Chihuahuas announce recipients of All-Star Scholarship in Memory of Yolanda Arriola

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) – The El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation announced Friday, July 5 the 2024 recipients of the All-Star Scholarship in memory of Yolanda Arriola.

The 2024 recipients who received scholarships from the foundation to assist with the costs of post-secondary education were:

• Daniela Rubio – Montwood HS
• Mercedes Lopez – Socorro HS
• Evelyn Gesualdo-Lopez – Canutillo HS
• Kayla Newbern – Franklin HS
• Lucille Marta – Gadsden HS

The recipients will be recognized at the Chihuahuas game on Saturday, July 6 before fireworks.

Rubio was awarded $10,000, Lopez and Gesualdo-Lopez were each awarded $5,000, and Marta and Newbern each received $2,500 to assist with college finances, according to a news release sent by the El Paso Chihuahuas.

“Earning this scholarship is a blessing and I’m thankful to be awarded this scholarship as it helps me achieve my career goals without being financially burdened,” Rubio said. “The opportunities are endless now that I have help. It’s also extra special because of the meaning this ballpark holds in my heart; it’s in my hometown and so many memories have been made whether on field trips, attending for fun, coming to soccer games and baseball games – it’s never a dull moment here and I love that.”

The scholarship program was created as part of the 2019 Triple-A All-Star Game and Home Run Derby, according to the news release. It was later named in memory of Southwest University’s founder and CEO, Yolanda Arriola, following her passing in 2020.

Arriola, who was an advocate for education, built her legacy as the founder of Southwest University, according to the news release.

The Chihuahuas said Arriola’s vision and determination served as a testament to the transformative power of education in building stronger, more vibrant communities.

“Through her legacy, she continues to inspire students, educators, and community leaders alike, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of higher education in El Paso,” read the news release.

“Congratulations to all the winners of the Yolanda Arriola Scholarship through the El Paso Chihuahuas!” said Yolanda’s son and president of Southwest University, Ben Arriola, Jr.  “This scholarship holds a special place in our hearts, reflecting Yolanda Arriola’s legacy of passion for education and dedication to community empowerment.”

“These students embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence that Yolanda championed. We are immensely proud of their achievements and excited to see the bright future they will create. The Arriola family celebrates their success and is honored to support your educational journey,” Arriola Jr. said.

The Chihuahuas said students were required to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and contribute a minimum of 20 hours of community service per year.

As part of the process, each student was required to submit their transcripts, community involvement, a written essay and a letter of recommendation.

“Having the opportunity to have earned this scholarship makes me grateful for the support the city of El Paso has provided to so many students like me,” said Newbern. “This generosity will help me further my education and my future goals. Just as Oprah Winfrey said, ‘Helping others is the way we help ourselves,’ I plan to one day give back and help my city the way the El Paso Chihuahuas helped me.”

Applications for the 2025 All-Star Scholarship in Memory of Yolanda Arriola will open in the fall.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.