The United Independent School District honorees included Leticia Soto and Linda Mercado, Alexander High School; Prisma Alvarado, Lyndon B. Johnson High School; Vanessa Tenorio, United High School; and Irma Flores and Erika Rojas, United South High School.

The program gives the community an opportunity to recognize high school students that reside in a Colonia. In addition to being successful in the classroom, these students are active participants in extra-curricular activities. The Colonias Program also recognizes students who must work in order to help their parents at home and who exhibit leadership abilities in their work place.

Leticia Soto is a senior at John B. Alexander Health Science Magnet. She is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). She is currently enrolled at Laredo Community College and in the future hopes to become a veterinarian.

Linda Mercado is also a senior at John B. Alexander Health Science Magnet. She is a member of the Alexander dance team (Dazzlers), HOSA, National Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society. In the community Mercado participates in her church youth group. She is currently enrolled at Texas A&M International University and in the future plans to become a dentist.

Prisma Alvarado is a junior at Lyndon B. Johnson High School. Her critical thinking skills have made it possible for her to take Advance Placement History courses. At school she is in the top ten percent of her class. Alvarado is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and One Act Play.

Vanessa Tenorio is a senior at United High School. Her teachers describe her as enthusiastic, hard working, energetic, and inquisitive. Tenorio is always helping her peers around her. As a Freshman, Tenorio participated in choir and as a Sophomore was a member of the ROTC. She has accumulated many community service hours and for the past five years has been active in the Church Youth Group. Tenorio will graduate on the distinguished plan and plans to pursue a degree in teaching at Laredo Community College.

Irma Flores is a senior at United South High School. She is described by her counselor as an oustanding and exceptional individual. Because Flores' goal has always been to graduate early, she attended summer school. Recently, she convinced her older sister to come back to get her high school diploma. In May, they will graduate together.

The Colonias Youth Recognition Program is made possible through a partnership which includes: Texas A&M International University, Laredo Community College, Communities in Schools, Webb County, United I.S.D. and Webb Consolidated I.S.D.

Pictured sitting from left: Leticia Soto (AHS), Linda Mercado (AHS), Judith Fernandez (Webb Consolidated ISD), and Eliberto Vela, Jr. (Webb Consolidated ISD). Standing from left: Prisma Alvarado (LBJ), Erika Rojas (USHS), Irma Flores (USHS), and Vanessa Tenorio (UHS)