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PNM Awards $1,000 Scholarships to 12 Hispanic Students

PNM Awards $1,000 Scholarships to 12 Hispanic Students

Published 07-20-00

Submitted by Public Service Company of New Mexico

PNM, Public Service Co. of New Mexico, has recognized the efforts and abilities of 12 Hispanic college students, awarding each a $1,000 scholarship.

The recipients of the PNM Hispanic Heritage Scholarship are all Hispanic New Mexico residents enrolled in or accepted to study at an accredited college, university, community college or vocational school in New Mexico. Many have overcome adversity in order to pursue an education. This year’s recipients include:

• Carmen C. Vigil of Santa Fe, majoring in elementary education at the College of Santa Fe;

• Nathan G. Duval of Santa Fe, who is studying visual arts at Santa Fe Community College;

• Sabrina S. Sanchez of Albuquerque, a student at the University of New Mexico (UNM) who aspires to be a lawyer;

• Sandra L. Chavez of Albuquerque, an English major at UNM who volunteers for groups researching domestic violence;

• Graciela Doan of Las Cruces, a 28-year-old junior at New Mexico State University (NMSU) with a 3.9 grade point average;

• John E. Sanchez-Lopez of Belen, a single father studying business at UNM;

• Kevin G. Lopez of Albuquerque, who has been accepted to the UNM School of Medicine for the fall semester;

• Yvette M. Martinez of Santa Fe, who plans to enter graduate school at the College of Santa Fe;

• Elatunbi S. Adeogba of Chaparral, a bilingual teacher who is pursuing a doctorate in NMSU’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction;

• Rhonda R. Romero of Santa Fe, a student at UNM with an interest in promoting New Mexico history programs;

• Yolanda J. Chacon of Las Cruces, a student at NMSU who hopes to become a doctor; and

• Brenda G. Bustillos of Albuquerque, a freshman at UNM who hopes to be the first person in her family to complete college.

"These are remarkable individuals," said PNM Executive Vice President Roger Flynn. "We believe they will continue to give back to their communities and become New Mexico’s leaders of tomorrow."

Scholarships are awarded in four categories: High Achiever, an individual with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; Potential Achiever, an individual with a grade point average between 2.0 and 2.9; Non-Traditional/Returning Student, an individual who has faced major adversity in his or her educational career; and Graduate Student, an individual who is enrolled in a minimum of six hours in a graduate program and has a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Each scholarship recipient must meet criteria such as commitment to Hispanic progress and development, involvement in local community groups or organizations, personal qualities and strengths, specific academic standing, and financial need.

Applications for the PNM Hispanic Heritage Scholarship are evaluated by a panel of Hispanic civic and business leaders. This year’s judges included: James Gallegos of James Gallegos CPA, PC; Margarita Wilder, Univision 41; Ken Sanchez, Bernalillo County Commissioner; Marisa Barrera, Accion NM; Christine Trujillo, MANA de Albuquerque; Frances Apodaca-Gandara, LULAC; John Avila, Casa de Avila; Miguel Gomez, Albuquerque City Councilor; Monica Armenta, KOB-TV; Patricia Chavez, Community Builder Fellow with H.U.D.; Larry and Pearlene Garcia, McDonald’s; and Betina Gonzales, KOB-TV.

"These active community leaders are highly qualified to review applications," said Manuel Quintana, a PNM business manager who served as chairman of the scholarship selection committee. "Their support and commitment helps make the program a success. We appreciate the time and effort they give to this cause."

The PNM Hispanic Heritage Scholarships are donated through PNM’s community affairs budget, which is funded by shareholder dollars. This is the eleventh year the scholarships have been awarded.

Public Service Company of New Mexico

Public Service Company of New Mexico

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