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  4. Mateo Simpson Named Laredo Sector Border Patrol Youth of the Year

Mateo Simpson Named Laredo Sector Border Patrol Youth of the Year

Release Date
Wed, 05/15/2019

LAREDO, TEXAS – Mateo Simpson, a senior at United High School, was selected as the Laredo Sector Border Patrol Youth of the Year for 2018 - 2019.  Laredo Sector Border Patrol Acting Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Jose A. Martinez made the announcement at the International Bank of Commerce (IBC) annex in Laredo, Texas on Tuesday night, May 14. 

Youth of the Year for Laredo Sector
Mateo Simpson, a senior at United High
School, was selected as the Laredo Sector
Border Patrol Youth of the Year for
2018 - 2019. Laredo Sector Border Patrol
Acting Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Jose
A. Martinez made the announcement at
a special ceremony. 

Mateo, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Simpson, was accepted to several military academies to include:  the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy.  He chose to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  He plans to pursue a degree in aeronautical engineering and design aircrafts for the military.  During his high school years, he was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Piano Guild and a student-athlete in numerous sports.

The Youth of the Year ceremony culminates the Youth of the Month program that recognizes eleven students each month during the academic year 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, and other community partners provided Mateo with various awards and gifts in honor of his selection as Youth of the Year.  Dr. Sara Campos and Dr. Marcus Hinojosa each donated a $1,000 scholarship. The Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and Area Health Education Center (AHEC) each gave $500 scholarships.  Chick-fil-A presented a $500 Visa Gift Card, $100 Chick Fil-A gift card, and a plaque. McDonald’s presented a gift basket that included a gift card. Sames Auto Arena presented Mateo with tickets to see Anuel AA in concert, and Emperor Garden provided an HP laptop.  Ashley Furniture Homestore donated a $200 Visa Prepaid Card and a Tempur-Pedic pillow, L&F Distributors gave four cases of Nestle products. Rock Fitness Gym gave a one-year free membership, Laser Carwash gave 20 free carwashes, and Awardmasterz donated a beautiful Texas-shaped plaque that was presented at the ceremony.  

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar presented him with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition with a sponsored trip to Washington, D.C. for him and his family. The honoree will also have the opportunity to receive a tour of the Texas State Capitol, where he will be presented on the House floor with State Representative Richard Raymond.

Senator Ted Cruz, Texas Senator Judith Zaffirini, and State Representative Tracy O. King each gave him a framed certificate recognizing him as the Youth of the Year.

This year marks the 31st anniversary of participation by the Laredo Sector Border Patrol.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021