Students receive scholarships

Students from Laredo ISD, United ISD, Webb Consolidated ISD, St. Augustine High School, Harmony School of Excellence and Hector J. Garcia Early College have been presented a total of $25,000 in scholarships thanks to the GEO Group, Commissioner Wawi Tijerina and members of the Webb County Commissioners Court.

This is the sixteenth year that the GEO Group has awarded scholarships to area students as they pursue their college education.  In 2007, the GEO Group made a commitment to Webb County to contribute the scholarships to be used by area students.

After the four-year commitment, The GEO Group has continued to provide $25,000 every year, on a year-to-year basis, raising the scholarship contribution to $400,000 through this year.

The amount awarded was divided among all area high schools, with each Laredo ISD and United ISD high school receiving three $1,000 scholarships to deserving graduating seniors. Webb Consolidated ISD, St. Augustine High School, Harmony School of Excellence and Hector J. Garcia Early College each received one $1,000 scholarship.

Selection of scholarship recipients was left up to each school’s scholarship committee or senior counselor, with minimum criteria being financial necessity and proof of enrollment to an institute of higher learning.

“I am so proud of the recipients this year as they continue to take their education to a higher level,” Tijerina said. “I’m a firm believer that education is the key that opens all doors in life.”