Newsletter
April 2021
James J. "Pete" Drexler
April 19, 1938 - April 22, 2021
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our dad. So many of you know how amazing he was and how fortunate we are to have known him. His kindness and sweetness of spirit were there until the very end.
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He was able to approve the first two recipients of the scholarship, and he was grateful and surprised by the generosity of each donor. It made him proud that we are helping the next generation of students in his memory.
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2021 Scholarship Recipients
Luis Meraz
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Luis is graduating from Las Cruces High School and intends to study Aerospace Engineering at NMSU. He has a leadership position in JROTC, plays in a mariachi band and also plays in the choir for his church. He earned a GPA of 4.12 and his teachers give him high praise:
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"He is determined and extremely outgoing, always ready to lend a hand to any peer who may need it. He has always been able to maintain an A average in rigorous classes while being an active member of the Mariachi and JROTC groups at LCHS. In addition, Luis has received an academic letter all three years at LCHS.
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Luis has an outstanding work ethic and has taken on leadership roles in environments where he is often younger than his peers. Luis has gained skills such as working cooperatively as a team member and communicating with others, both orally and in writing. He has been able to discover the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health, and developed effective time management abilities."
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Luis has received one other honors scholarship, and with this one, he will be able to afford the first year of NMSU. With his determination and drive and scholastic achievements already, we are confident that he will excel. We're proud to offer this opportunity to him.
Ivana Melendez-Aguirre
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Ivana is graduating from Mayfield High School and intends to study Biochemistry at NMSU. She is captain of the girls varsity volleyball team. She participates in many community service opportunities, including Zoom Tutoring for younger kids in her district once a week. At Mayfield, Ivana earned a GPA of 4.3, all while pursuing advanced educational opportunities.
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Her counselor relays:
"Ivana is an excellent and well-rounded student. She has continuously challenged herself during her high school years by taking rigorous classes at the honors and AP level. Ivana has taken a total of 14 classes at the honors/AP level. Even during her Senior year, while some students decide to take it easy, Ivana has continued to strive for academic excellence and continues to challenge herself.
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Ivana has been able to maintain excellent grades while also staying very active in extra-curricular activities in school. She is currently a member of Enlace, National Honor Society and the president of the Mayfield Varsity Volleyball team. In the past she has also been a member of Spanish Honor Society and Spanish Club. During her participation in these organizations, she has helped organize school events and has participated in community service events such as Night to Shine, Read Across America, Toys for Tots, Mayfield High School Noche de Luminaria and LCPS tutoring."
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This will be Ivana's primary source of funding, and she is very excited to be given the opportunity to go to college.