2022 Recipients of Mr. South Texas Foundation Scholarships Named
The Mr. South Texas Foundation (MSTF) has announced the 12 student recipients of its 2022 MSTF Scholarships. The recipients were named in a virtual ceremony Tuesday, May 3, 2022, hosted by State Senator Judith Zaffirini and sponsored by Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).
TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz welcomed the virtual attendees and Senator Zaffirini provided remarks. Recipients were announced by Dr. Minita Ramirez, TAMIU vice president of Student Success.
"These outstanding students personify our foundation's motto—From Scholarship to Leadership," said Senator Zaffirini, MSTF president, "I am delighted to recognize them for they have not only excelled in academics and extracurricular activities but also demonstrated commitment to community service and dedication to family. We are proud of their achievements and expect them to surpass these accomplishments."
The 2022 Mr. South Texas Foundation provides each recipient with a $1,000 scholarship. The recipients are:
Tyler Cerna: Tyler is a senior at St. Augustine High School and will study Biology at Baylor University.
Shelby Yeary: Shelby is a senior at J.W. Nixon High School and will study business at the McCombs School at The University of Texas at Austin.
Galilea Gonzalez: Galilea is a senior at Dr. L. Cigarroa High School and will study education at Texas A&M International University.
Ken Yaguchi: Ken is a senior at Hector J. Garcia Early College High School and will study electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Joseph Flores: Joseph is a senior at Raymond & Tirza Martin High School and the Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Early College and will study biochemistry at Dartmouth College.
Sofia Gonzalez-Estebane: Sofia is a senior at United South High School and will study nursing at Texas A&M International University.
Kate Perez: Kate is a senior at United High School and will study business at the McCombs School at The University of Texas at Austin.
Mario Gonzalez: Mario is a senior at Lyndon B. Johnson High School and will study neuroscience at The University of Texas at Austin.
Alejandro Rubio: Alejandro is a senior at John B. Alexander High School and will study bioengineering at Rice University.
Santiago Garcia Rosales: Santiago is a senior at United High School and will study business at Texas A&M International University.
Raquel Puig: Raquel graduated from Laredo College and will attend Texas A&M University and pursue a Biology degree.
Lourdes Boardman: Lourdes, a junior at Texas A&M International University is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting.
When the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association named her Mr. South Texas in 1999, Senator Zaffirini established the MSTF and raised the money for the annual scholarships. Her goal then, as now, is to honor students deemed the most likely future Mr. South Texas honorees and who would pledge to return to South Texas.
To date, the MSTF has provided $217,000 in scholarships to 217 Laredo students. Selection criteria include a commitment to live in South Texas after college graduation, a minimum "B" average in high school, minimum 90 percent attendance, exemplary character, and leadership potential.
"Investing in promising students pursuing higher education truly benefits our state and region," Senator Zaffirini observed, "Higher education will equip these future leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to continue to excel and help countless others throughout their lives."
For additional information regarding the scholarship, please contact the Mr. South Texas Foundation at 956.722.2293.
