During the Second Annual Kazen Fellowship Gala, three Laredo Independent School District students who participated in the Kazen Fellowship Program have been awarded a $1,000 scholarship each. This significant achievement came after the students completed a rigorous six-week summer internship at the George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse, under the guidance of U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña.
In a celebration of their hard work and dedication, Montserrat Rocha from Cigarroa High School/Sabas Perez Early College Academy, Lucia Garcia from Hector J. Garcia Early College High School, and Jarethzy M. Balderas from Nixon High School proudly received their scholarships on stage amidst enthusiastic applause and celebratory cheers.
"I am truly honored to be selected as a recipient of the Kazen Fellowship Scholarship. This scholarship is more than funding my education, it's fueling my dreams and inspiring me to aim higher than I ever thought possible. I have hope for a brighter future, and I am committed to making the most of this opportunity to create change. I am incredibly thankful for this gift that will forever shape my future and I am deeply appreciative of the belief and support it represents," Garcia said.
Garcia is attending the University of Houston this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. She plans on exploring a career in the math and finance field with a concentration on Financial Analyst, Economist, or Personal Financial Advisor.
As a senior from NHS and Business Industry and Public Services Early College Academy, Balderas, who is graduating with honors and an Associates of Arts from Laredo College, discovered her passion for criminal justice in third grade and set her sights on becoming an attorney. “I discovered that an attorney represents, interprets, and fights to protect the rights of every individual regardless of their background or case. This sparked a deep-seated commitment to my ambition, leading me to excel in my academics as high as I could because I knew that the only way to become my hero was to attend law school,” Balderas said.
Through the Kazen Fellowship Program, she gained valuable legal experience under Judge Saldaña’s tutelase. Her commitment to success and helping others drives her goal to be the first attorney in her family and to give back to her community. “I believe that I can and will become the first attorney in my family if I continue to persevere on the path I am on. Once I obtain it, I will give back to my community the exact same way they have been giving to me,” she said.
Balderas is attending the University of Texas at Austin this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts with a focus on History, Language, and Political Science.
Rocha, set to graduate from CHS/Sabas Perez Early College Academy, is a well-rounded student. As a participant in the Sabas Perez Early College Program, she has pursued an Associate of Arts Degree alongside her high school studies. Montserrat's leadership shines as the Tennis Team Captain and President of both the National Honor Society and Student Council from 2022 to 2024. Her passion for civic engagement has driven her to participate in the Criminal Justice Club and earn recognition as the U.S. Border Patrol Youth of the Month in September, 2023. She is also a skilled orator, having been a UIL Mock Congress and Debate Regional Finalist, as well as a Gates Scholarship Semi-Finalist.
With her diverse talents and achievements, Rocha is poised for a bright future as she embarks on her next chapter. "This scholarship highlighted the impact that a community has on students when we all gather as one for one common goal: the betterment of our community. I am honored to be among the select few students who received such recognition,” Rocha said.
Rocha will be attending the University of Texas at Austin this fall. She will be pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Government with a minor in Marketing.
The selected LISD Kazen Fellows underwent a thorough application process, which included a written essay, a letter of recommendation from a counselor, and a final interview with a committee. The successful completion of the program not only highlighted their dedication to learning about the law but also demonstrated their ability to work together and build communication skills.
The internship program, designed to provide mentorship opportunities and expose students to the inner workings of the legal system, is the first of its kind in Laredo. Throughout the program, the Kazen Fellowship Program cohort, composed of 10 LISD students, gained invaluable experience by learning about the American Judicial System, Federal and State Courthouse Procedures, Mock Trial Preparations, and Civics Education, among other legal-related topics taught by experienced professionals.
Judge Saldaña expressed her admiration for the students' resilience and commitment, stating, "I have witnessed their confidence develop over the past school year, and I am amazed at their resilience, commitment, and dedication to being the change that they want to see in our great country. I expect great things from them and believe they will continue to be leaders at the college and community level."
Additionally, the Kazen Fellows have shown exceptional dedication by participating in developing a program for middle school students that focuses on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Even with their busy school schedules, they spent countless hours preparing and teaching classroom lessons, ensuring that the students gained a thorough understanding of civic duty. Beyond traditional teaching, the Fellows also guided the middle school students in preparing for a mock trial, providing hands-on coaching during the simulation.
“Observing the growth and development of the Fellows over the past year has been the most fulfilling experience of my judicial career. It is important to note that the Fellows continued growth and development would not be possible without the partnership that I have entered into with LISD. Their support is essential in the development of these students,” Judge Saldaña said. “Their continued progress has been made possible by the partnership with LISD, and I am deeply appreciative of their commitment to fostering these students' success. Special thanks go to Dr. Rios and administrators like Monica Calles, who have created a safe and supportive environment where students can truly flourish. Our collaboration with LISD is focused on providing students with ample opportunities and the resources they need to make the most of them. It is an honor to work with LISD, along with its dedicated educators, administrators, and school board.”
The program's first year success was made possible through partnerships with the Laredo Webb County Bar Association and Stars Scholarship Fund, along with the ongoing support from LISD and its administrators. The scholarship funds will support the students as they continue their academic journey and pursue careers in law.