PBKAAGA is pleased to announce the winners of its 2020 scholarships. Three high school seniors have been awarded scholarships to 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 college experience.
Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Scholarship for Academic Excellence
Stephany Uriostegui $2500
Stephany is graduating from Northeast Early College High School at the top 10% of her class, graduating with over 200 community service hours. First in her family to go to college, Stephany will attend the University of Texas at Austin, enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts. Currently an undecided major, she wants to experience career options as a community volunteer before making a final decision about a major. Stephany is also a proud recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the Air Force Junior ROTC, the third highest ribbon a cadet can receive, as well as receiving a trustee award during each of her years in high school. Stephany hopes that her experience can be an example for others, showing that a bachelor’s degree can be obtained no matter your background.
Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Scholarship for Academic Excellence
Lucita Rodriguez $2500
Lucita is a graduate of Del Valle High School, and she will soon be the first one in her family to attend college. Lucita will attend St. Edward’s University in the fall of 2020, studying political science, with plans to go to law school and pursue her dream of becoming an immigration lawyer. Coming from an immigrant family, Lucita was born and raised in Austin along with her 10-year-old sister. Her parents taught her that hard work and a good education are the keys to success. That advice has always been her motivation to keep going, and she wants to take advantage of all the opportunities that her parents didn’t have growing up. Throughout high school she has been acknowledged for her stellar academic performance and her dedication to community service, which earned her an academic achievement plaque her senior year. Lucita wants her experience to show that through hard work and devotion you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Scholarship for Academic Excellence
Michelle Abalos $2500
Michelle was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She is a graduate of Northeast Early College High School, excited to attend Texas A&M University at Galveston in the fall of 2020, where she plans to study biomedical engineering. Along with her younger sister, she enjoys drawing, painting, and doing crafts. In middle school and high school, Michelle's hard work has been recognized, and she achieved the position of Valedictorian of her graduating class. With the help of Breakthrough Central Texas, she is the first in her family to go to college.
Philip F. Patman Memorial Baccalaureate Scholarship
Najeia Besiso $2000
Najeia was born in Oklahoma, but lived in Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, California, and Berlin, Germany, before settling in Texas. First living in San Antonio and Houston, she moved to Austin 15 years ago.
After a successful decade in the work force, Najeia took a break to raise her twin daughters. She then attended Austin Community College and earned her associate’s degree with a stellar 4.0 GPA. She became a full time student after the birth of her third child, now pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business at Southwestern University, where she has been on the Dean’s List. When she completes this degree, she plans to pursue an MBA at the University of Texas at Austin.
When not studying, Najeia works as account manager at an animal hospital, cares for her elderly mother, and is mother to her 10-year old twins and rambunctious 2-year old. She also enjoys yoga, tennis, painting, and volunteering at local animal shelters.
