STC inducted its new class of Valley Scholars Program students for fall 2009.

South Texas College’s Valley Scholars Program welcomed its 13th class of incoming freshman at the start of the fall 2009 semester. The group of 43 students now has all the tools they need to accomplish their educational goals.

The scholarship program, which began in 1997, provides academically-gifted students with the financial support, encouragement, mentoring and campus-based work needed to be successful in college. It also allows them to get their first two years of college, or a maximum of 72 credit hours, for free.

STC’s Valley Scholars rank in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class, show exceptional leadership skills and are active in community service projects. They maintain high academic and social standards during their time at STC and go on to earn an associate’s degree. More than 98 percent of program graduates go on to transfer to a four-year university or college.

“We are very proud of our new class, as they are all highly-motivated students who are committed to their studies and to serving the community,” said Marie Olivarez, coordinator of STC’s Valley Scholars Program. “We hope that receiving this scholarship gives them the support they need to navigate the world of academia and the foundation they need to successfully transition to the next level in their education.”

Sasha Rodriguez, who was inducted in the Valley Scholars Program last year, wishes the new group of students the best of luck and tells them to enjoy being in the program because their hard work will be rewarded.

“I’m proud to say that I am a Valley Scholar because being a part of the program has enriched my time at STC and enabled me to pursue my education in a positive and supportive environment,” she said. “The program challenges you to excel in your academics, and gives you the ability to meet people and get involved in the community. I hope that this new group of students takes advantage of the wonderful opportunity to excel in their academic careers.”

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must graduate from an accredited Hidalgo or Starr county high school, maintain a 3.25 GPA for any college courses completed during high school and be TSI (Texas Success Initiative) College Ready or TSI Exempt. Once admitted into the Valley Scholars Program, students must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA, participate in various community service projects and remain continuously enrolled at STC full-time.

For additional information about program call 872-6440.

The 13th Valley Scholars Class includes:

Maissie G. Aguilar, Roma High School
Intended major: Criminal Justice

Juliana Aguirre, Nikki Rowe High School
Intended major: Interdisciplinary Studies

Mario Arredondo, PSJA Memorial High School
Intended major: Engineering

Elizabeth Becerra, Weslaco High School
Intended major: Engineering

Dulce R.Benavides, La Joya High School
Intended major: Nursing

Guadalupe Castillo, Rio Grande City HS
Intended major: Nursing

Lizeth Cavazos, PSJA High School
Intended major: Interdisciplinary Studies

Amanda Chavez, McAllen High School
Intended major: Interdisciplinary Studies

Brenda Cortes, La Joya High School
Intended major: Nursing

Jarezie Cortez, PSJA Memorial High School
Intended major: Business Administration

Alex Cruz, PSJA Memorial High School
Intended major: Criminal Justice

Maria I. De La Garza, La Joya High School
Intended major: Nursing

Joshua R. Dominguez, Mercedes High School
Intended major: Nursing

Eliza Esquivel, La Joya High School
Intended major: Nursing

Cynthia Y. Flores, La Joya High School
Intended major: Nursing

Brenda N. Garcia, La Joya High School
Intended major: Nursing

Luis F. Garcia, McAllen Memorial High School
Intended major: Network Specialist

Griselda Garcia, Palmview High School
Intended major: Elementary education

Laura A. Garcia, La Joya High School
Intended major: Nursing

Janelly Garza, Palmview High School
Intended major: Elementary education

Miryea I. Gonzalez, Nikki Rowe High School
Intended major: Interdisciplinary Studies

Sarah Y.Gonzalez, Roma High School
Intended major: Interdisciplinary Studies

Andrea Gurrola, PSJA Memorial High School
Intended major: Government

Mohammad Haidarasl, La Joya High School
Intended major: Biology

Ariana M. Lopez, Economedes High School
Intended major: Interdisciplinary Studies

Coral Lopez, Veterans Memorial High School
Intended major: Elementary education

Nora C. Macareno, Weslaco High School
Intended major: Accounting

Alicia L. Maldonado, PSJA High School
Intended major: Chemistry

Edna S. Martinez, Valley View High School
Intended major: Business Administration

Karla J. Martinez, Mission High School
Intended major: Culinary Arts

Beatriz Montejano, Veterans Memorial HS
Intended major: Interdisciplinary Studies

Bianca J. Morante, Palmview High School
Intended major: Social Work

Mayra Moreno, PSJA Memorial High School
Intended major: Business Administration

Paula Noel, Weslaco High School
Intended major: Nursing

Maria Elena Palomo, PSJA High School
Intended major: History

Elizabeth Pat, Weslaco High School
Intended major: Nursing

Desi M. Ramos, Roma High School
Intended major: Biology

Jonathan M. Salinas, La Joya High School
Intended major: Physical Therapy Assistant

Jonathan L. Trevino, Veterans Memorial High
Intended major: Mathematics

Tiffany Trevino, Economedes High School
Intended major: Respiratory Therapy