Jr. Citizen of the Year goes to Gabriela Ceja

Juan A. Navejar Jr.

Gabriela Ceja was quite surprised and elated as she was named this year’s Jr. Citizen of the Year.
“I am honored to have been selected for this honor. I want to thank my parents and the committee for this selection,” Ceja said.
Gabriela is a member of the National Honor Society, Band, Future Farmers of America President, Star Greenhand, Coyote Academic Scholar, A&M National Hispanic Scholar, HOSA, Cross Country, Imagination Destination.
Community Services included volunteering at Food Bank, CCD teacher, KC Veterans Day Dinner, Spanish & English Lector, Altar Server.
The 20 students were selected by Alice High School staff. The candidates were Damien Cardenas, Gabriela Ceja, Adrian Cantu, Trevor Carmona, Regan-Lynn Beltran, Esai Cordova, Autumn Flores, Nicole Frisco, Miranda Gonzalez, Issac Hernandez, Larissa Luna, Mikaela Martinez, Manuel Munoz, Sarah Munoz, Aaren Perez, Austin Perez, Ryley Priddy, Marcos Ruiz, Jose Sanchez and Michael Torres.
A committee narrowed the field down to 10 who met before a panel of judges who narrowed the field down to six. The six finalists were Ceja, Flores, Luna, Priddy, Ruiz and Torres. Aside the panel of judges, the six finalists met before the Chamber board for the final selection was made.
Each student had to write an essay as part of the selection process. The students are judged on their essays and extra-curricular activities.
The 20 candidates also competed for the Lowell Hunt Memorial Scholarship presented by the Alice Echo-News Journal for their essay competition. This year’s Lowell Hunt Scholarship was awarded to Autumn Flores.