Scholarship Recipients

Martin Gonzalez is the son of Victor and Mary Gonzalez and is currently attending the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, seeking his Bachelor of Science in Biology Degree. "It has always been a dream of mine to one day work in law enforcement," Martin says. " I hope to one day work as an asset to a crime scene investigation force as a Forensic Technician. I am honored to be a recipient of the Jaime J. Zapata scholarship.

Fernando Quiroga is the son of Fernando Quiroga Sr. and Denise Quiroga of Laredo, and currently attends Texas State University. "My career goal has always been to become a Federal or Special Agent, like my father," Fernando says. "I have seen the discipline it takes and how diligent one has to be for this line of work."

Isabella Mercado is the daughter of Daniel and Melissa Mercado and resides in Laredo. Isabella is attending Texas A&M International University with plans to become a registered nurse. Ultimately, she says, she wants to become a Physician Assistant.

 Sara Gonzalez is the daughter of Victor and Maria Gonzalez of Weslaco and is attending the university of Texas, hopes to acquire her Master of Science in Psychology with a minor in Addictive Studies. "I aspire to counsel military and law enforcement officers as well as their families," Sarah says, "being able to assist them in leading a fulfilled life after they were brave enough to dedicate their own lives for our country, would be incredibly rewarding for me."

Julissa Rivera is 18 years old and is from Laredo, Texas. She attends UTRGV in Brownsville, Texas pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. She says she "feel fortunate to have received the prestigious Jaime Jorge Zapata Foundation Scholarship."

Sandy Araujo-Raya lives in Edinburg, Texas. She finished high school with both an associate degree and High School Diploma and currently attends The University of Rio Grande Valley, majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Psychology.

Isaac Mata is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and hopes to eventually get a job with US Customs and Border Protection. My uncle, Alex Garza inspired me to pursue a higher education. He is now working for US Customs and Border Protection as a border patrol agent. 

My name is Iliana Mata and I am currently attending the South Texas College Police Academy in Pharr. My interest in law enforcement began in high school and I wanted to further my interest in law enforcement so I continue it in college. I recently graduated in May 2019 with my Associates of Arts in Criminal Justice. 

My educational goal is to enhance my knowledge by obtaining my Master’s degree. I understand that education is important and it will further my career as time goes on. In my chosen profession of law enforcement, education plays an enormous part in obtaining future promotions as well as developing stability in my career.

My career goal is to become an instructor in a law enforcement based program while i obtain quality experience as a police officer in the field. I decided to embark on this journey and pursue my dream and calling of becoming a Texas Peace Officer. My respect and heart run deep for the thin blue line.

My name is Rodolfo Flores I’am a 23 years old from Mission, Texas. I graduated from Juarez Lincoln High school in 2014. Some of my hobbies include playing soccer, training in mix martial arts, and playing video games. I am currently enrolled in the South Texas College Police Academy, but prior to this I was working at Performance Parking as a valet. Since my senior year in high school it has been my dream to become a police officer and today I am one step closer in achieving my dream.

My name is Janie Leeann Ramos. I am 21 years old and was born and raised in Weslaco Texas. On my free time I like to work out, CrossFit, and run. All throughout grade school, I always knew that Law Enforcement was going to be my career path. Being a female, I was always questioned my choice. I was told that I couldn’t do it and that just drove me even more into the law enforcement career. Prior to the Police Academy, I was a manager at Chick-fil-A Weslaco for 3 years while attending college as a full time student. One day I plan to become a State Trooper. Overall I am very blessed to be in this position. It takes lots of dedication and commitment to get through the academy but I know it will all be worth it.