Congratulations to Brian Lopez and Ashley (Lopez) Sharrar. Brian has graduated fromthe University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s degree in health, medicine and human values. Brian is a 2007 graduate of Tucumcari High School and has been accepted to the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He will begin medical school in July.

Ashley has completed the licensed practical nurse program at Clovis Community College and will begin the registered nurse program in August after completing an internship at Eagle Mount in Bozeman, Mont. where summer camp services are provided for children with cancer. Ashley is a 2009 graduate of Tucumcari High School.

—Submitted by Daniel Lopez

The New Mexico Credit Union Education Foundation awarded a total of $114,000 in scholarships to 114 students in New Mexico on April 26. Each scholarship recipient was given $1,000. Applications from more than 400 students were received. Applicants must be New Mexico residents and meet a number of requirements, including a minimum grade point average and full-time enrollment.

The NMCUEF is a unique scholarship program formed through special legislation that allows credit unions to use abandoned funds for educational or charitable purposes. Since it was established in 1992, the NMCUEF has presented 1,069 scholarships for a total of $612,600 to students attending accredited vocational or technical schools, colleges or universities in New Mexico.

The following area students received a $1,000 scholarship from NMCUEF:

Logan High School — Savanna Paige Williams

Tucumcari High School — Kimberly Harmon, Kennetha Perkins, Sharayah Sisneros

Eastern New Mexico University — Carmen Runyan

Mesalands Community College — Lateresa Brake

—Submitted by Andi Baum

Natalie Nieto has been named Teenager or Student of the Year by Elks Lodge 1172.

Natalie, 17, is the daughter of Jovita Laredo of Tucumcari. She is a senior at Tucumcari High School.

The teenager or student of the month program is sponsored by the Elks Lodge in an effort to bring recognition to outstanding youth in the area.

Teenagers or students of the month are selected by a panel of youth in each participating high school within the jurisdiction of the sponsoring lodge.

Natalie Nieto has been active in student council and National Honor Society. Upon graduation, Natalie hopes to attend the University of New Mexico where she will pursue a degree in medicine. She has been accepted into the combined bachelor of arts and medical degree program at UNM and will begin June 6.

— Submitted by the Tucumcari Elks Lodge