Author: Lourdes Tapia

Austin Alumni Association > Articles by: Lourdes Tapia

Hello Fellow Panthers

Posted on by Lourdes Tapia

My name is Marie Sambrano Aguirre. I was a graduate of 1974. Our reunion is just around the corner and I would like to reach out to you regarding scholarships for graduating Seniors furthering their education. I am going on my second year as a board member of the Austin Alumni. The Austin Alumni first and foremost pride themselves in seeking scholarships for these students. Last May, 2024, thirteen scholarships were issued to well-deserving students. As we interviewed these students I was humbled because most of these students are either living with their grandparents or one parent. They have to hold down jobs to help support their families but their hearts and pride in their school and fellow students would make all of you proud. I am asking, if possible, to pay it forward and give one or two deserving Panthers a chance to a higher education. The Class of 1973 raised $4,200, so I’m thinking we shoot for$4,500? We do not have to have the money at the time of the reunion but we will need to have it in by May 2025. The scholarship will be named Class of 1974 Austin Panthers Scholarship.

My family’s personal story is Alicia Alvarado, who was the 2024 first recipient of the Armando SAM Sambrano athletic scholarship. Alicia was a COVID student and was not going to return to school but Coach coaxed her back and she became his star basketball player. She also joined ROTC and competed in a regional competition as a sharpshooter in which she came in 6th place! Alicia was also the Catcher for the Austin girl’s softball team and a great softball player. She enlisted into the Army after graduation – so proud of her!


There are several options for donations. The first being the Austin Alumni website (www.austinpanthers.org) where you can submit your amount under the Class of 1974 Austin Panther scholarship.  Or CASHAPP me at $HmaMaa, or check, money order, made out to Austin Alumni. All donations are tax deductible. You can contact me via my email marieaguirre57@yahoo.com

Letter from the Alumni President

Posted on by Lourdes Tapia

Dear Austin High School Faculty and Staff,

Hello, my name is Raul H. Lerma and I have the honor of currently serving as President of The Austin High School Alumni Association. I am a proud Panther graduate, class of 1973.  First of all, I would like to thank your Principal Ms. Ponce for allowing me to send this message to all of you.

One of the most important functions of our Alumni Association, and probably our most rewarding one, is the awarding of academic scholarships to our graduating seniors.  Each year it is a challenge to raise enough funds to award as many scholarships as possible.  There are so many deserving graduates every year but, unfortunately not enough funds.  Last year was especially difficult to raise funds, due to the pandemic.  Nevertheless, we were able to award seven students scholarships for a total of $8,500.

It is that time of year and I am coming to all of you to please consider contributing to our scholarship fund.  My challenge is especially to any of you who graduated from this great school. Please join our Association.  $10 from the $25.00 membership fee automatically goes to the scholarship fund.   In commemoration of the school’s 90th anniversary we are encouraging a $90 for 90 campaign.  Any amount you can contribute, will be sincerely appreciated.  

Your contribution will enable a graduating senior to pursue their dream of a post-secondary education.  You will be a part of that student’s future.  Please show your Panther Pride and consider contributing to our scholarship fund.  Again, any amount would help.  You can make your contribution by visiting our web site at https://www.austinpanthers.org   Under Menu, click Donate.  Or you can send your check to:  Austin High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 31495, El Paso Texas, 79931  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 915-208-0133 or rlerma2625@aol.com

Sincerely,

Raul H. Lerma

(class of 1973)

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