National Merit Scholarship Program Commends TAMIU’s Julieta and Frank Staggs Academy Student for High Test Scores
Hector Cárdenas, a senior at Texas A&M International University’s Julieta and Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies, has been named a Commended Student in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship (NMSC) Program.
Dr. Patricia Uribe, Staggs Academy director and superintendent of TAMIU Independent School District, said a Letter of Commendation from the Academy and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented to Cárdenas for his achievement.
“We are extremely proud of Hector,” Dr. Uribe said, “He has a positive attitude and a kind hearted personality. His talent, dedication and strong work ethic will take him far.”
According to the NMSC, about 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2020 competition by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” the NMSC states, “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation.”
The NMSC continues, “We hope that their recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
Cárdenas, originally from Laredo, is the son of Cynthia and Federico Cárdenas. Upon graduation from the Staggs Academy, he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. He plans to apply for medical school upon graduation from TAMIU. He currently has a 4.0 GPA and ranks first in his class.
Created by State Senator Judith Zaffirini and authorized by the 79th Texas Legislature in 2005, the Academy is an innovative, University-level institution on the TAMIU campus. It is designed for highly gifted and motivated high school juniors and seniors and focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and International Studies.
In 2018, it underwent a name change to honor its longtime benefactors, Julieta (deceased) and Frank Staggs.
Academy students receive full tuition and books and enjoy all privileges awarded to University students. They also have the opportunity to earn up to two years of University credit towards a Bachelor’s degree alongside their high school diploma. In addition, they participate in research and collaborative educational opportunities with Academy partners.
For additional Academy information, call Dr. Uribe at 956.326.2860, email puribe@tamiu.edu, or click on http://www.tamiu.edu/coas/theacademy/
TAMIU is celebrating its 50th anniversary and its 25th anniversary at its north Laredo campus throughout 2019-2020. A dedicated website shares the University’s transformation from a hybrid upper-level University to a full doctoral degree-granting University. It includes a calendar of Anniversary events and more at tamiu.edu/50.
For more on the University’s story, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, click on tamiu.edu, follow social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube, or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.
