Project 2012 and 2013. She also participates in Intramural

Soccer.

She credits her parents who have worked hard to provide all that she has today. Without their

support, she would not be where she is or as accomplished. Pamela wishes to one day become a

doctor and help heal those in need.

PART Houston believes in Pamela Antunez!

The Susan Barrington Sanchez Scholarship is awarded to Elora Arana

Elora is a repeat PART Scholarship winner and a proud Aggie. She is a member of the

Alpha Phi Omega Co-Ed Service Fraternity, MSC Freshman Leader International, the

Aggie Orientation Leader Program, and was also chosen as a delegate to the prestigious

Gilbert Leadership Conference this year. She maintains a 3.6 grade point average and

will be graduating in December of 2015.

She loves to help in the community, working on environmental projects, such as tree

planting events and water sampling excursions where she can feel the joy of doing

something good for both the environment and the local community. Her hobbies include

reading science fiction books, dancing, watching movies, playing intramural sports,

traveling.

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She aspires to be an Environmental Geoscientist with a specialty in environmental law

and policy. She would love to eventually work for the Environment Protection Agency,

or another local, state or federal environmental agency.

PART Houston believes in Elora Arana!

The PART Membership Scholarship is awarded to Mara Casarrubbias

Mara is a four-time PART Scholarship winner who is completing her successful third

year at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Human Development and Family

Sciences. Mara volunteers at Dells Children’s Hospital, Global Medical Training, Pets

Alive, Crazy Science Extravaganza, and UT Explore, while taking classes in Organic

Chemistry and Calculus.

Those who know Mara overwhelmingly affirm her perseverance. She is tenacious,

diligent, and dedicated to bringing better health care to families.

Mara plans to earn Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing, and put her knowledge to

work in her community.

PART Houston believes in Mara Casarrubias!

The Enriqueta Chavez Scholarship is awarded to Anais Charlez

Anais graduated in 2012 from Austin High school in the top 10% of her class and is a

returning PART Scholarship recipient.

Despite her high school struggles as a young mother of two children, Anais is now

completing her first year at Texas A & M where she participates in the Best Buddies

Program and Corps of Cadets.

Acclimating to University life has been difficult, but Anais continues to be determined to

complete her undergraduate degree in Special Education and graduate as a

Commissioned Officer in the United States Marine Corps. Anais would like to serve as a

mentor for young girls who may find themselves in a similar situation as she. She wants

to encourage young women to not give up on their dreams and to push through obstacles.

PART Houston believes in Anais Charlez!

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The Castillo-Sepulveda Scholarship is awarded to Amanda Cruz

Amanda is currently a student at the University of Texas in Austin, another proud PART

repeat scholarship winner. A native of Honduras who was brought to the U.S. when she

was just three years old, she believes that her humble beginnings have largely influenced

in her faith, hard work ethic, and the way she sees the future. She was number three in

her graduating high school class and though she is currently on a tough, pre-medical track

at UT, she’s on the top 10 percent of her class.

She loves to play the piano and sing, and participates in art clubs and helping as a

volunteer in various programs. She has served as the Piano Program President and is a

member of the UT Christian Students on Campus and a weekly volunteer at the South

Austin Pregnancy Resource Center. Her most defining goal, she indicates, is to become a

doctor. She has had this calling since she was a child. Her plans are to attend Medical

School after graduating from UT.

PART Houston believes in Amanda Cruz!

The PART Membership Scholarship is awarded to Yesenia Flores

Yesenia is a repeat scholarship winner currently attending Georgetown Washington

University. The oldest of three and an over achiever from a young age, she is always

involved in lots of projects. In high school she was a member of various clubs including

the National Honor Society, the Spanish Club, and the Academic Decathlon. In College,

she was a key contributor in the establishment of the first LULAC Young Adult Council

in the DC area. She is also Founder of Casa Blanca Affinity Housing a member of the

Pre-Law Student Association.

Her parents taught her from a very early age to be disciplined and work hard for the

things she wants or believes in. She feels guilty if she spends time going out instead of at

the library studying. She plans to apply to Law School this coming fall to pursue a

Medical Law Career. She realized her passion was more for Law, after an externship with

the Mary Ann Lunsford Cardiovascular Medicine. She is hoping for an internship with

the Department of Justice this summer.

PART Houston Believes in Yesenia Flores!

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The Christina Cabral Scholarship is presented to Aydee Huerta

Aydee is a repeat PART Scholarship winner completing her first successful year at the

University of Houston majoring in Business Administration. Remarkably, Aydee earned

her Associate’s Degree while finishing East Early High School, and will be a senior at

UH next year. She joined the Hispanic Business Student Association this year, and

enjoyed volunteering and mentoring events.

Aydee grew up in Houston’s Second Ward, and persevered through many trials to get an

education. She wrote in her essay, “I am even more determined to make something of

myself by the time I graduate. I know that this will be a difficult road, but nobody said it

would ever be easy.”

Aydee plans to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, then apply for the

PPA program to become a Certified Public Accountant.

PART Houston believes in Aydee Huerta!

The William Greiner Sr. Scholarship is awarded to Martha Juarez

Martha is in her second year attending Texas State University and is a repeat PART

scholarship recipient.

College has proven life changing for Martha. Having had so much academic success her

entire life, it was unnerving for her to struggle with some of the college courses in her

pre-med curriculum. Not to be defeated, she is determined to complete her

undergraduate education. By evaluating her options, Martha is focusing on Education as

a minor and completing her teaching certificate.

She volunteers at Travis Elementary School in San Marcus and believes that she can

encourage and help students persevere through difficult academic challenges and not give

up! Martha is not giving up on her dream to enter Medical School.

PART Houston Believes in Martha Juarez!

