Jr. Citizen candidates narrowed to six

Juan A. Navejar Jr.

After a tough evening of interviews, the 13 candidates for Jr. Citizen of the Year have been narrowed down to six.

The purpose of the Junior Citizen of the Year Award is to honor and reward a special student that has demonstrated exceptional interest, understanding and involvement in citizenship and community activities.

Thirteen students were selected as candidates for this year’s honor by Alice High School staff. The thirteen candidates are Mark Alaniz, Isaul Arismendez, Marcos Avila, Madison Beltran, Sierra Flores, Jaden Gallegos, Denysa Gonzalez, Tiffany Hinojosa, Kristopher Rodriguez, Chelsey Saenz, Raul Villalpando and Jorge Zamora

The 13 candidates met before a committee who the narrowed the field down to six finalists. The six finalists are Beltran, Flores, Garcia, Rodriguez, Villalpando and Zamora. They will be interviewed by the Alice Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on Monday, March 26th during a special called meeting.

The Junior Citizen of the Year program is intended to encourage today’s high school students to become tomorrow’s civic leaders.

The students were selected by teachers and counselors. 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 winner will be announced on Thursday, April 3, 2014 during the 77^th Annual Chamber Banquet. The Junior Citizen of the year will also be presented with the Franke Funke Scholarship presented by Wells Fargo Bank. The 13 candidates are also vying for the Lowell Hunt Memorial Scholarship presented by the Alice Echo-News Journal for their essay competition.