2025 SCHOLARS

Michael Aaron Gonzalez Jr.

Over the summer, I attended St. Mary’s University, where I studied English Language Arts with a Teaching Certification and had the chance to live on campus—an experience that helped me grow personally and academically. During that time, I pursued my passion for writing, publishing three books that express ideas, connect people, and tell stories that matter.
My motto, “Always the Maximum, Never the Minimum,” reflects how I approach challenges—with purpose, resilience, and the belief that growth comes from giving your all. That mindset now guides me in my role with the San Antonio Independent School District as an Instructional Assistant, where I support both students and teachers.
As I prepare to study Human Resources Management at San Antonio College, my goal is to help build a better environment for students and staff—encouraging others to discover and believe in their own greatness.

Erika Schoenhofer

I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Technology at Palo Alto College, combining my passion for leadership and service with a desire to make a lasting impact in my community. I am deeply committed to helping people rebuild their lives and rediscover hope, especially women in recovery who are working toward a fresh start.
As the Program Director of Redeemer House, a sober living home in San Antonio, I have the privilege of supporting women and children through their healing and transition journeys. My work focuses on creating safe, empowering spaces that encourage growth, accountability, and long-term stability.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, mentoring others, and spending time with my French Bulldog, Chubbs. My long-term goal is to expand Redeemer House into a sustainable and transformative program that continues to uplift women and families in recovery.

Javen Nuncio ​

I’m currently preparing for my fall semester at St. Mary’s University, though there may be a shift in plans as I’m also considering joining the U.S. Marine Corps. I have two career paths I’m deeply passionate about—becoming a police officer after college or serving as a nurse practitioner in the military.
A few fun facts about me: I love running and spending time watching TV with my siblings. Beyond academics and career goals, one of my greatest priorities is growing in my faith and building a stronger relationship with God.
My ultimate goal is to dedicate my life to serving others, whether through law enforcement, the military, or as a child advocacy attorney. Something I’m especially proud of is being on track to become the first in my family to either graduate from college or serve in the military—a milestone that drives me to keep going.

Matthew baiza

Born and raised in San Antonio, Matt is a community organizer dedicated to building a more inclusive democracy in Texas. He earned his B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from Stanford University in 2018, where he first became involved in civic engagement and public policy. Since then, he has led teams on both local and national political campaigns and most recently served as Texas State Director at NextGen America, helping register more than 55,000 young Texans to vote since 2022. Matt also serves as Co-Director of the New Leaders Council San Antonio Chapter.
After seven years in the field, Matt is pursuing a Master of Public Affairs at the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy to deepen his work in social and economic justice. He aims to expand his leadership and policy expertise for future roles such as Chief of Staff or Executive Director in Texas’s public or nonprofit sectors.

Matthew Martinez

I am currently a student at The University of Texas at Austin, where I will begin my second year this fall. My time at UT has strengthened both my academic interests and my personal growth, helping me build a strong foundation for the future. I’m passionate about learning, leadership, and exploring how law and policy can create positive change in people’s lives.
Outside of school, I enjoy working out, spending time with friends, and staying active in my community. These moments keep me grounded and motivated as I continue pursuing my goals.
One of my biggest aspirations is to attend law school and build a career centered on advocacy and service. Whether it’s through public interest law, community engagement, or policy work, I hope to use my education and experiences to make a meaningful impact and help others reach their full potential.

​Anna-Catherine Sipes

​I am a proud graduate of The Young Women’s Leadership Academy of San Antonio. This fall, I will be attending Colorado State University, where I plan to major in Natural Resources Management and minor in Forestry. My passion for the environment and conservation has shaped my desire to protect and restore natural landscapes for future generations.
During my time at YWLA, I developed strong leadership, research, and collaboration skills that I hope to continue building in college. I’m excited to learn more about sustainable land practices, environmental policy, and the ways humans can live in better balance with nature.
After earning my bachelor’s degree, my goal is to pursue a career in land stewardship as a Natural Resources Manager, where I can help maintain healthy ecosystems, promote conservation efforts, and make a meaningful impact on our planet’s future.

