LISD Seniors Selects Terry Scholarship Recipients

Valdez and Sangerman-Gutierrez are among 225 cohorts selected from the 420 seniors interviewed statewide. As part of the application process, students had to submit a brief essay, two recommendation letters, and go through an interview where they are asked questions from a panel of current and former Terry Scholars. All scholars are chosen using three criteria: academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and financial need.

Karen and Antonio emotions got the best of them when they received their congratulatory email from the Terry Foundation.

“When I first heard I had been selected as a recipient, I felt a rush of emotions take over me. It was a joy like no other, ”Valdez said. “In a matter of seconds, my life changed forever. The first thing I did was thank God. Then as soon as I got home, I told the news to my mom, and we both broke out in tears. This memory will forever be in my heart as one of the greatest days of my life. ”

“I was riled up with emotions. I was awestruck and could not contain my excitement. I was filled with joy and relief, ”Sangerman-Gutierrez said. “This scholarship means everything to me as it lifts the heavy burden and will allow me to pursue my dreams without having to worry about the financial burden that comes with attaining a higher education.”

The two students will also be part of an ever-expanding network, comprised of over 6,000 Terry Scholars in various fields of study and industries across the globe.

As recipients of the Terry Scholarship, Valdez and Sangerman-Gutierrez are one step closer to their dreams becoming a reality as they were chosen for admission to Texas State and Texas A&M Universities, respectively.

“I fell in love with Texas State University because of the faculty. They made me feel so welcomed that it felt like if I was home. It will give me the opportunity to study under an amazing music faculty and alongside a wonderful cello professor, Dr. Karla Hamelin, ”Valdez said. “Getting this scholarship means that I get to live out my dreams. It is also a huge blessing to me and my family as it gives us peace of mind that I will not be in debt and will be able to focus on being the best student I can be. It will allow me to become the best teacher I can be. ”

“I chose to attend Texas A&M because of the school’s values ​​and they have one of the best aerospace programs in the nation,” Sangerman-Gutierrez said. “This scholarship means everything to me, as it lifts the heavy burden off my father’s back of having to worry about the financial aspect of attending a university. He no longer has to worry about my financial means to help me attain a post-secondary education and dreams of one day being able to become a NASA astronaut. ”

Both students expressed their gratitude to their parents and teachers.

“First, I would like to give thanks to God. He has been a huge support for me throughout this process. Next, I would like to thank my mom and my aunt. They are amazing women that have shown me that hard work and determination can take you anywhere, ”Valdez said. “I would also like to thank all the teachers that I have ever had. Each one of them has inspired me in different ways, and because of them I have developed a love for teaching. ”

“I want to thank my sister, Dayana; my father, Juan Antonio; and lastly my girlfriend, Tiffany Gutierrez; as they truly are the reasons that I am where I am today, ”Sangerman-Gutierrez said. “If it weren’t for my father’s sacrifices; my sister’s help with preparing for interviews, revise essays or simply taking me to school; to my girlfriend’s constant pushing and reminders to complete my work; I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today. ”

Valdez will be majoring in Music Education and will earn an all-level teacher certification. She also plans on being a part of the Honor College at Texas State. She plans on pursuing a career as a music teacher and someday to become a Music Therapist.

Valdez is graduating with a GPA of 105.18 and with 27 college hours. She has been named a LISD Science Fair third-place winner, Border Patrol Youth of the Month, National Honor Society Inductee and Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica Inductee.

Her extra-curricular activities include being a cellist in the JW Nixon Orchestra and the Vidal M. Trevino Philharmonic Orchestra. She is also involved in Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, National Honors Society, Science UIL, Communities in Schools, School Newspaper and Young Women`s Church Organization.

Sangerman-Gutierrez plans on attaining a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering at A&M, and if all goes well, he plans to attend MIT to get his master’s.

Sangerman-Gutierrez graduates as Cigarroa High School’s valedictorian with an overall GPA of 104.18. He was also a student at Laredo College where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associates of Science having earned over 60 college credit hours.

Sangerman-Gutierrez’s academic accomplishments include A Honor Roll, Foundation High School Program, Distinguished Level of Achievement in Public Service, Advanced Placement Program, Dual Enrollment Program, Laredo Sector Border Patrol Youth of the Month for April and Border Patrol Youth of the Year. He was also a semi-finalist for the Bill Gates Scholars Program and nominated for the Congress of Future Medical Larders Award of Excellence.

His extra-curricular activities include National Honor Society President, Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and Orchestra.

Sangerman-Gutierrez completed 400 hours of community service through various organizations on campus, including the Family Reading Night events, National Honor Society and the CHS Counseling Center, National Honor Society Toy Drive and Food Drive, and Superintendent Student Advisory Literacy Project Reader.

Sangerman-Gutierrez’s computer skills include Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Slide, Docs, and Sheets, SolidWorks and AutoCAD.