Front left: Vanessa Oliveros, Kylie Ridings, Rosina Camarillo, Jenifer De La Garza, Ashley Galvan, Jacqueline Silva, Nicole Weiss, Selene Garcia Back left: Carlos Perez, Emmanuel Rojo, Leonardo Osorio, Joan Hernandez, Jesusangel Luna
Thirteen Lufkin High School students received the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars award, based on their remarkable academic achievements and outstanding performance on the PSAT and/or AP.
The College Board, which administers the PSAT and SAT among its activities, recognizes academic excellence through its National Recognition Programs. Students selected for this prestigious honor can cite it on their college and scholarship applications. In turn, colleges use the listing of this honor as a way of identifying students from underrepresented groups—i.e., ethnic minorities and/or those who attend school in rural areas or small towns—who have excelled on their PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP Exams and in their classwork.
This year the honor was extended to students who took the PSAT/NMSQT as sophomores.
Junior Carlos Perez said he remembered taking the test last year because it was during the time he was doing virtual learning at home because of COVID.
“In last October, I took the test during the time I was doing online. It was one of the few times I came into the school. I thought I did decently,” said Carlos.
Carlos is planning on attending Stephen F. Austin State University and major in science or the medical field. He is in the SFA STEM Academy and is planning on participating in UIL events in the spring.
Ashley Galvan is also a junior and recommends that students taking the test need to prioritize their time.
“Time management helps. There’s Khan Academy. The school has PSAT tutoring. Take advantage of every opportunity,” said Ashley.
Ashley is also in the SFA STEM Academy and volunteers in Ignite, Robotics, and STEM events. She won an award her Freshman year for most volunteer hours for STEM.
Ashley wants to become a biomedical engineer and attend the University of Texas at Austin.
“Today is a proud day for Panther Nation as we have 13 students to qualify for the Hispanic Recognition Award. This is a great accomplishment and is a result of these students hard work and dedication, as well as Lufkin High School commitment to preparing our students to be college and career ready,” said Dr. Andre Emmons, Lufkin High School Principal.
The following students are College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar(s):
Ashley Galvan
Carlos Perez
Emmanuel Rojo
Jacqueline Silva
Jenifer De La Garza
Jesusangel Luna
Joan Hernandez
Kylie Ridings
Leonardo Osorio
Nicole Weiss
Rosina Camarillo
Selene Garcia
Vanessa Oliveros
PHOTO BY: Andy Adams/Lufkin ISD