Local College Salutes Starr Co. Alum.

The stars were shinning bright as community leaders gathered at The Club at Cimarron on a breezy October evening for the sixth annual South Texas College Valley Scholars Program’s A Night with The Stars. Attendees enjoyed an evening of dining and entertainment as the college saluted program alum and Starr County native Alexandro Sarabia.

Sarabia graduated as the valedictorian at Roma High School in 2006 prior to becoming an STC Valley Scholar. He graduated STC and transferred to The University of Texas-Pan American two years later. In spring 2009 he was the top graduate of UTPA’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, earning two bachelor’s degrees - one in psychology and one in sociology. In august 2011 he earned his master’s in clinical psychology from the university and is currently serving as a psychology instructor at STC’s Starr County Campus.

“I feel very proud to be selected as this year’s Valley Scholar’s alumni honoree,” said Sarabia. “It’s a great program and I will always be extremely grateful for the opportunities it afforded me like becoming involved in community service, learning about leadership and dreaming bigger. Now as an instructor I hope to serve as a role model for others and give back some of what I was given. Through education and determination anything is possible. I consider STC a home and it’s great to be back helping students achieve their dreams.”

Also honored at the event for support of higher education were Atlas & Hall, LLP and Charles Clark Chevrolet Co.

“We are thankful for the recognition tonight, but the real thanks comes when we hear the success stories of the students who have succeeded through the program,” said Atlas and Hall Managing Partner Gary Gurwitz, who also serves as chair of STC’s Board of Directors. “We elected to support the Valley Scholars because it is a great cause. The program encourages all students to come to college, especially some really fine students who might not otherwise have had the means. It’s been a great success for ST C and our community.”

“I have been very impressed with the vision for STC and I think that any good venture really needs the support of the local community,” said Kirk Clark, president and CEO of Charles Clark Chevrolet Co. “I have a heart for the college and I helped develop the GM-Automotive Service Educational Program at STC, and quite frankly 80 percent of the technicians that work for me are graduates of the program. I really do appreciate all the efforts of the STC family and the great job they do to support our students. It’s been a pleasure to be a small part of that.”

In total, the college raised more than $90,000 in cash and in-kind through the event. Net proceeds benefit the STC Valley Scholars Program. Founded in 1997, the program provides financial assistance, academic support and leadership development to academically gifted and highly motivated students. More than 600 program students have graduated and gone on to study at premier universities around the nation to become doctors, lawyers, teachers and other professionals.

For additional information about the annual event visit http://nightwithstars.southtexascollege.edu or call 956-872-2621.

Photo caption:
STC’s administrators with honorees at the college’s Valley Scholar’s Program sixth annual A Night with the Stars. From left are STC Vice President of Academic Affairs Juan Mejia, STC Valley Scholars Coordinator Corinne Kelley, STC Board of Trustees Chair Gary Gurwitz, Alexandro Sarabia, Kirk Clark, STC President Shirley A. Reed and STC Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs Anahid Petrosian.