Scholarships of HOPE

Congratulations to biology students Alfonso Vasquez and Savannah Villanueva, who were awarded scholarships for $1,250 from the Hispanic Organization for Public Employees (HOPE) at their 10th Annual Tribute to Hispanic Heritage dinner on September 19.

Savannah received special applause for being HOPE’s youngest scholarship recipient. At only 16 years old, Savannah already has her associate’s degree after graduating from the Travis Early College High School program in May 2013; she plans to go to medical school and become an oncologist.

“I wanted a bigger challenge,” says Savannah. “My dad is very proud, especially because he just wasn’t very interested in school.” Savannah’s father looked on proudly as his daughter accepted the HOPE Scholarship on September 19.

Both Savannah and Alfonso also received matching scholarships from the Texas A&M San Antonio Foundation.