Sierra Vidaurri, a senior at UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High was one of nearly 500 students to apply for the Luminary Scholarship at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
“Sierra was one of 25 selected, “UTRGV Associate VP for Strategic Enrollment Dara Newton said. “Being selected as a Luminary Scholar places you among the UTRGV elite. We know that you will exemplify the qualities of leadership, service, and scholarship. We also knew when we selected you that great things were to come.”
Vidaurri plans to major in Biomedical Sciences. As a Luminary Scholar, she will have the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, as well as medical school at the UTRGV School of Medicine, covered.
“Your hard work and commitment to academic excellence are yielding great benefits,” Harlingen Collegiate High principal Dr. Pamela Flores said. “You are well on your way to making your dreams come true. Congratulations!”
Luminary Scholarship recipients must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership experience, community involvement, and a commitment to work in the Rio Grande Valley.
“The purpose of this scholarship is not only to benefit my academic career but to benefit the lives of my community,” Vidaurri said. “Just as my community has given to me, I plan to give back by practicing medicine.”
At her UTRGV signing ceremony, Vidaurri recalled the first time she heard about the Luminary Scholarship.
“The local news network made a segment about this brand-new Luminary Scholarship,” Vidaurri said. “I was like, ‘Oh, I’m not going to get it. I’m not going to apply.’ My mom was very insistent. Later that night, my dad came home and said the same thing. So, eventually, I applied and about four months later, I got called in to go to an interview.”
At the end of her speech, Vidaurri extended her gratitude to everyone who helped her along the way in pursuing her dream.
“To my mom and dad, thank you for being the best support system anyone could ask for,” Vidaurri said. “To my older brother, thank you for being a great source of guidance throughout my academic career. To the staff, faculty, and HCISD, thank you for providing me with quality education and opportunities that have and will directly benefit my community. Finally, to the people who made this entire scholarship possible at UTRGV, thank you. Through the Luminary Scholarship, the future of the RGV looks a whole lot brighter.”
