Moreno family awards annual scholarship to nursing students
This year's scholarship recipients are Leslie Torres of Del Rio, Kimberly Olvera of Eagle Pass, Karyssa Davila, Alyssa Lombrana, Regina Prado and Emily Martinez, all hailing from Uvalde.
The scholarship, which offers $500 to each recipient, honors the memory of Jesse T. Moreno Jr., who passed away Jan. 27, 2014, at 56, following a courageous 16-year battle with multiple myeloma. Jesse Jr., the son of Mr. Moreno Sr. and the late Andrea Torres Moreno, was an alumnus of Uvalde High School's class of 1976. He continued his education at SWTJC, earning an Associate of Arts degree in 1978 before pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing in San Antonio, which he attained in 1981.
During the scholarship presentation, Nora Gonzalez took a moment to address the students, expressing the family's joy in awarding her brother's scholarship to these remarkable individuals. "We are so happy to give this award to six very deserving students," she remarked. "We're very pleased to present this honor to you on behalf of my brother."
Also present at the ceremony were Mark Underwood, vice president of academic affairs, Raul Gonzalez, husband of Nora Gonzalez and Xavier and Ivan Grubbs, grandsons of Nora Gonzalez.
The Moreno Family Scholarship supports registered nursing students in their first year of the program. To qualify, applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses and submit a 200-word essay detailing their background, motivations for pursuing nursing, and the challenges they've overcome during their journey.
SWTJC's registered nursing program equips graduates to navigate modern health care's dynamic and intricate landscape. Individuals interested in enrolling in the program can contact Dr. Margorie L. Lieck, SWTJC Director of Licensed Vocational Nursing & Associate Degree in Nursing Programs, at (830) 591-7230.
As the Moreno family's generosity inspires and uplifts aspiring nurses, SWTJC remains committed to fostering excellence and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals.