Several Doña Ana Community College (DACC) students have a little extra funds for classes, thanks to the college’s annual Scholarship Riches event.
Fifteen students were randomly selected and awarded $1,000 scholarships each during the event which took place on Tuesday, February 17th at the East Mesa Campus. The scholarships were generously provided by Mr. Randy Farmer, Dr. Don Cotter, FirstLight Federal Credit Union, Evon Bradley and the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico.
David Ruiz, a Nursing student who was one of this year’s winners, said these funds will help him and his family while he attends school and works two jobs, “So being able to have this, gives a little bit more breathing room so that I can actually focus on my studies.”
Automotive Technology student Andrea Varela, who was also a winner this year, says the funds will help with personal equipment for her courses. “It means I don’t have to take away money from what I have. (The scholarship) is very cool and it makes you think about how to give back to future students,” says Varela.
Five students were randomly chosen each half an hour during the two-hour event and all students who attended received a free meal and dessert. The event also included representatives from several resources within the college and around the county, including information on the New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, Scholar Dollar$, the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, DACC’s Veterans Program, the U.S. Army and more.
