The Eugene and Daniela Anderson Scholarship Foundation (ASF), has announced that graduating Pampa High School students (PHS) Jesus Bernal, Jose Lerma Montes, and Riley Coble are this year’s Anderson Scholars, and each have been selected to receive an Anderson Foundation Scholarship.
Jesus Bernal has been awarded a four-year scholarship of $20,000 from the Anderson Scholarship Foundation. Jesus is ranked fourth in his class, and has earned a GPA of 4.2608, and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is the son of Jesus Bernal Sr. and Kimberly Alvarez. He is the Chaplain for Student Council, Community Liaison for the Superintendent Student Ambassadors; and he is the Community Involvement Coordinator for Students Against Destructive Decisions. He is a National CyberStart Scholar, certified Dell Technician, and president and founder of the PHS Cybersecurity Student Organization. He has competed in UIL Academics, placed third in District UIL Literary Criticism; and he has received multiple outstanding academic subject awards. He has served his community through volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, Snack Pak 4 Kids, Salvation Army, Soup with Mrs. Claus, student council events, PISD Big Event, and Back to School Bash. He has worked as an intern with the PISD Technology Department. Jesus will be attending West Texas A & M University and will major in Information Systems. He plans to work as a network administrator after he obtains his degree.
Jose Lerma Montes has also been awarded a four year scholarship of $20,000.00 from the Anderson Scholarship Foundation. Jose is ranked 8th in his class, and has earned a GPA of 3.957. He is the son of Blasa Montes. He is the President of the National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and Speech and Debate. He is the Vice President of the PHS Student Body; and he is the Editor-in-Chief of the PHS Yearbook. He serves as the Secretary for the Superintendent Student Ambassadors. He has competed in UIL Academics, is the Regional Champion in Current Issues and Events, and placed 8th in State. He is a member of the varsity Cross Country Team, and qualified for 2nd Team Academic All-State. He has volunteered with Snack Pak 4 Kids, PAWS, Meals on Wheels, Soup with Mrs. Claus, PISD Big Event, Back to School Bash, and cleaning of Pampa parks projects. He has worked at the Pampa H20 Aquatic Center during the summers. Jose plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in Political Science. After earning his bachelor degree, he plans to attend law school at University of Texas, Austin.
Riley Coble has also been awarded a four year scholarship of $20,000.00 from the Anderson Scholarship Foundation. Riley is the Valedictorian of the PHS Class of 2023, earned a GPA of 4.3976; and he is a member of the National Honor Society. He is on the Clarendon College President’s List, received the Clarendon College Occupational Skills Award for Welding; and he has earned American Welding Society certifications. He is a member of the Varsity Football team and qualified for First Team Academic All State in football. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Committee. He participates in the Gray County 4H Shooting Sports program, and placed in Distrct 1 Clay Shoot. He volunteers his time by serving as a youth intern on the Wheel Times Board of Directors, volunteer for the Optimist Youth Christmas Shopping Tour, and volunteer for the Feed the Flock ministry. Riley has owned and operated his own mowing business for the past six years, and has worked as an intern with Open Range Engineering. Riley plans to attend West Texas A & M University, and pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Electrical Engineering.
Anderson Scholars who have recently graduated or will graduate in May 2023, include Sheylah Arreola (English) at University of Texas at Arlington, and Rylee Parks (Biology) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
Anderson Scholars who are continuing their studies include: Luis Martinez (Business Administration), West Texas A & M University, Benjamin Langford (Computer Engineering) Texas A & M University, Avery Sprinkle (nursing) at Texas A & M University; Taylor Jefferis (Biology) at Howard Payne University; Cooper Trolinger (Music), at Wayland Baptist University, Mason Zamudio (Secondary Education) at Texas Tech University; and Noelia Moreno (Nursing) at Hardin-Simmons University.
The Eugene and Daniela Anderson Scholarship Foundation was established in 2000 to assist students to obtain higher education. Since that time, the Foundation has awarded 77 Scholarships valued at over $1,430,000. In 2021, Mrs. Daniela Anderson, transferred the Anderson Scholarship Foundation to Pampa ISD to manage. The Foundation intends to continue to provide scholarships exclusively to students of Pampa High School. Students at Pampa High School, who would hope to become Anderson Scholars and benefit from the Anderson Scholarship Foundation must achieve high academic standards, contribute positively to their school and community, and demonstrate financial need. Information about ASF Scholarships may be obtained at the PHS Student Counselors’ office.
The late Eugene (Gene) Anderson is a 1956 graduate of Pampa High School, and a member of the PHS Hall of Fame. He is the founder of the Eugene and Daniela Anderson Scholarship Foundation. Mr. Anderson is a 1961 graduate of the University of Texas where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and a 1963 graduate of Harvard University where he received a Master of Business Administration degree. In his business career, he was an investor and held several senior international management positions.