​Jakelyn Guzman

I am a student at San Antonio College currently working toward my Associate Degree in Court Reporting with the goal of beginning my career at the Bexar County Courthouse. I’m passionate about developing strong communication and transcription skills that will allow me to contribute to the accuracy and integrity of the legal process.
Alongside my academic journey, I enjoy baking and playing golf, hobbies that help me stay balanced and creative outside the classroom. These activities also teach patience, focus, and precision—qualities I value both personally and professionally.
Over the next two years, my goal is to expand my professional network, make meaningful connections, and gain hands-on experience in the legal field. I’m excited to learn from mentors, grow in my craft, and build a foundation for a long-term career in court reporting and public service within my community.

​Debra Miller

I am currently attending St. Philip’s College, where I plan to earn my Associate Degree before transferring to Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi to pursue a Bachelor’s in Social Work. I have a strong passion for working with children and families and hope to make a lasting, positive impact in my community.Outside of school, I enjoy photography, which allows me to express myself creatively and capture meaningful moments that reflect the beauty of everyday life. My long-term goal is to work in child and family services, possibly through community programs, schools, or counseling, where I can support others through compassion and advocacy.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing, both personally and professionally. I also want to thank Ms. Mireles for her support and encouragement—she has inspired me and so many others to pursue our goals with confidence and purpose.
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​Solomon Campos

I am a recent graduate of G.W. Brackenridge High School, where I discovered my deep interest in music and the fine arts. This fall, I plan to attend San Antonio College to pursue an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, while continuing my current employment as a ramen cook at Cherrity Street Bar. Balancing work and school has taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of following my passions with dedication.
After completing my associate degree, I hope to transfer to either The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) or Texas State University (TXST) to further my studies in percussion and music. My goal is to build a career that allows me to share my love for rhythm, creativity, and performance with my community and loved ones, inspiring others to find joy and expression through music just as I have.

Cedric Medina

I am a student at Texas A&M University, pursuing a double major in Civil Engineering and Political Science. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, I am passionate about combining engineering, policy, and public service to improve infrastructure and enhance quality of life in my community.
I have gained hands-on experience through internships with the City of San Antonio’s Public Works Department and Zachry Corporation, where I worked on projects involving traffic systems, programming, and urban planning.
On campus, I serve as a Fish Camp Counselor, team leader for The Big Event, and am actively involved in St. Mary’s Catholic Center and DEIA initiatives. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
My long-term goal is to work in public infrastructure, promote sustainable city development, and give back to San Antonio through mentorship and leadership that foster innovation and community growth.

Sofia Larson

I am a student at The University of Texas at San Antonio, majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, I am passionate about understanding human behavior, justice systems, and the psychology behind criminal actions to promote fairness and rehabilitation in my community.
I have developed leadership and service experience through my roles as a volunteer soccer coach for middle schoolers and a regular nursery volunteer at my church, where I work closely with children and families to foster trust and compassion.
Academically, I graduated number 7 out of 772 students from William J. Brennan High School in NISD, where I built a strong foundation in research, analysis, and communication.
My long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree in psychology and pursue a career as a forensic psychologist, using psychological insight to assist in criminal investigations and advocate for justice and mental health awareness.

Ciara Brown

I am a senior at The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Advertising with a minor in Business and Sports Analytics. Originally from Texas, I am passionate about combining creativity, strategy, and data-driven insights to tell impactful stories and elevate brand experiences in the sports industry.
I have gained valuable experience through internships with Texas Men’s Basketball as a Social Media Marketing Affiliate, Texas Ice Hockey as a Gameday Operations Intern, and Euclidean Data Analytics as a Student Data Collector. These roles have strengthened my skills in communication, analytics, and team collaboration.
In 2023, I was honored to receive the Judge Andy Mireles Scholarship, which has played a vital role in supporting my education and growth at UT.
My long-term goal is to pursue graduate studies and build a career in sports marketing and analytics, where I can merge creativity and strategy to inspire audiences and communities.

Delilah Lopez

I am a student at Texas State University, pursuing a major in Political Science with a minor in Political Communications. As a 2025 Terry Scholar, I am passionate about leadership, civic engagement, and using communication to inspire positive change in my community.
I currently serve on the Freshman Council within Texas State’s Student Government, where I am part of the Programming Committee responsible for promoting campus events and increasing student involvement. I am also a member of the Texas State Honors College, which provides opportunities for deeper, more creative academic exploration.
Through the Terry Scholars Program, I have volunteered at San Marcos Elementary School and with the Hays County “School Fuel” program, supporting local youth and families.
I am deeply grateful to the Judge Andy Mireles Foundation for providing financial and personal support that made my college journey possible and inspired my pursuit of public service.