LAREDO, Texas – Antonio Sangerman, a senior at Dr. Leonides G. Cigarroa High School (CHS), was selected as the Laredo Sector Border Patrol Youth of the Year for 2021 - 2022. The announcement was made in a video by Laredo Sector Acting Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Greg M. Burwell during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday evening.
Antonio will graduate with an associate degree from Laredo College in science through the Sabas Perez Early College Academy. He plans to attend college and obtain a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering. He wants to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut at NASA. Activities he participated included Orchestra, Student Advisory committee, UIL Debate, and the National Honor Society while working as a crew member at McDonald’s.
The Youth of the Year ceremony culminates the Youth of the Month program that recognizes students from all Laredo high schools each month during the academic year. Students are selected for the honor based on academic achievement, community involvement, and demonstration of their dedication to succeed. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the program.
The Youth of the Year was established by Border Patrol as an effort to recognize Laredo students for their outstanding achievements. Our community partners play an integral role in the Border Patrol Youth of the Month/Youth of the Year program as they reflect the commitment and dedication in supporting education by highlighting Laredo’s young leaders throughout the academic year.
Acting Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Greg Burwell said, “The Youth of the Month and Youth of the Year is not just a celebration of the achievements of these outstanding students, but of the educators and parents that are an important and integral part of their education as students and citizens of the Laredo community. Educators, you provide the network of support as role models to guide them on their path of academic success that will lead them to a bigger and brighter future. Parents, you give them the foundation through family that strengthens them to deal with the pressures and obstacles they have and will face as they leave highs school and face a world that will challenge them. Lastly, I would like to thank our partners in recognizing these outstanding students for their achievements. Congratulations Antonio and may you along with all of the other honorees continue to make Laredo proud.”