Lakehill Preparatory School seniors Sofia de la Cruz and Carlos Lopez, III have been selected by The College Board as 2015-16 National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) Scholars.

The NHRP was initiated in 1983 to identify outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students and to share information about these academically well-prepared students with colleges and universities. This year, the NHRP is recognizing about 5,000 students selected from a pool of over 250,000 students who took the 2014 PSAT/NMSQT/PAA. Students recognized by the NHRP are at least one-quarter Hispanic/Latino (based on the program's definition) and have achieved a minimum PSAT/NMSQT score for their region. Students with a junior year cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher are designated as Scholars in this program.

The NHRP does not provide monetary awards, but believes that recognizing students Scholars in this program makes them very attractive to colleges interested in academically outstanding students.

"I felt truly honored and a sense of accomplishment when I found out that I had been selected for this amazing opportunity," said de la Cruz. "It is the connection between one's culture and education that allows students to really engage with their roots."

Lopez agreed. "This award means so much to me because it is a reward that honors my heritage and the hard work that I have put in throughout my high school career."

"We are so proud of Sofia and Carlos for performing their best not only on this national exam but also in the classroom," said Heather Dondis, Lakehill Director of College Counseling. "These seniors participate in the many opportunities available to them through Lakehill and their communities and are regarded as highly respected leaders among their peers."

By Afton Guedea, Marketing Intern, Class of 2016