Altrusa awards scholarships to local students

Angelica Jimenez, at left, a senior at West Orange-Stark High School, is recognized by Gale Beckett of Altrusa International, Inc. of Orange as the recipient of the $500 scholarship which the organization presents each year to a local graduating student. Photo by Tommy Mann Jr.

A local organization continued its tradition of help local students in their quest for higher education as it presented its annual scholarship this past week.

The organization known Altrusa International, Inc. of Orange presented its annual $500 scholarship on Thursday, May 26, to West Orange-Stark student Angelica Jimenez, during a special luncheon ceremony at Robert's Steakhouse in Pinehurst.

Altrusa International, Inc. of Orange raises the majority of its funds for its annual scholarship through it annual chili supper fundraiser, which is held every November.

Angelica, the daughter of Michelle Scott and Tommy Jimenez, graduated from West Orange-Stark High School this past Friday, May 27. She has a 5.1 grade point average on a weighted scale and ranked 10th in her class of 127 students.

Academic Honors include being a member of the National Honor Society, All A Honor Roll and A/B Honor Roll, and being the published author of a poem. She is a member of Key Club, Student Council, the Culinary Club and the school Drama Club.

Angelica, who is employed locally at Wal-Mart, plans to attend Lamar State College-Orange as she hopes to purse a career in the medical field and become a Pediatric Nurse Practioner.

In order to obtain her degree as quickly as possible, Angelica said she will start out with volunteer work at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont during the summer and begin taking classes as she works toward her Bachelor's degree. She has plans to pursue a Master's degree as well.

"To be a Pediatric Nurse Practioner is my dream," Angelica said in a letter submitted with her scholarship application. "I love kids and helping them is my passion. There is nothing I would rather do with my life. It makes me so happy to be around children and helping them. I do not care if I am in school for 10 years, I will keep going and do whatever I can to become that."

Altrusa International was founded in Nashville, Tennessee in 1917, according to the official website. Members of Altrusa are united through their dedication, to develop and apply leadership abilities, to capitalize on its worldwide member network and to find partners to help us improve its communities.