The valedictorians of the 2021 graduating classes in Blanket and Brookesmith were recently awarded $1,000 scholarships by SALSA members at Wiggins Park.

Alysia Karolina Rivas Mata, who graduated at the top of her class at Brookesmith High School, received the Dr. Juan Andrade Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders. Mata will complete her college studies at Howard Payne University, where she will major in education in preparation for a teaching career. She completed 44 dual credit hours while in high school.

In high school, Mata was also active in basketball, tennis, and track. She also served as the videographer for football, competed in UIL activities, and was accepted into the National Honor Society.

Mirian Marquez, valedictorian of the Blanket High School graduating class, received a scholarship donated by Joe Cardenas, a retired BISD administrator. Immediately after graduation she enrolled at Galen College of Nursing in San Antonio, where she will earn her LVN degree. She plans to continue her studies and become a registered nurse.

While in high school, Marquez participated in basketball, tennis, track, UIL, and National Honor Society.

Dr. Juan Andrade said, “Karolina and Mirian are not the first Hispanic valedictorians from the Brownwood area, but they are the first to be honored by community leaders. All will be honored in the years to come.”