The DNHS AlumKnights awarded the 2017 student scholarships to eight recipients. They each receive $1,000 scholarship this year, but the Erickson Scholarship recipients can receive up to $10,000 over four years if they continue pursuing their degree in nursing and maintain a 3.0 GPA each year. All are graduating seniors from Del Norte High School with a history of service to their school and community.
Drawbridge to Success Scholarship
The Drawbridge to Success Scholarship provides one year of support to graduating seniors who are interested in pursuing postsecondary education at a New Mexico institution of higher education and are able to demonstrate an extensive record of service, as exemplified by their participation in both school-based and community-based activities.
Macleod Adams
Attending New Mexico Tech
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
My most memorable experience at Del Norte, was in my sophomore year, I was taking AP Physics 1, and meeting and regularly interacting with upperclassmen in a peer setting, not as a younger classman environment. This was highly significant to me as I could learn directly through experience, what they meant and felt about certain subjects I hadn’t yet been exposed to. Further it enhanced my understanding of the diversity that Del Norte holds.
What do you intend to study at your college or university?
I intend to study Electrical Engineering at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
I would like to find a career in the subject matter of my degree, at a location and occupation I enjoy, a job that isn’t work, but “play”; something I enjoy so much it isn’t wearing on me.
Luis DeVargas
Attending the University of New Mexico
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
Being involved in every music program possible!
Soloing with the New Mexico Philharmonic
What do you intend to study at your college or university?
Music Education (Viola Concentration) and String Pedagogy at UNM
What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
I want to go to graduate school out of state to earn a Master’s degree in Viola Performance and/or orchestral conducting. I may decide to also get a Doctorate in Musical Arts; I haven’t decided yet, but it seems likely!
Carter Fietek
Attending New Mexico State University
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
I would have to say the annual recognition assembly during my junior year was my most memorable experience. Leading up to this day, was close to a month or more of campaigning for our student body and class officer elections. There was nothing I wanted more than to become the Student Body president for the classes of 2016-2017. This day my dream came true and all the hard work I put in had paid off. I will never forget the way that gym sounded moments after my name was announced over the loudspeaker. I will never forget the way I felt that day. Del Norte has given me many more great memories, and I am proud to have gotten the chance to be a Knight.
What do you intend to study at your college or university?
I intend to study Mechanical Engineering at New Mexico State University
What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
I would like to work for a technology or research company that will make a lasting impact on the world. I dream of working for places like Google, Tesla and NASA, which are exciting innovative places to be. Someday I would also like to be part of an ideal family, and travel the globe.
Trinity Garcia
Attending the University of New Mexico
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
The most memorable experience I had as a student at DNHS was making it to the final four in basketball with the varsity basketball team.
What do you intend to study at your college or university?
I’m going to study computer science and interdisciplinary film and digital media.
What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
I want to work in the film industry, either making films or editing them.
Isaiah Mejia
Attending Eastern New Mexico University
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
My most memorable experience as a Del Norte student has to be when my basketball team and I beat Espanola, which gave us the opportunity to play in The Pit, an accomplishment Del Norte has not achieved in ten years. This experience was filled with emotions and was by far the most exciting experience I had as a student.
What do you intend to study at your college or university?
I intend to major in Social Work and possibly double major in Psychology.
What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
After I graduate I want to be a Social Worker, but I also want to have a family. I also kind of want to be a motivational speaker, or possibly a basketball coach.
Career/Technical/Vocational Scholarship
The Career/Technical/Vocational Scholarship provides one year of support to graduating seniors who are interested in pursuing a career-oriented, technical, or vocational program of study at a community college or trade school and are a able to demonstrate a commitment to working in a relevant career field.
To be Determined.
Dianne Riley Erickson Nursing Scholarship
The Dianne Riley Erickson Nursing Scholarship provides up to four years of support to graduating seniors who are interested in pursuing a four-year post-secondary degree in Nursing anywhere in the United States and are able to demonstrate an exemplary record of service, academic achievement, and commitment to the Nursing profession.
Karina Peña-Morla
Attending Northwestern State University of Louisiana
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
My most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School was when I received the honor of winning senior class president. It was a very exciting moment and I was happy I got to experience holding that office.
Why do you want to pursue a career in the nursing profession?
I want to pursue a career in nursing because I love science and learning about the human body and I also enjoy helping others, so I think it is the perfect career field for me and I know I will very much enjoy the job.
Sheyenne Sandoval
Attending the University of New Mexico
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
The most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School I will never forget was being in the AVID program. This program helped me grow as person and a student because it got me ready for college by knowing what to expect and be ready for. I say it helped me grow as a person because it got me out of my comfort zone, always being curious about certain things, always asking questions when I didn’t understand and most importantly opening up to people for help or support when I needed it!
Why do you want to pursue a career in the nursing profession?
The reason why I want to pursue a career in the nursing profession is because I like to put others needs before mine. I would like to comfort them and make sure they are in good condition. Also the profession not only has one field to commit to, but has many you can experience. I think that is really exciting because you will learn something new everyday and know how do certain things in each field.
Lakeiva Yazzie
Attending Central New Mexico Community College
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
The most memorable experience at Del Norte High School would be meeting new people and making life long friends. Another memorable moment is making my family proud of me by graduating to receiving a CNA license while being the youngest in my class.
Why do you want to pursue a career in the nursing profession?
I want to pursue my career in nursing because I would like to see everyone with a smile, help others through their illnesses, and be able to help make a change. I enrolled at a career enrichment center and decided to take nursing. I am glad I did because it was a life changing experience. I volunteered at three different nursing homes and being to help others is what I knew I wanted to do. I have learned a lot from the program and will always remember by experiences.
Donation Information
If you are interested in supporting future AlumKnights Scholarship awards, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to AlumKnights, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
To donate, simply press the “Donate” button below.
You can also mail us a check. Just make the check payable to “AlumKnights, Inc.”, complete our AlumKnights Donation Form and mail it and the check to:
AlumKnights, Inc.
P.O. Box 93056
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87199
You can also purchase either a small or large brick for the Del Norte Legacy Brick Garden. A portion of the cost is tax deductible. For more information, visit our Brick Garden Fundraiser page.
Send inquiries to treasurer@alumknights.info