LAREDO, TEXAS – Camila Sanmiguel, a senior at Alexander High School, was selected as the Laredo Sector Border Patrol Youth of the Year for 2018. Laredo Sector Border Patrol Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens made the announcement of the selection by program partners during the 2018 International Bank of Commerce (IBC) Youth Night celebration.
Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jason
D. Owens along with her parents
Eusebio Gerardo Sanmiguel-Salinas
and Rosario Sanmiguel.
Camila, the daughter of Mr. Eusebio Gerardo Sanmiguel Salinas and Mrs. Rosario Sanmiguel, has been accepted to Harvard University, Stanford University and the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business. Depending on which school she plans to attend, she will study History and Literature or Comparative Literature with minors in either Economics or Computer Science. Along with being a National Honor Society member, Camila is a member the Class of 2017 National Student Poets as selected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in cooperation with the Library of Congress.
The Youth of the Year ceremony culminates the Youth of the Month program that recognizes eleven students each month from all Laredo area high schools. Students are selected for the honor based on academic achievement, community involvement and demonstration of their fortitude to succeed.
The Youth of the Year was established by Border Patrol as an effort to recognize the youth for their outstanding achievements. Program partners, such as IBC, play an integral role in the Border Patrol Youth of the Month program, as they reflect the commitment and dedication in supporting education by highlighting Laredo’s young leaders.
Community partner IBC hosted the event at the IBC Lago Del Rio, and Camila was honored with a beautiful sash that she will wear on her graduation day. Community partners provided Camila with various awards for her selection as Youth of the Year. Glen Ruiz from Royal Laser Wash, Pediatrician Dr. Sara Campos each donated a $1,000 scholarship and AHEC and Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club gave a $500 scholarship each. McDonald’s presented a gift basket. Laredo Energy Arena presented the student with tickets an upcoming concert, and Emperor Garden provided a Mac Pro laptop. Awardmasterz donated a beautiful Texas-shaped plaque that was presented at the ceremony.
Both U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and State Representative Tracy O. King each gave her a framed certificate honoring the Youth of the Year. U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar presented her with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition and will sponsor a trip to Washington, DC for both Camila and her parents to visit the U.S. Capitol. The honoree will also have the opportunity to receive a tour of the Texas State Capitol, where she will be presented on the Senate floor and State Senator Judith Zaffirini will hold a special reception in her honor.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of participation by the Laredo Sector Border Patrol.