HMS scholarships presentation 050917

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy (unless otherwise noted)

Hidalgo Medical Services Chief Executive Officer Dan Otero welcomed the scholarship recipients and their families and friends.

"I'm blown away about what these students accomplish," Otero said. "We believe it is crucially important for us at HMS to give out scholarships."

He read the HMS mission: Hidalgo Medical Services positively impacts the health, well being and quality of life for those we serving providing comprehensive, integrated, affordable healthcare and education of patients and healthcare professionals.

Otero emphasized the word education. "We have a commitment and support for education and for the community we serve."

He said HMS gives scholarships to graduates of each high school in Grant County and Hidalgo County. "These stellar students receive $500 each as well as to those who are HMS-employee dependent, an extra $200."

[Editor's Note: The recipients all were active in numerous extracurricular activities, too numerous to write down. This author has attempted to get the lists, but has been unable to up to now.]

The first recipient was Hayleigh Drozda. She plans to attend the University of New Mexico in medical services with plans to become a family practitioner. She is valedictorian of Cliff High School, and "holds herself to the highest standards."

Christina Chavez, the Cliff counselor said she has known Hayleigh since she was a little girl. "Her qualities didn't start in High School; they started as a growing girl. Obstacles make her stronger." With tears in her eyes, Chavez said she would remember Hayleigh as a special girl, forever. "She totally deserves this. She has always wanted to do something in medicine and she will succeed."

The second recipient is interested in becoming a registered nurse and has an interest in social work, Otero said. She plans to attend Western New Mexico University. The application recommending her said she has high integrity, is an honor scholar and is known for her leadership skills.

Gabriella Nicole Montes, graduating from Silver High School, received a $500 scholarship and, as she is a dependent of an HMS employee, she also received an extra $200 toward her continuing education.

The Cobre High School awardee was unable to attend because she works at Walgreen's. She plans to attend either New Mexico State University or the University of Arizona with the goal of becoming a physician's assistant. She was accepted to both schools, but hasn't decided where to go.

Allison Sedillos is No. 1 in her graduating class. Her high school counselor, Edward Pe+¦a, said Sedillos says about her job: "I feel so responsible for the store when I'm there. I want to be a dependable employee." Pe+¦a said Allison would graduate with an Associates degree from Western before she graduates from high school. "She carries a full load at Cobre and at Western. She will have 65 credits at Western when she receives her Associates."

Gabby's father said he was super proud of his daughter. "I was an average student. I admire the students and can see how students put their lives together. She became a Certified Nurse's Assistant before she graduates high school. She comes from a divorce, but I'm proud of you, Gabby, and I love you and congratulations to everyone else."

The presentations in Hidalgo County took place on Thursday, May 11, 2017.

Kylee Guilliam was the awardee from Animas High School and will attend WNMU, with a degree program of psychology with a minor in criminal justice. She hopes to join the police form and become a detective or go into the U.S. Army as a psychological operation specialist.

John Plowman is the Lordsburg High School recipient. He was represented at the event by his sister-in-law, Alyssa Esquivel. John will attend New Mexico State University and will pursue speech language and pathology, with the intent to practice his career in Lordsburg.