(LAREDO) — Eleven students from Laredo high schools, Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University were honored with $1,000 scholarships by the Mr. South Texas Foundation (MSTF) on Friday (Aug. 16).

"These students are among the best and brightest and are the future leaders of our region," said Senator Judith Zaffirini, MSTF president. "I am delighted to recognize them, because they have not only excelled in academics and extracurricular activities, but also demonstrated commitment to community service and dedication to family."

When the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association honored her as Mr. South Texas in 1999, Senator Zaffirini made a commitment to help future generations of leaders in the region and assist students in achieving their higher education goals. Accordingly, she established the MSTF and raised the money for the annual scholarships.

Wednesday's presentation ceremony was hosted by Dr. Ray Keck, President, and Dr. Minita Ramirez, Dean of Student Success, at A&M International. Each honoree was selected as his or her class's most likely future Mr. South Texas honoree.

"The Mr. South Texas Foundation's mission is to aid students in their transition From Scholarship to Leadership," Senator Zaffirini said. "Our honorees pledge to return to South Texas after meeting their impressive higher education goals."

The 2013 Mr. South Texas Foundation scholarship recipients are:

• Anna Lee Alexander, St. Augustine High School
• Daniel Colchado, Alexander High School
• Gabriela Dominguez, Martin High School
• Carlos Owen Gonzalez, Laredo Early College High School
• Antonio Jimenez, Cigarroa High School
• Jorge Eliot Macias, LBJ High School
• Leslie Denise Martinez, Texas A&M International University
• Richardo Alejandro Perez, Nixon High School
• Juan M. Vasquez, United South High School
• Rolando Vedia, United High School
• Rosalynn Ann Velasquez, Laredo Community College

Celebrating its 14th anniversary in 2013, the foundation has provided $128,000 in scholarships to 128 Laredo students.

"Helping young persons achieve their higher education goals is one of the best ways we can impact the future of our region and state," Senator Zaffirini said. "It is my hope that all South Texans will join me in congratulating these students and in opening doors for future generations of youth."

For additional information regarding the Mr. South Texas Foundation, please contact Teresa Carrales at 956/722-2293.

"FROM SCHOLARSHIP TO LEADERSHIP" is the motto of the Mr. South Texas Foundation, which Senator Zaffirini founded to provide scholarships for high-achieving students who pledge to return to South Texas after meeting their impressive higher education goals. At a ceremony on Friday, Aug. 16, The senator and Texas A&M International University President Ray Keck congratulated the students, including standing (L-R) Rosalynn Ann Velasquez, Gabriela Dominguez, Carlos Gonzalez, Juan Vasquez, Ricardo Alejandro Perez and Rolando Vedía; and seated (L-R) Daniel Colchado, Anna Lee Alexander, Antonio Jimenez and Leslie Denise Martinez.

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