Corpus Christi Caller Times Caller.com - Judges face difficult decisions on scholars

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Sunday, October 22, 2000

Judges face difficult decisions on scholars
Winners selected from among 267 nominees whom judges called talented and selfless
By Stephanie L. Jordan
Caller-Times
J.R. Peterson always knew there were a lot of talented youths in the area, but when it came time to judge them and choose scholarship winners in the Caller-Times South Texas Distinguished Scholars program, he had a tough time.
   Many of those he and the other two judges in the spirit category discussed were deserving of accolades, said Peterson, manager of Perma Grass.
   "These kids work really hard to improve themselves," he said. "They were all go-getters, and not just cheerleaders, but volunteering at a variety of things to help others. They also did extra things to learn and went back to tell kids what they had learned.
   "These kids are not only interested in themselves, but in something larger."
   Eighteen scholarship winners were selected from 267 nominees in nine categories: general academic, science, service and leadership, career and technology, achiever, spirit, student athlete, communications and performing and fine arts.
   Three judges in each category selected the winners.
   The 18 winners will receive a $225 scholarship and a plaque. Those who were nominated will receive a certificate as part of the program, which is in its 12th year.
   "We were impressed on how they distinguished themselves," said John Prezas, associate professor of counseling at Del Mar College who judged the achiever category.
   "The students we looked at really had something to overcome," he said. "They were all upwardly mobile.
   Todd Ehle, Del Mar College's orchestra director and judge in the performing and fine arts category, said he is used to seeing musical talent, but it was a treat to see the broad spectrum in the candidates that included music, dance and drama as well.
   "These kids are disciplined," Ehle said. "That impressed me. There were several who were outstanding and that made our job really difficult. The attention that these students pay to fine details will carry over into many areas of their lives."
   Natasha Dumoski, a Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi coach and judge in the student-athlete category, said what impressed her most is how much the students have been able to accomplish at such a young age.
   "We had some that were from smaller high schools and still excelled so much and that's hard sometimes, being from a smaller school," Dumoski said. "These students were not just successful in academics and athletically, but they were active in their community, their church and many areas of their lives. I didn't think there would be that many that would be that good. It was a very hard choice."
   Russell Lewis, waste section manager for the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and science category judge, wouldn't mind seeing some of the nominees' resumes after they get out of college.
   "They certainly have potential," Lewis said. "To perform at their level says a lot about them. They can be anything they want to be."



Staff writer Stephanie L. Jordan can be reached at 886-3724 or by e-mail at_jordans@caller.com

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