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The Mike and Anna Garcie Cash Scholarship is awarded to Emily Lechuga

Emily is a repeat PART Scholarship winner who graduated from Stephen F. Austin High

School last year and is now a proud freshman at the University of Texas A&M. The

youngest of three, Emily was born to a hard working immigrant family from Honduras

intent on providing a good education for their children.

She belongs to the Freshmen Leadership Organization and the Freshmen Liberal Arts

Reaching Excellence-Pre- Law Society.

Her goal is to graduate with a bachelor degree in Political Science and continue on to

Law School at St. Mary’s University with the ultimate goal of someday practicing

Juvenile Law.

PART Houston believes in Emily Lechuga!

The Nell Cleburn Scholarship is awarded to Jessica Manzano

Jessica is a repeat PART Scholarship winner who has successfully finished her first year

at the University of Texas in Austin majoring in Bilingual Education. She entered UT as

a sophomore, thanks to diligent efforts year at Cy-Fair High School to take college

classes at Lone Star College. At UT, she joined the Bilingual Education Student

Organization (BESO), LULAC, and became a tutor for ESL elementary students, and

Kumon, and a student assistant at the communications building, all while taking honors

classes. She hopes to “become a role model to all those young Latinos who aspire to beat

poverty.” She plans to run for president of BESO.

Jessica came to the United States as a young child when her family fled the civil war in

El Salvador. She is the first in her family to speak both Spanish and English, and her

family depended on her as a translator. Her childhood experiences inspired her goal to

help young bilingual students. She said in her essay, “I hope to teach my future students

to be proud of being bilingual and how they can excel in any career path they choose.”

Jessica plans to get a Master’s degree in education while teaching, and then to work

toward a Doctorate with the goal of becoming a district superintendent.

PART Houston believes in Jessica Manzano!

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The Ruth Weber Scholarship is awarded to Mayra Romero

Mayra Romero was our Maud Cashin Scholarship winner last year, and she has

successfully completed her first year at the University of Texas in Austin with a 3.8 in

Nursing. She began her UT career with 40 hours earned while maintaining a number

three ranking at Chester Nimitz High School. At UT, she joined the Hispanic Nursing

Student Association, Association for Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting,

Gateway Scholars, and Global Public Health Brigade, all while taking honors classes.

She created a volleyball team her first semester. A volunteering highlight was the “Feria

Para Aprender,” the largest Spanish education fair in Central Texas sponsored by the

American Heart Association.

Mayra is the daughter of a single mother from Honduras. As a member of the Global

Public Health Brigade, Mayra has the opportunity next year to spend a week in Honduras

providing health education in rural communities. In her essay, she wrote, “I strongly

desire to make a difference in people’s lives. As a nurse, I will be provided numerous

opportunities to give needed help to the sick and positively influence individuals’ lives

every day.” She also wrote, “Thank you for believing in me.”

Her dream is to become a Nurse Practitioner by earning a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s

degree in Nursing, and then using that knowledge to better the lives in her community.

PART Houston believes in Mayra Romero!

The Patricia Rodriguez Scholarship in Memory and Honor of Gladys Lochbaum is

awarded to Rebecca Trejo

Rebecca is a three-time PART Scholarship winner completing her successful second year

at the University of Houston with a 3.9 GPA majoring in Broadcast Journalism. She is a

reporter for the Daily Cougar, and for the El Gato Media Network “News for Coogs,”

and writing tutor for the Honors College at UH. She won the Outstanding First Year

Honors Student Award last year.

Rebecca credits her parents, hardworking immigrants from El Salvador, with inspiring

her always to do her best, and understanding that hard work equals success. They taught

her that determination and tenacity can help achieve goals. She wrote in her essay, “Even

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though my parents have never been publicly honored for their legacy, I believe the honor

I will receive when I graduate as a summa cum laude will represent their hard work.”

Rebecca plans to earn her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Broadcast Journalism, then

work as a television reporter or anchor. It is her dream to write a best-selling novel.

PART Houston believes in Rebecca Trejo!

The Majorie Mozelle Pollard Barrington Scholarship is awarded to Cristina Vasquez

Cristina is a return PART Scholarship recipient studying Music Education at Texas

Southern University. Though in her third year of her Undergraduate Program, Cristina is

already classified as a senior with a GPA of a 3.9.

With so much going on before she graduates a semester early next fall, Cristina has been

involved in field observation where she observes an elementary music class. She

continues to be active in the TSU “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band where she was

recently named Assistant Saxophone Section Leader and she has also joined the Tau Beta

Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority at TSU.

Despite the long, hard months that await her final semester which includes student

teaching, a senior band recital and her final courses of study, Cristina plans to further her

education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling.

PART Houston believes in Cristina Vasquez!

The Laurie Williams Scholarship is awarded to Marisol Yañez

Marisol is a repeat PART Scholarship winner completing her second successful year at

Houston Baptist University with a 3.5 GPA majoring in Nursing. She is a member of

several student organizations, including the Nursing Student Association and the Alpha

Mu Gamma Honor Society, and worked as a teacher assistant in the Biology department.

Remarkably, she also was able to test out of 33 college credits.

Marisol’s second year of college was marked by several challenges, including the

hospitalization of her father and sister. She made the decision to drop one class in order

to help her family. Marisol has overcome serious life challenges many times, coming

from a family of eight children and limited resources. But this time, Marisol asked for

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help, and was invited to take an internship at a local hospital shadowing an interpreter.

Her goal was always to become a school clinic nurse to help children and their families.

The internship showed her that she also wants to bring health knowledge to her

community. She wrote in her essay, “I am finishing this semester with a new

understanding of who I want to impact.” She also learned that it is okay to ask for help.

“I am certain this new understanding of strength will lead me to success and bring

healing to those I serve.”

PART Houston believes in Marisol Yanez!

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