Scholarship Recipient, Stephany Uriostegui
PBKAAGA President, Connie Hicks, remarked, “Phi Beta Kappa, founded in 1776, is the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States and stands for the values of intellectual integrity, tolerance of other views, and pursuit of a broad range of academic interests. We are thrilled that the PBKAAGA collaboration with Breakthrough Central Texas saw these qualities echoed in the applications submitted by its seniors. Our membership is proud to know the donations they have made to fund scholarships will help these first-generation college students from the greater Austin community realize their dreams, and that they embody the values of Phi Beta Kappa. We are excited for what the future holds for our recipients and will have the added joy of getting updates from BCT as they make their way through their college years.”
Along with Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Association of Greater Austin, we are pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s scholarships. Three high school seniors have been awarded scholarships that will go directly to the college of their choice.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Stephany Uriostegui, University of Texas at Austin
Lucita Rodriguez, St. Edward’s University
Michelle Abalos, University of Texas at Galveston
Read more about the Scholars below:
Stephany Uriostegui
Stephany Uriostegui she will be graduating from Northeast ECHS. She is at the top 10% of her class and will be graduating with over 200 community service hours. Stephany will be the first in her family to go to college. She will be attending the University of Texas at Austin where she is excited to be part of the Liberal Arts College as an undecided major as she would love to experience her career options before making a final decision. She plans to be involved in her community in college as she did in high school. Stephany is also a proud recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the AFJROTC, it is the third highest ribbon a cadet can receive and trustee award all 4 years in high school. Stephany hopes to lead by example to future generations that and share the message that a Bachelor’s Degree can be obtained no matter your background.
Lucita Rodriguez
Lucita Rodriguez is a graduate from Del Valle High School, and will soon be the first one in her family to attend college. Lucita will be attending St. Edward’s University in the fall of 2020 where she will be studying political science in order to later go to law school and pursue her dreams of becoming an immigration lawyer. Lucita comes from an immigrant family and was born and raised in Austin, Texas along with her 10-year-old sister. Her parents taught her that hard work and a good education is the key to success. Throughout her academic career this has always been her motivation to keep going, she wants to make sure to take advantage of all the opportunities that her parents didn’t have growing up. Throughout high school she has been acknowledged for her stellar grade point average and her dedication to community service, which earned her an academic achievement plaque her senior year. In the future Lucita wants to be an example for other students, she wants to show them that through hard work and devotion you can achieve anything you set your mind too.
Michelle Abalos
Michelle Abalos was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She is a senior graduating from Northeast ECHS and is excited to attend A&M University at Galveston in the fall of 2020, where she plans to study biomedical engineering. She has one younger sister, and together, they enjoy drawing, painting, and doing crafts. In middle school and high school, Michelle’s hard work has been recognized and she received the title of Valedictorian. With the help of Breakthrough Central Texas, she is the first in her family to go to college. Her main goal is to support her parents and sister.