Villalpando awarded Jr Citizen of the Year

Juan A. Navejar Jr

This year’s selection of the 2013 Jr. Citizen of the Year posed quite a challenge for the selection committee and the Chamber Board of Directors.
Beginning with 25 candidates, the committee’s role to narrow the field to 13 was their first obstacle. From the 13, six were selected to meet before the Board of Directors.
When it was all said and done, Raul A. Villalpando was named the Jr. Citizen of the Year.
“I was not expecting because anyone one of us could have received the honor,” Villalpando said. “I’m happy it was me but I think all of us deserved it in the end.”
Villalpando is a member of the National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America Treasurer, National Hispanic Institute.
The 25 students were selected by teachers and counselors at Alice High School as candidates for the Jr. Citizen of the Year. The 13 semi-finalists were 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.
All of the candidates met before a panel of judges who narrowed the field down to five. The six finalists are Beltran, Flores, Garcia, Rodriguez, Villalpando and Zamora. 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 were judged on their essays and extra-curricular activities.
The 13 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 Jaden Gallegos.
Villalpando was also presented the Franke Funke Scholarship by Wells Fargo Bank during the banquet.  
His community services included Boys Scouts of America Eagle Scout, Third Degree Knight of Columbus, St. Joseph Youth For Christ, CCD, Donated food to Alice Food Pantry and donated time at nursing during the holidays.