Newsletter
May 2022
Announcing the 2022 James J. "Pete" Drexler
Scholarship Recipients!
We could not be happier to announce that because of the generosity of all of the donors, we have been able to award four more scholarships in our Dad's name this year.
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Matthew, Kristi, and Paul were able to announce the recipients at Organ Mountain, Las Cruces and Mayfield High Schools at their Senior Awards banquets to deliver the news personally to the students.
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We were able to tell our Dad's story to audiences at each of the events. His legacy rang out loudly and clearly across the city as the students came up to accept their awards. It was powerful and moving; we are so proud of our Dad and so proud that his family and friends can keep his spirit alive in this way.
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This year, New Mexico enacted Senate Bill 140, otherwise known as the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship Act, that will cover tuition at public colleges and universities, community colleges and tribal colleges for New Mexico residents. The Act does not kick in until after the first semester, or 15 hours, of college. The James J. "Pete" Drexler scholarship is so much more important now because once students get in the door, they are much more likely to be able to finance the rest of their education.
If you know our Dad's story, you know that his scholarship was only the beginning of his story. He almost had to turn it down because he did not have the money to support himself through college. The scholarship funds we are giving this year reflect the generosity that our Dad received when he was given a fortuitous summer job that paid more than anyone could have ever predicted and gave him his only chance at taking advantage of his scholarship. We are so happy now to be able to further support these students and truly enable them to focus on their education without financial hardships.
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A scholarship is so much more than a certificate or a sum of money. It’s the culmination of effort, determined focus, and an opportunity that rises up at the time when it is needed. We're very happy to provide the opportunity to students and keep this ball going forward in our Dad's name.
If you would like to continue to support students in our Dad's name, please consider making a donation to the James J. ("Pete") Drexler Scholarship! Donate Here.
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Help fund more scholarships today!
The 2022 James J. "Pete" Drexler Scholars
Photo credit: Kristi Drexler
Caitlyn Lonasee
"Keshi ho’ Caitlyn Lonasee leh’shi’na. Ho’ Organ Mountain un tsina wa sha ah." --Caitlyn Lonasee
Caitlyn graduated from Organ Mountain High School in Las Cruces. with a GPA of 4.1. She is an indigenous woman who is half Zuni and half Laguna from the Pueblos of Zuni and Pueblo Laguna. Her parents have taught her the ways of the Zuni life, including the language. She is excited to pursue her education and use her training in the STEM field of Computer Science and Software Engineering to help her community, which is struggling to keep up with the continual technological advances.
Caitlyn participated in Soccer, Basketball, and Track and Field during high school. She was the starting Varsity goalkeeper throughout her tenure at Organ Mountain. She was a National Honor Society (NHS) member, a National Society of High School Scholars member, and participated in Science Olympiad, helping her team go to state and competed in numerous events. Outside of school, she volunteered at Casa de Peregrinos Food Bank for almost seven years, Caitlyn's father (her "mentor, coach and superhero") works as a Mechanical Engineer for NASA and has instilled in her a core belief that she can achieve her goals of becoming a Software Engineer as a young indigenous woman.
Without this scholarship, Caitlyn would have struggled to find the funds to pay for the rapidly rising costs of books, fees, and all the other expenses inherent in studying within the STEM fields.
With Caitlyn’s work ethic and drive, it’s understandable how she has achieved so much already. We are proud to offer her this opportunity, and we are confident that she will continue to excel in all that she does.
Cristian Saenz
"Regret only comes from what you withhold, so if you play all your cards, there will be no true regrets. We only have one life, and shame on us if we don't make the most of it."
--Cristian Saenz
Cristian graduated from Las Cruces High School with a 3.9 GPA. He participated in both the varsity wrestling and football programs, becoming a District Champion in wrestling in his weight class and holding an all-district position and a semifinal placement for football. He was also National Honor Society member and is very interested in Physics, Math, and Engineering, though he is undecided about which he will pursue.
