Three VMT seniors received the prestigious title of  National Hispanic Scholar in November.
“I’m proud to carry the title National Hispanic Scholar with me. It’s really quite a honor,” said Maria Rivera, a student at Nixon.
Another did not expect to receive it.
“It was a big surprise because I thought I wasn’t going to get the award,” said Shaula Rocha, who attends Cigarroa as well as VMT.
A Nixon student believes the award will open new opportunities.
“There was plenty of opportunity already. Our counselors make sure of that, but this should open up more doors for me,” said Raoul Moreno, a Nixon student.
All three want to stay in the state to attend college.
“I’m hoping for the big U.T. I still haven’t decided if I want to major in law or computer science,” Moreno said.
Rivera is also planning to attend U.T.
“My goal is to attend UT at Austin and major in communication,” Rivera said.
Rocha may be close to them, in San Marcos.
“I’m going to Texas State and want to major in English and Sociology,” she said.
All have received extra recognition because of the award.
“Colleges have sent letters and e-mails congratulating me, and trying to make me very aware that they are interested in me attending their school,” said Moreno.
Rivera has gotten a different reaction.
“Three of us who were granted the award received certificates of recognition along with many pictures taken, an interview, and lots of smiles from our counselors,” Rivera said.
Rocha also has seen similar reactions.
“I got to be in the local newspaper, and a lot of teachers congratulated me,” Rocha said.
The National Hispanic Recognition program was founded by the College Board in 1983 to identify outstanding students of Hispanic/Latino decent through the PSAT/NMSQT test. Approximately 5,000 out of about 250,000 Hispanic/Latino high school students are given the title.
Though no financial aid is given to the student for college, academic recognition is extended. If chosen, the award gives a boost to one’s college application. A CD with a list of names of those who achieved this accomplishment is sent to subscribing universities.
To be given recognition would mean surpassing the cut-off scores for the state of Texas. The score is a combination of critical reading, mathematics and writing skills on PSAT/NMSQT, taken during a student’s junior year. The student must also be at least one-quarter Hispanic/Latino.