$10,000 Recipients
“Nursing will allow me to extend these lessons [reliability, patience, emotional support] to a career where I can make a tangible difference.”
Ava Basurito-Martinez
Capital High School
Ava is a first-generation college student participating in the Medical Pathways program at Capital High School. She has taken AP and dual-credit courses and will graduate as part of the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program. She serves as senior class representative for HOSA, tutors her peers, and is actively involved in her church. Ava has gained hands-on experience through LPN clinicals and blood drives while helping care for her grandmother through her cancer diagnosis. She balances school and work, putting in 28 hours a week at Target to support her family. Ava was particularly inspired by a veteran patient during her clinicals, reinforcing her passion for nursing. She plans to become a NICU nurse and serve underserved communities.
“I plan to provide patients with a supportive and nurturing environment when they are experiencing a vulnerable time in their lives.”
Destiny Chino
Santa Fe Indian School
Destiny is a dedicated student from Acoma Pueblo committed to improving her community. She plans to major in biochemistry and become a pediatrician. She will graduate as a certified community health worker with 40 hours of clinical experience and has taken dual-credit courses in Medical Terminology and Medical Law & Ethics. An accomplished student-athlete and leader, she is involved in NHS, Café Scientifique, Green Team, varsity cross country and track, and the Wings of America National Team. Her dedication to her community is evident in her summer internship with the Acoma Tribal Courts and her senior project on sexual abuse prevention in Native communities. Destiny aspires to establish a pediatric clinic in Acoma Pueblo to address the lack of youth healthcare.
“As I pursue a career in healthcare, I plan to use my skills to improve patient care, advocate for health equity, and support those facing health challenges.”
Sophia Lopez
St. Michael’s High School
Sophia is pursuing a career in healthcare and has demonstrated academic excellence and leadership in service. She has taken rigorous medical-focused courses, including Medical Ethics and Infectious Disease. Her passion for medicine stems from personal experiences, including her grandfather’s battle with cancer, and her involvement in the WAVE Club (Wellness, Awareness, Vitality, and Empowerment). As a leader in WAVE, she organized a breast cancer awareness walk and supported suicide prevention and gun violence advocacy.
Her letters of recommendation highlight her character, citing acts such as volunteering daily at an elementary school. She also stepped away from volleyball her senior year to care for her grandfather.
$6,000 Recipients
Erin Lucero
Capital High School
Erin is a first-generation college student at Capital High School and will graduate with an LPN certification, having earned 32 college credits through Santa Fe Community College. Her passion for nursing was inspired by caring for family members and working in clinical settings at Presbyterian Medical Center. A dedicated leader, she serves as a student board representative, advocating for her peers and is an active National Honor Society member, organizing service projects. Erin has also volunteered extensively, tutoring students, assisting at Kingston Residential Homes, and participating in river clean-ups. Her teachers praise her compassion and work ethic. Erin plans to become a registered nurse and, eventually, a nurse practitioner.
Camila Torres
Capital High School
Camila is a first-generation college student at Capital High School, earning 31 college credits through the LPN program at Santa Fe Community College. She has gained hands-on experience through clinicals and plans to pursue a career in healthcare. A hardworking student, she balances school, work, and extracurriculars, including HOSA, where she won 1st place in the state public health competition, and GEAR UP, a college readiness program. She also works part-time at Olive Garden, demonstrating her strong work ethic. At home, she takes on a leadership role caring for her younger siblings. Camila is described as compassionate and determined, with a goal of becoming a registered nurse to provide quality healthcare to her community.
Jordyn Velasquez
Capital High School
Jordyn is passionate about Kinesiology and Exercise Science and plans to become a physical therapist. A driven student, she participates in Capital High School’s LPN program and has completed AP courses in Literature, Government, Biology, and Language. She is an active member of HOSA, holding leadership roles as freshman representative, treasurer, junior representative, and president. She has placed in state competitions for the HOSA Bowl and Physical Therapy events. Jordyn also volunteers at blood drives, assists with vaccination clinics, and mentors elementary students. She works 32 hours a week to help support her family while managing school and extracurricular commitments. Teachers describe her as “dedicated, organized, and optimistic,” making her an ideal leader in healthcare.
$3,000 Recipient
Leenah Romero
Santa Fe Indian School
Leenah is a senior at Santa Fe Indian School and plans to pursue an associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Central New Mexico College. She has participated in the Medical Pathways Program at SFIS, completing courses such as Phlebotomy and Anatomy/Physiology. By the time she graduates, Leenah will have earned 15 college credits.
Leenah has been recognized for her academic excellence, maintaining a GPA above 3.5, and has received the BRAVE Award for her service contributions. She works for Jemez Pueblo, where she teaches language and cultural traditions to younger students, helping to preserve and share her community’s heritage. Leenah also supports her family by caring for her infant cousin, demonstrating her dedication both at home and in the community.