His math teacher related that he consistently maintained an A+ grade in class. She nominated him for the valued “DAWG" recognition award and was effusive about how generous Cristian is in assisting others, the determination with which he approaches life, and the vitality, enthusiasm and respect, with which he engages with others.
Cristian most admires his father who has been a construction worker. His father was unable to pursue any further education, and Cristian has always wondered who he would have become had he continued in school. Cristian adamantly wants that chance now, and with this scholarship, he can now focus on preparing for his future career in a STEM field while worrying less about the financial needs of college. He had been concerned that he might be pushed to his limits to simply secure the funding to pursue his education.
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With Cristian's thirst for knowledge and his drive, we are certain to watch him thrive and we are very happy to help him with his goals.
Photo credit: Paul Drexler
Photo credit: Annja Cox
Calvin Cox
"Calvin has many strengths as an individual, but I think one of his greatest strengths is who he is a teammate and friend."
--Excerpt from a Recommendation Letter
In the numerous recommendation letters we received for Calvin, his compassion, collaborative nature, and leadership attributes were highlighted above his impressive academic and sports achievements.
Calvin graduated from Mayfield High School with a 4.1 GPA and intends to pursue a major in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. Calvin participated in football and track during high school. He was the football team captain, and told us how important sports have been for his personal development. Calvin also participated in 4H Livestock showing and Shooting (Archery, .22, muzzleloader, shotgun, orienteering, and wildlife ID) and served as Vice President of Bullseye 4H Club.
He participated in the NASA Moon Buggy Challenge, chosen to go to Huntsville Alabama for the event, and participated in the Rotary Club.
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As a leader, Calvin helped his football team achieve 1st Team All-District and 2nd Team All-State. He was the 1st Team All-District running back and 2nd Team All-State running back. He also received the Athletic Character Award and Academic Athlete Award.
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For Calvin, this scholarship will help with books and living expenses. We have every confidence that Calvin's academic skills, time management skills, character, and drive will lead him to even further success, and we are proud to make that happen.
Ariana Montoya
"Ariana is a student that helps provide the glue that keeps institutions together, both in showing a willingness to be a part of a team, as well as ensuring that the high school environment is as positive as she can help make it." --Excerpt from a Recommendation Letter
This year we have a special scholarship that is entirely in keeping with what our Dad would do! For years, our Dad helped select and fund high school scholarships to students in Belize for Full Basket Belize. One year, he very much wanted to give a scholarship to a particular young girl with much promise, and for whom a small spark might help ignite her dazzling potential. So, he inspired the additional "Spark Scholarship" for Full Basket
Photo credit: Paul Drexler
Belize, which is intended to provide that little spark to advance a student’s interests and academic career.
This year, Ariana stood out as deserving such a spark in her academic pursuits as well, and Matthew and Tim joined forces to fund her themselves, carrying on Dad's wonderful tradition!
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Ariana graduated from Las Cruces High School with a 3.6 GPA and intends to pursue an Engineering degree. The funds will help her with a tight financial status that she might not have been able to work around. Ariana has seen her mother passed over for supervisor positions because she does not have a degree, and she knows how important it is. Her mother has also pushed her to put her education first, and she has certainly succeeded in that.
Ariana has lettered in Academics for three years, is a National Honors Society member, very active in the LCHS community, both as a part of the performing dance program, the LCHS best buddies program, which is a teen mentorship program, as well as serving as team captain of her club volleyball team.
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Her recommendation letter told us what a kind, strong, committed, principled, caring young woman she is. We are thrilled to add another piece to the scholarship program and know that Ariana will make NMSU a better place.
If you would like to continue to support students in our Dad's name, please consider making a donation to the
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James J. ("Pete") Drexler Scholarship
Each donation is tax-deductible and 100% of funds are used for the students. All expenses are paid by committee members. Thank you for your help!