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Category: Community News Community News
Published: 18 May 2018 18 May 2018

Photos (most) by Mary Alice Murphy

Hidalgo Medical Services Chief Executive Officer Dan Otero said handing out scholarships is one of his favorite times of year. He said the board of directors has been going through applications and giving out scholarships for more than 10 years. "I love reading the applications. This year we got 22 applications. I have to convince the board to give out more scholarships."

He said he wished he had had the same passion in high school that these students have. "We were ready to get into the work force. I went to college later. I'm proud of that, too, but this is so awesome to have the passion to go to college and get your education now."

Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) awarded financial scholarships ($500 each) to recipients in Grant County for its 2018 HMS Scholarship Program.  

Grant County HMS Scholarship Program award recipients included:

Joseph Davis - Aldo Leopold Charter School

K’Dayl Looney - Cliff High School

Mary Thuerauf - Silver High School

Each award recipient met and exceeded the eligibility criteria, including their 2018 high school graduation within Hidalgo and Grant counties and their Fall 2018 semester/quarter enrollment in college.

Davis will be attending Western New Mexico University to study Nursing, Looney will be attending New Mexico State University to study Athletic Training, and Thuerauf will attend New Mexico State University.

Hidalgo County HMS Scholarship Program award recipients included:

Heather Klump - Animas High School (she was unable to attend the award ceremony)

Brandon Saenz - Lordsburg High School

Saenz will be attending New Mexico State University in Fall 2018 to pursue a degree in Kinesiology, and Klump will be attending Western New Mexico University in Fall 2018 to pursue a degree in Nursing.

At the end of the Grant County presentations, K'Dayl's father said his daughter was a really hard worker and very respectful. "I'm very proud of her."

Mary's mother said the scholarship gives her daughter a strong boost. "It's great to receive a scholarship from a medical institution, as she wants to become a pediatrician."

Joseph's mother said: "I'm so proud of my son. He's the most moral and ethical person I've known. He's an amazing person."

Otero said any of the providers at HMS would be happy to talk to the students. "I know Dr. Darrick Nelson, who is in charge of the residency program would love to talk to you."