The Del Norte AlumKnights awarded 2018 Drawbridge to Success Scholarships of $1,000 to six students, a Skilled Trades Scholarship of $1,000 to one student, and three Diane Riley Erickson Nursing Scholarship valued at $10,000, with students receiving $1,000 in the first year and increasing amounts in years 2-4 if they continue pursuing their nursing degree. 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. Funds for two of this year’s awards were to honor long-time Del Norte teacher, coach and administrator Frank Love.
2018 AlumKnights Drawbridge to Success Scholarship Recipient
Byamungu Fazili
Attending CNM
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
My most memorable experience was being a part of Del Norte’s soccer team. I especially remember when we won against Sandia High School. Since I started to play for Del Norte, I heard the story that Del Norte could never beat them, but since I joined, we improved a lot and finally won against them 3-2. I also knew the history with Albuquerque Academy of Del Norte always losing by a big margin, but in our last game for the district when we played against them, we gave them a tough fight, and they were only able to score one goal. Lastly, I will miss my teachers, my counselors, and all of my team with whom I have great memories.
What do you intend to study at your college or university?
I intend to pursue a degree in pharmacy. I will start my pre-pharmacy curriculum at CNM and transfer to UNM to go to UNM’s pharmacy school.
What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
Once I graduate from college, the very first thing I want to do is go back to Africa and visit my family. When I come back, I want to start working to help my family and my community.
2018 AlumKnights Drawbridge to Success Scholarship Recipient
Chase Latimore
Attending Eastern New Mexico University
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
My most memorable experience at Del Norte High School is playing football under Coach Bruce Binkley and going o to win two district championships.
What do you intend to study at your college or university?
I intend to study athletic training and Sports, Health, and Exercise Science at Eastern New Mexico University.
What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
After graduating from college, I plan to become an athletic trainer for a school or a sports team.
2018 AlumKnights Drawbridge to Success Scholarship Recipient
Abdul Jawad Popal
Attending CNM
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
My most memorable experience at Del Norte High School was that I started as second language learner in 9th grade in year of 2016 and I graduated with my high school diploma in May of 2018. I got the memorable experience of playing soccer for Del Norte High school and learn team work also seeing kids working so hard give me courage to work hard too and reach my goals.
What do you intend to study at your college or university?
I intend to study Pre-Health sciences in Pre-Medical Concentration in Central New Mexico Community College for two years.
What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
After I graduate from college with my associate’s degree, I will transfer to University of New Mexico to pursue my bachelors in Pre-Health Sciences. After I graduate from UNM, I will apply to UNM School of Medicine. I also want to work in Medical field.
Alicia Ruple
2018 AlumKnights Drawbridge to Success Scholarship Recipient
David Sanchez-Martinez
Attending CNM
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 took place during the first semester of my junior year. On the opening day of the Bible study group that I had co-founded, some people attended, that several students had to sit on the floor because there were not enough seats in the classroom! Upon teaching a lesson that day, I learned that my voice has not only the power to impact those at Del Norte, but so much more.
What do you intend to study at your college or university?
I intend on studying Bible and Theology with an emphasis on Pastoral Care.
What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
After I graduate from college, I want to begin working at a church, preferably in youth ministry. After some time, I want to eventually become a senior pastor at a church of my own.
2018 AlumKnights Drawbridge to Success Scholarship Recipient
Diego Vallenilla
Attending the University of New Mexico
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
Joining AFJROTC and creating a drill team my freshman year as we came together and rose to success and the last memorial march as a unit.
What do you intend to study at your college or university?
I plan on majoring in Chemistry.
What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
After I graduate from college, I hope to attend medical school and if not, I will join the military and hunt a physician’s assistant career.
Skilled Trades Scholarship
The Skilled Trades 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.
Christina Chavez-Hernandez
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
My most memorable experience at Del Norte was joining Key Club, and my first Del Norte everyone was welcoming and so sweet to me.
What do you intend to study at your college or university?
I intend to study cosmetology and business. I want to open my own salon/barber shop someday.
What do you want to do after you graduate from college?
Once I graduate from college I will be working in the cosmetology field, building a clientele then turning that into my salon and barber shop.
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. In college year one, the student receives $1,000 followed by increasing amounts in their college years two, three and four. The scholarship honors 1966 graduate Diane Riley Erickson who worked at numerous area hospitals.
2018 AlumKnights Dianne Riley Erickson Nursing Scholarship Recipient
Dajia Greathouse
Attending the University of New Mexico
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
My most memorable experience as a Del Norte student was being part of the cheer team for my freshman and junior year. I was on varsity and was the tumbler for the team and enjoyed my role and being part of a wonderful team. I was also part of DECA and learned alot about cash handling which helped me get my first job at Putt-Putt.
Why do you want to pursue a career in the nursing profession?
I want to pursue a career in nursing because I saw the way my grandmother cared for patients in her nursing career. She was such a natural caregiver that it inspired me to follow in her footsteps. Although she has passed I know that she is very proud of me as I start my career in nursing and want to be great just like she was.
Karen Ly
Attending the University of New Mexico
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 being a part of National Honor Society. I had the honor of being a Junior Representative and the Secretary during my senior year. I learned many things while in NHS, and I was extremely honored to help others and represent the organization.
Why do you want to pursue a career in the nursing profession?
I want to pursue a career in nursing because I find joy in getting to help others. Not only will I have the ability to care for others, but I will get to educate patients on how to care for their own health. I am excited to learn and discover new things every day, and I am ready for all the upcoming experiences.
2018 AlumKnights Dianne Riley Erickson Nursing Scholarship Recipient
Gissely Reyes-Contreras
Attending the University of Arizona
What was your most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte High School?
My most memorable experience as a student at Del Norte would be performing my homecoming skit in front of the whole school with my best friend Dylan.
Why do you want to pursue a career in the nursing profession?
I wish to pursue a career in nursing because I enjoy helping others. I want to educate patients on their injuries and illnesses for their well-being. I know a nursing career would be very rewarding and everyday would be different.
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