Today@Sam Article

Selflessly Serving Others Leads To Scholarship

June 24, 2021
SHSU Media Contact: Wes Hamilton

Sam Houston State University incoming freshman Ramon Castaneda III was recently announced as a winner of the Texas State University System (TSUS) Foundation - Edmund P. Kuempel Scholarship. 

The scholarship, awarded by the TSUS Foundation Board, is given to students who display excellent academic achievement and commitment to community service. Castaneda, a Forensic Chemistry major, was one of 11 students system-wide who earned the award and as a selected scholarship recipient, he will receive a one-time, $5,000 grant for the Fall-2021 academic semester.

“I am honored to be selected for this scholarship for my hard work in school as well as participating in community service,” Castaneda said. “I intend to continue to strive to do my best academically while also putting more of my free time towards community service in Huntsville.”

Castaneda’s extensive volunteer work in Waco, Texas while attending Midway High School made him stand out as a candidate. While dedicating much of his time to tutoring and mentoring students as part of the Midway High School homework club, Castaneda also worked with Voice Inc. in central Texas, a nonprofit that empowers children to lead healthy and productive lives by teaching critical life skills. As part of their program, Castaneda served as a mentor for children from lower income families, teaching them about healthy eating, good choices, and teamwork.

“I want to thank Ramon for his willingness to dedicate his time and efforts to serve those less fortunate in his community and beyond and congratulate him on this honor,” said Frank Parker, vice president of Student Affairs. “Ramon’s example of academic excellence and outstanding community service exemplifies the motto of Sam Houston State University, ‘The measure of a Life is its Service.’”

Castaneda intends to put the grant towards tuition and textbooks this fall, as well as find areas in his new home of Huntsville where he can volunteer his time.

“Community service and public service are a passion of mine that I hope to continue to expand on in the future,” Castaneda said. “Community service is about supporting the community and the people in it who may not have the best situations and need some help to land back on their feet. By doing that, I am helping my community grow and become a better place.”

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