Graduates in the CEA family get a grand boost for college
Five graduating seniors in 2012 earned a $1,000 scholarship from the Ethnic Minority Advisory Council of the Colorado Education Association. CEA awards Ethnic Minority Scholarships to the children of Association members of an ethnic minority group who have been accepted to an accredited higher education institution.
Angelique Abeyta of Trinidad has been accepted into Trinidad State Junior College, where she will pursue a degree in elementary education with hopes of one day becoming a kindergarten teacher. “I love working with young children and helping them learn and grow. I also believe that teaching gives a person a sense of leadership to help a young person’s mind expand and grow,” Angelique wrote in her scholarship application. Angelique’s parents are members of the Trinidad Education Association. Her mother, Adele, is a Librarian/Media Specialist at Fischer’s Peak Elementary, and her father, Ted, works in grounds and maintenance at Trinidad High School. “I have seen my parents go to work everyday, and they both work long, hard hours,” said Angelique. “They have been a huge inspiration to me and have helped me achieve many personal goals. Without their help and perseverance, I doubt that I would be the great student and person I have grown to be.”
Angelique graduated from Trinidad High School with a 3.8 grade point average. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Future Career and Community Leaders of America and the “Upward Bound” college preparation program. She also played flute in Trinidad High School Band all four years. Angelique performed volunteer work for the South Central Council of Government’s Early Learning Childcare Center, Fisher Peak Elementary School and Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter. “I feel giving back to the community is very important to me and definitely has made a difference in my life,” Angelique said. Jennifer Sanchez Mason, principal at Trinidad High School, called Angelique “a caring and kind young lady” in her nomination letter for the scholarship. “Angel will be an exceptional, contributing member of society, and will be one who will make the optimum use of this golden opportunity.”
Jose Tomas Di Paola of Englewood has been accepted into Vanderbilt College in Nashville, Tenn. where he will pursue a double major in English and Biology. “I want to communicate and share with other people with different backgrounds, viewpoints and beliefs,” Jose wrote in his scholarship application. Jose is the son of Jorge Di Paola and Teresa Catlow. His mother, a member of the Cherry Creek Education Association, teaches special education at Sunrise Elementary School in the Cherry Creek School District. Jose graduated from Cherry Creek High School with a 4.09 grade point average. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the Writing Club, and the Speech and Debate Team. He was also a runner on the school’s cross country track team. “I think other young learners like myself always yearn for more,” Jose said. “I do not think I can just rely upon my own smarts. Science is evolutionary, built upon the discoveries of the past, and without a base it cannot function. I look forward to developing my base.”
Jose performed volunteer work for many organizations, including Colorado Children’s Hospital, YouthRoots and two Cherry Creek elementary schools. “Community service is extremely important to Jose. He has been involved in many causes and helped raise money for charity,” wrote Deana Tucker, Jose’s high school counselor, in her nomination letter for the scholarship. “Jose will be successful in college because of his academic passions and his interest in learning more.”
Daniel Martinez of Pueblo has been accepted at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. where he will pursue study in leadership and ministry. “My grandparents put all five children through college. Their mission to ensure their children and all five of their grandchildren graduate from college is becoming a reality,” Daniel wrote in his scholarship application. “This legacy has been passed down and has positioned me to prosper. I too must embrace the challenges and become part of a better story.” Daniel is the son of Glenda Martinez, a Pueblo Education Association member and teacher of foreign language and literature at Central High School. Daniel graduated from Central High with a 4.05 grade point average and received the honor of Outstanding Junior Boy. He held leadership positions in the National Honor Society, Student Council and the Future Business Leaders of America.
Daniel was co-captain of the varsity basketball team and named a Defensive MVP and Playmaker of the Year. He is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership team. Daniel dedicated more than 500 hours to community volunteer projects for Pueblo Christian Center, the Latino Chamber of Commerce and Wayside Cross Soup Kitchen among many organizations. “Daniel is logical, level-headed and has goals for his future,” wrote Lois Conatore, social studies teacher and National Honor Society adviser, in her nomination letter for the scholarship. “He has values, straight priorities and wants to continue life in a positive direction. He desires to continue to give back to society in positive ways that will impact and change live for the better.”
Dillon Quintana of San Luis has been accepted into the Colorado School of Mines in Golden where he will pursue a major in petroleum engineering. “Without the help of this scholarship and others, I will not have the opportunity to reach the goals and dreams I have set for myself,” Dillon wrote in his scholarship application. Dillon is the son of Dale Quintana, a former member of the Centennial Education Association and a retired vocational and technical education teacher at Centennial High School. Dillon graduated from Centennial High School with a 4.189 grade point average and concurrently earned 56 college credits from Adams State College. He was a member of the National Honor Society, and lettered in wrestling and track. Dillon is also the president and co-founder of both the Centennial Big Buddy / Little Buddy program and the school’s Students Against Drunk Driving chapter.
Living in one of the poorest counties in the state where “being unemployed is a common occurrence,” Dillon said people are in this situation because they are under-educated. “I am going to get an education and break the cycle that has plagued people in this area for generations,” Dillon said. Dillon performed volunteer work for many organizations, including his school and Adams State College. He is certified in first aid and CPR, and a member of the Costilla County First Response Team. “I enjoy volunteering my time to help others,” said Dillon. “It does not matter who needs help or what they need help with. It makes me feel good to be able to help others.” “Dillon truly is an outstanding young man who I know will be very successful in life as well as being strongly involved in community activities for the good of all,” wrote Kurt Cary, associate chair of the Teacher Education Program at Adams State College in his nomination letter for the scholarship. “He has an excellent work ethic and a strong desire to acquire a sound education.”
Alexis Trujillo of Salida has been accepted at Colorado State University – Pueblo where she plans to major in nursing. “Our family mantra has always been, ‘give of your time, your talents and your treasures,’ so I am very excited to pursue nursing as a career at such a great school,” Alexis wrote in her scholarship application. “It has been my job as a daycare assistant that has shown me that helping others is what I want to do with my life.” Alexis is the daughter of Cheryl Pearce-Trujillo, a Salida Education Association member and special education teacher at Salida High School. Alexis graduated from Salida High with a 3.98 grade point average. She held leadership positions in the Family Career Community Leaders of America and received recognition and awards from Salida Academic Boosters Club, Monarch Quilters, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the Telluride Film Festival. Alexis competed on the school tennis team all four years, and also participated in volleyball and cheerleading.
Alexis performed volunteer work for many organizations, including the Key Club, the Knights of Columbus and St. Joseph Catholic Church. “Lexi takes learning very seriously. She loves to get deep and really understand the material,” wrote Christi Delaney, science teacher and Key Club advisor, in her nomination letter for the scholarship. “She has all the personality traits of an excellent nurse and all the study habits of an outstanding student. She will shine in anything she chooses.”
CEA congratulates all students and families receiving our Ethnic Minority Scholarships and wishes them best of luck in their college studies and beyond.
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