Scholarships

They have been handed little in life, and yet they have made much of what they have. Their nominators use phrases like “exemplary work ethic,” “bright outlook” and “meets challenges head-on” to describe them. They are the five Southern Arizona high school seniors we have chosen to receive $1,000 each through the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson Newspapers Scholarship Program because of their commitment to education in the face of hardship.

These five teens have overcome obstacles that easily could shake the most mature adult’s foundation. Whether supporting themselves, shouldering the demands of marriage and parenthood, rising above drugs and gangs or overcoming cancer, they stand out in a crowd because, despite all they face, they still find time to be givers to those less fortunate around them.

(image) Mike Castillo,
Canyon Del Oro High School

In and out of foster care since the age of 7, Castillo has always managed to overcome his obstacles, inspire other students and stay focused.

While maintaining a high GPA, playing football and working full time, he has also found time to help students less fortunate than himself through the Youth Transition Program. Instead of accepting his Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree Program last year, he decided to give them to more needy students.

He has been named Most Inspirational Player and Scholar Athlete for football. Castillo lives in a group home with other students and supports himself by working as a prep cook and dishwasher. He plans to attend culinary school after graduation.

(image) Amanda Moseman,
Benson Union High School

Moseman lives with her grandparents, comes from a divorced family and has never met her father. Her grandmother suffers from a stroke she had two years ago. Moseman’s family has not been able to save for college due to pressing financial obligations.

Despite these obstacles, Moseman has maintained a high GPA, played on the softball, volleyball and wrestling teams, participated in Bible Club, helped her business teacher as an aide and served as senior-class vice president.

Her teacher says: “She has a resiliency of mind and spirit that are extremely admirable, especially of someone her age.” Moseman will be the first in her family to attend college. She plans to study psychology at ASU, then obtain a master’s degree in counseling.

(image) Karina M. Orta,
Tucson Youth Development Alternative Program

Orta has seen more than the average teen, and, because of her experiences, she has become a stronger person.

Prior to her success at TYD, she battled drugs and gangs and dropped out of high school. Now she has earned enough credits at TYD to attain a high school diploma. Orta is also married and the mother of a 5-month-old daughter.

She volunteers at the Mission Branch Library, where she assists patrons with the Internet, and she helps out with the Pima County Graffiti Abatement Program. Orta dreams of becoming a lawyer. She plans to attend PCC and then transfer to the UA.

(image) Katie Ramierez, Sahuarita High School

It has been said that Ramirez never complains — her attitude and resilience are an inspiration.

When she was an elementary pupil, her older sister, Selina, was killed on the way home from a softball game. This devastated Ramirez and her family. But that was not the only battle she would face. When Ramirez was in junior high school, she was diagnosed with cancer.

She missed a lot of school and underwent frequent chemotherapy treatments yet still managed to pass all her classes, participate on the cheerleading squad and help as a track-team manager, among other activities.

Now her cancer is in remission, and she’ll soon be leaving for England as an exchange student. Ramirez plans to study hotel and restaurant management in college.

(image) Bruce Siegal,
Rincon High School

Despite family problems and hardships, Siegal gives back to his community tenfold. His parents are divorced, he lives on his own, works full time and participates in Youth on Their Own. He still manages to volunteer for a supportive-housing community, raise money for Casa de los Niños, organize car washes for the homeless and participate in food and clothing drives.

Siegal is a well-rounded student who excels in the classroom and on the playing field. He is a member of the football and track teams and has been invited to join the National Honor Society. He is a model student despite adversity and deserves recognition.

Siegal plans to study psychology at the UA.


We wish to thank Edith Auslander, the UA Alumni Office, and Marie Foster Gnage, assistant vice chancellor for educational services at the UA, for serving on our scholarship committee.