Rodriguez named Jr. Citizen of the Year

Juan A. Navejar Jr.

This year’s selection of the 2014 Jr. Citizen of the Year posed quite a challenge for the selection committee and the Chamber Board of Directors.
Beginning with 16 candidates, the committee’s role to narrow the field to ten was their first obstacle. From the ten, five were selected to meet before the Board of Directors.
When it was all said and done, Lauren Rodriguez was named the Jr. Citizen of the Year.
“I want to thank my parents who have always supported me said.
Rodriguez is President of the National Honor Society, Varsity Basketball, Destination Imagination, Honors Band, Marching Band Drum Major, All District Band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes  and All Academic District Team
The 16 students were selected by teachers and counselors at Alice High School as candidates for the Jr. Citizen of the Year. The 10 semi-finalists were Samantha Canales, Guadalupe Ceja, Sonia Cervantes, Denissa Dorsett, Hunter Garza, Jared Jaramillo, Erik Jimenez, Frank Leal, Nathan Pastrano and Rodriguez
All of the semi-final candidates met before a panel of judges who narrowed the field down to five. The five finalists are Ceja, Dorsett, Leal, Pastrano and Rodriguez. Aside the panel of judges, the five 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 16 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 Erik Jimerez.
Rodriguez was also presented a $1,000 Scholarship by the Alice Chamber of Commerce during the banquet.  
Her community services included Relay For Life, St. Elizabeth Church Nursery and Tony Balboa Memorial Benefit.