High school students in the Laredo Community College TRIO Upward Bound program recently returned from Harlingen with their hands full after winning the majority of trophies at the 29th annual South Texas Upward Bound Academic Bowl.
Hosted by Texas State Technical College-Harlingen, the contest showcased young scholars as they competed for awards in a variety of academic, art and sports categories.
LCC Upward Bound students garnered 41 trophies out of some 70, winning more than half of the awards in the contest, UB director Gerardo Martinez noted.
Programs from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Coastal Bend College, South Texas Community College and TSTC-Harlingen also attended.
“Laredo Community College is proud of our Upward Bound students for their impressive accomplishment; they truly are winners at the College of Champions,” Martinez said.
Martinez said that the duo of Barbara Flores and Samuel Pozas won the top spot in artistic expression. Tied for second were Kesia Rodriguez and Kimberly Milera. Other winners included Helen Alonzo, 3rd; and Sandra Hernandez, 5th.
Other winners included Helen Alonzo, Best Vocal; Barbara Flores and Samuel Pozas, Best Vocal and Instrumental; Kesia Rodriguez and Kimberly Milera, Best Dance (tied); and Samuel Pozas, Best Instrumental.
In the area of poetry, Laura Campos returned to the bowl to win first place honors for the second year in a row. Other winners included Christina Ayala, 3rd and Chelsea Chavez, 4th.
Budding mathematicians from LCC’s Upward Bound program also scored big at the bowl; trophies were awarded to the top 10 contestants.
In Mathematics I, the winners were Judy Gutierrez, 1st; Alejandra Moreno, 2nd; Roxanna Castillo, 5th; and Nancy Cruz, 10th.
Juan Castillo won first place in Mathematics II, followed by Erika Riojas at 4th; Selina Garcia at 5th; Emmanuel Balderas at 7th; and Ofelia Garcia at 8th.
In spelling, LCC won 12 awards, including the top 10 spots. The winners were Janette Alvarado, 1st; Lorie Zamarripa, 2nd; Jazmine Ceron, 3rd; Stephanie Rodriguez, 4th; Amanda Flores, 5th; Gizelle Peña, 6th; Adriana Arriaga, 7th; Alejandro Ramirez, 8th; Vanessa Cadena, 9th; Frances Chaires, 10th; Victoria Puente, 13th; and Gisela Bautista, 15th.
In persuasive speaking, trophies were given to the top five contestants. LCC garnered some honors thanks to Carmen Morales, 3rd; Carlos Cortez, 4th; and Angelo Flores, 5th.
Awards were given to the top 10 participants in the Science I category. From LCC, Veronica Cabrera took the top spot, followed by Barbara Benavides at 2nd and David Nuñez at 10th.
In Science II, Cesar Rodriguez received 10th place.
Along with competing in academics, LCC Upward Bound students displayed their sportsmanship skills to win 2nd place trophies on the basketball and volleyball courts.
“The students, along with Upward Bound faculty and staff, worked very hard to prepare for this important contest. Their dedication demonstrates their commitment to the program and to each other.”
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Upward Bound is for first-generation college students whose parents do not hold a four-year college degree. Students also may qualify if they come from an economically disadvantaged family.
Enrollment is under way for current eighth- and ninth-grade students who care to join this free and exciting learning experience. For more information, call the Upward Bound program at 721-5238 or 721-5240.
Laredo Community College Upward Bound students display the trophies won during the annual academic bowl in Harlingen.
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