Congratulations to our 2024 Scholarship Winners

PBKAAGA is pleased to present seven scholarships to high school seniors, so that they can attend the college of their choice. We were privileged to collaborate with Breakthrough Central Texas to identify these students, the first generation in their families to have a college experience.

In addition, PBKAAGA has awarded a scholarship to a current college student, to enable her to continue her studies.

Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Scholarship for Academic Excellence - $2500

Addison McKenna

Addison is a graduate of LASA High School. In high school, Addison was the student representative on several AISD district committees, advocating for the betterment of the community. Addison participated in anti-bullying projects such as the World Anti-Bullying Forum and webinars through Facing History and Ourselves. Throughout high school, Addison developed a passion for activism, civil rights, and advocacy, and plans to study Political Science in college, hoping become an attorney specializing in special education law. Addison spends their free time studying to be an American Sign Language interpreter at Austin Community College and dancing in a local ballet folklorico troop.

Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Physicians Scholarship for Academic Excellence - $2500

Alexia Sanchez

Alexia is an Early College High School graduate who also graduated with an Associate Degree. She gained these diplomas while maintaining the Valedictorian position of her class. In college, she plans to major in computer science with a minor in neuroscience to apply computer science skills in the field of forensics.

Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Scholarship for Academic Excellence - $2500

Anthony Ortiz

Anthony, an aspiring mechanical engineer, has connected with his community through community service and has initiated two different organizations: robotics and esports. He dreams of expanding the world's technological advancements, as he says, "Technology can achieve anything if there is enough interest. We just need more people willing to do the work."

Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Scholarship for Academic Excellence - $2500

Cindy Ruiz

Cindy graduated from KIPP Austin Collegiate and plans to major in finance in college. One of her greatest accomplishments throughout high school has been ranking in the top 10% of her class. As a competitive student in high school, she always envisioned managing a business of her own. In college she plans to join clubs that utilize knowledge of finance, to best serve the community through mentoring others or doing volunteer work for those seeking financial need. Last summer she got to dive into creating business portfolios and financial strategies, realizing the significant impact of large-scale economic decisions on marginalized communities, which fueled the urge to help her people and those who are often looked down on.

Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Scholarship for Academic Excellence - $2500

Kelly Carbajal-Jaimes

Kelly graduated from Del Valle High School. As a first-generation college student, she wants to be a part of the greater difference that this generation sees and inspire those around her, helping others understand that if there is a will there's a way, providing inspiration and motivation for future students to push for greatness. In addition to going to college, she plans to a master’s degree in the health sciences and a Ph.D. soon after. Activities inside and outside of school included National Honor Society (where she served as secretary), Student Council, Women's Empowerment Club, the Cardinals Belles Dance Team (where she was a leader and one of the team's line sergeants), and the Red Cross Club.

Rosie Ramirez Castelan

Driven by a passion to study Architecture in college, Rosie aspires to design buildings and homes. She is committed to designing beautiful sustainable homes for low income families to live in comfortably.

Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Scholarship for Academic Excellence - $2500

Samuel Bautista Zamora

Samuel Bautista graduated from Manor Early College High School, graduating with an associate degree and a certificate in app development. He has been a part of many STEM programs, all focused on a goal to one day develop prosthesis for the disabled. He will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a computer science major to further his goals.

Philip F. Patman Memorial Baccalaureate Scholarship          $2500

Suzanne West

Suzanne graduated from Austin Communit College with an Associate of Science Degree in General Studies, in Science and Environmental Science and Technology. She is curently at St. Edward's University, majoring in Environmental Science and Policy, and minoringin Legal Studies. Suzanne is passionate about preservation and conservation of teh environment, sustainability, and circular economies; and putting an end to single use plastic culture. Last summer, she interned with the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization (NOMEC) Council, writing and analyzing policy updates and developing web content. This summer, she will be interning with the National Center for Environmental Information, modeling socio-economic and environmental justice issues using U.S. Census Tract, NOAA, and EPA data. She aspires to attend law ashool following graduation from St. Edward's University to pursue a career in enviornmental law.