Veterans honored for academic excellence
South Texas College student Rey Leal, who is also an Iraq War vet, was looking for a way to give back to his fellow veterans, but he couldn’t figure out what type of project or initiative would have the most impact. The answer came to him after he and former STC student Jesus Bocanegra led a march to San Antonio to help raise awareness about the health care needs of veterans in the Valley. During the march, Leal and Bocanegra received so many donations from people interested in supporting their cause that they decided to put the extra funds to good use by creating a scholarship for veterans at STC.
“It was important for us to develop the scholarship because I know, from personal experience, how difficult it is to finance one’s entire education,” said Leal. “I am so happy I was able to work with STC’s Veteran Affairs Office and the Financial Aid Department to make the program a reality. I hope scholarship recipients realize their educational goals so they can continue to serve their country as civilians.”
STC students Edward Contreras and Roberto Montes are the first recipients of the $500 Veteran Memorial Scholarship and both were chosen because of their service to their country, as well as their academic excellence and commitment to studies.
“We are honored to award the first scholarships to Montes and Contreras because they are both committed to their studies and to making the world a better place,” said Javier Arredondo, STC coordinator of veteran affairs. “We extend our congratulations and wish them the best in future endeavors. We also hope others will consider donating to the fund to provide educational assistance to more veterans in years to come.”
Contreras, who works in the Special Education Department at Bentsen Elementary, is enrolled in STC’s Bachelor of Applied Science Program. Following earning a degree, he hopes work as a computer technician at La Joya ISD.
Montes is a student in STC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program and hopes to specialize in rehabilitation services after he earns his degree. He wants to dedicate his life to helping others, especially veterans, recover from injuries and get back to their daily lives.
STC’s new Veteran Affairs Office is accepting donations for the next round of scholarships, which will be given out in spring 2010. The hope is to award two $500 scholarships per semester. If you are interested in learning more about how you can contribute call 956-872-6723.
