AFCEA International Chapter News
ARKLATEX CHAPTER CHAPTER - May 02, 2013

Chapter Hosts Scholarship Banquet

Continuing AFCEAs proud heritage of awarding funds to outstanding scholars, the chapter hosted its annual scholarship gala on May 2. With more than 300 guests, the chapter recognized the outstanding achievements of eight extraordinary students from six area high schools. Each student was presented a scholarship award of $2,000. The chapter presented $8,000 in Science Teaching Tool Grants to six teachers at two local schools for equipment enhancements to the classroom and supplies or innovative activities for special science-related teaching projects or programs emphasizing science, technology, engineering and math curricula. Erik Lopez, a sophomore studying aerospace engineering at the University of Illinois, delivered a moving address as the evening's keynote speaker. Beginning his adult academic pursuits by enrolling himself in community college classes at the age of 13, Lopez serves as a testament to academic excellence and passionately pursuing dreams. Upon graduating high school, he began an internship with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory; advanced to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center; and is currently a cooperative education student at Johnson Space Center. In closing his inspirational speech, he advised the honorees to follow their passion and they will never have to work a day in their life. Following the keynote address, Linda Millis, vice president, industry, represented AFCEA International in a special award presentation. Tech. Sgt. Joshua Copeland, USAF, ArkLaTex chapter's Young AFCEA Chair, received the AFCEA Educational Foundation's Special Award of Merit for his distinguished service and contributions to education. Millis emphasized this award is distinguished from others in AFCEA because it is presented solely on a merit basis as opposed to a specific awards cycle. In the final award presentation, Gen. Charles “Hondo” Campbell, USA (Ret.), helped the chapter honor Pam Varnado, technology integrationist at Loyola College Prep, as the chapter's Technology Integrationist of the Year. The award recognizes a teacher in K-12 public or private school that is an outstanding example of Information Age Educator using current technologies to educate, motivate, and inspire students to develop careers in technology fields. The evening was made possible by the generosity of more than 50 corporate, military, and academic sponsors including Northrop Grumman, the event's title sponsor.

Event Video:

ArkLaTex AFCEA Scholarship Banquet 2013

Event Photographs:

ARKLATEX—The chapter awards $16,000 in scholarships to eight outstanding high school students from the region at its renowned annual gala on May 2.
ARKLATEX—The chapter awards $16,000 in scholarships to eight outstanding high school students from the region at its renowned annual gala on May 2.

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