United ISD

United ISD congratulates the winners of the Spirit of Laredo Video Scholarship competition. The event is sponsored yearly by the Laredo Chamber of Commerce to provide college financial assistance to local students and promote city pride. The Chamber also seeks fresh ideas from the students on what can be done to keep Laredo youth living in our city, and bring them back after graduation.

Three United ISD Seniors, two from Alexander HS and one from Johnson HS, took 1st, 2nd and 3rd places and were presented giant checks representing the prizes ranging from $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for 2nd place, and $500 for 3rd place. 4th, 5th and 6th places took home $200 each, with all the students awarded a medal to wear at scholarship night and graduation. The video competition is proudly sponsored by Killam Development.

The Spirit of Laredo Scholarship winners for 2025 are:

1st Place Stephanie Lozano, John B. Alexander High School

2nd Place Jesus Arroyo, Lyndon B. Johnson High School

3rd Place Brilynn Conchas, John B. Alexander High School

4th Place Leonardo Moreno, Harmony School of Excellence-Laredo

5th Place Kiara Ramon-Lozano - Julieta & Frank Staggs Academy of International and STEM Studies

6th Place Edgar Lee Nunez, Dr. Leonides G. Cigarroa High School

The six winning high school graduates were celebrated at a special breakfast on March 25 held in the Plantation Room of the Laredo Country Club. Family members and school representatives enjoyed a viewing of all the winning videos. A total of 48 videos were submitted and reviewed by the Education Committee. The students submit a 90 second video for the annual competition, which is judged on content and creativity.

Several United ISD representatives were present to provide support to the students, including Melissa C. Ramirez, District Director of Guidance and Counseling, Dr. Angelica Sanchez, Director of CTE, Alexander Principal Rosana Arizola, Alexander HS Counselor Ada J. Ballesteros, Johnson HS Counselors Melissa Salinas and Graciela Hernandez. Each local school district has a representative serve on the Laredo Chamber Education Committee.

Melissa C. Ramirez says this and other scholarships help the students meet their college financial needs. "Thank you to the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and the Killam Foundation for investing in our students."

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