May 17th, 2009
CTMC awards local students scholarships

Scholarship winners with CTMC President and CEO Gary Jepson.

STAFF REPORT

Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) recently awarded five local students with scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000, along with gift bags to help them get started in college.

“We recognized the great need in our community due to these troubled economic times,” said CTMC President and CEO Gary Jepson. “Awarding scholarships is a great way for us to extend the healing ministry of Christ beyond health care.”

The scholarships were awarded based on financial need, community service and academic excellence. More than 100 application were reviewed by CTMC’s Sponsorship Committee. The winners are Viridiana Garcia, Brooke Morgan, Evelyn Rangel, Mathew Rogers and Joshua Ruiz.

CTMC began awarding three annual $500 scholarships in 1997 to students enrolled at San Marcos and Hays High Schools. In order to match the rising cost of higher education, the scholarships were raised to $1,000 in 2009. The application process is open to all students throughout the region.

Due to a record number of deserving applicants this year, CTMC awarded two additional $500 scholarships.

“CTMC is vital to our community, and we believe each one of these students has played a vital role in service to our community,” said CTMC Sponsorship Committee Chair Tabitha Walsh. “CTMC is honored to award each one with funds that will encourage their education.”

The scholarship winners, and where they plan to go to college, are listed below.

Mathew Rogers is graduating from Johnson High School in San Antonio and will attend Texas State University. He promotes CTMC ‘s mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ through his involvement in his church mission trips and youth ministry.

Joshua Ruiz is graduating from San Marcos High School and will attend The University of Texas. Joshua has been a CTMC junior volunteer, and was motivated by his positive experience with the CTMC staff to pursue a medical degree.

Evelyn Rangel is graduating from Lehman High School and will attend Mills College in Oakland, CA. Evelyn is bilingual and a first generation college student. She plans to be a stepping stone for future generations of her family as they pursue higher education.

Viridiana Garcia is graduating from San Marcos High School and will attend Texas Women’s University. She babysits five young children, one with special needs, and wants to become a pediatrician.

Brooke Morgan is graduating from San Marcos High School and will attend Boston University. She has volunteered more than 700 community service hours and maintained academic excellence.