Early College High School senior Roselyn Ortiz received the Hispanic Professionals Association of Tyler (HPAT) Scholarship at the 5th annual East Texas Leadership Summit luncheon.
Roselyn expressed her heartfelt gratitude, "As a first-generation college student, I am grateful for this scholarship. It will allow me to focus more on my studies and worry less about how I will pay for college. I am very grateful to be chosen as the recipient of the HPAT scholarship."
"The Hispanic Professionals Association of Tyler is proud to announce that all profits from the East Texas Leadership Summit will now go to provide scholarships for students in Smith and surrounding counties," said Ebb Torres, East Texas Leadership Summit Committee Chair. "In conjunction with the East Texas Communities Foundation, HPAT is on a mission to uplift and empower the promising young minds of the community. These scholarships are not just financial assistance but a life-changing opportunity for students."
The room erupted in applause, resonating with the shared belief in the power of education and community support. Mr. Torres continued, "The East Texas Leadership Summit began in 2018 as a way to bring together members of the community to begin conversations for the betterment of the community. Our 5th annual summit serves as our largest attended event thus far."
“Roselyn is very deserving of this scholarship,” Roselyn’s teacher and mentor Lisa Ellis said. “She is an active member of the National Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Tyler Junior College, and G.I.V.E. (Girls Invested in Volunteer Service), where she participates in community service that serves nonprofit organizations in Smith County. Roselyn is a hard worker who puts enormous effort into completing assignments beyond the desired criteria.”
Roselyn will pursue a degree in nursing at The University of Texas at Tyler this fall where, with the support of HPAT, the East Texas Communities Foundation, and the entire community behind her, she is ready to embark on her journey towards a brighter future.