DCCCD Muse Scholarship recipients exhibit potential

Written by Phil Cerroni

Thirteen area community college students who demonstrate leadership potential and the determination to succeed have been named 2012-2013 Muse scholarship recipients by the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) Foundation. The recipients also are selected on the basis of their focused educational goals and work ethic, along with proven leadership skills and academic achievement.

Initiated and funded by longtime DCCCD Foundation supporters Lyn and John Muse of Dallas, the Muse Scholars Program pays for each scholar’s college costs at DCCCD – including tuition, books and additional fees – to meet the requirements of his or her certification program or degree. Recipients may receive the Muse scholarship for up to six consecutive semesters.

“Determination and potential are key characteristics we look for in our Muse scholars,” said Betheny Reid, associate vice chancellor of development and president of the DCCCD Foundation. “Lyn and John Muse believe in those traits, as well as a strong work ethic and clear educational goals. Each recipient exhibits those characteristics, and we are excited to have them as students at DCCCD. They are future leaders, and we hope to help them reach their educational and professional goals.”

This year’s new Muse scholars, their home towns, colleges and intended majors, are:

Mussie Abraha Abed of Richardson, El Centro College, nursing;

Everardo Amaya of Dallas, Eastfield College, renewable and sustainable energy;

Ernesto Banuelos of Irving, North Lake College, business administration and engineering;

Martha N. Barajas of Garland, El Centro College, nursing;

Courtney Belcher of Mesquite, El Centro and Eastfield colleges, nursing;

Domitila Lico Guevara of Rockwall, Richland College, international business and trade;

Rachel Slagel of Little Elm, Brookhaven and El Centro colleges; echocardiology technology;

Chukwuka John Umeojiako of Addison, Brookhaven College, psychology.

Returning Muse scholars include:

Ahmed Rashad Elhelw of Addison, Brookhaven College, petroleum engineering;

Sharon Ji of Dallas, North Lake College, biology;

Michael W. Packer of Richardson, Richland College, accounting;

Erika Quinn of Garland, Richland College, architecture; and

Stephan B. Sawin of Glenn Heights, Mountain View College, business management.

Source: Dallas County Community College District