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Challenge Scholar & Mentor Journeys

The Challenge Scholar Experience
Kimberly Rodriguez

“I graduated from Loretto Academy in 2017 and graduated from UTEP in 2020 with a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. In 2021, I decided to pursue my master’s in science in Criminal Justice/Criminology at Texas A&M International University (online). I am living in San Antonio. Gaining work experience by first holding a temporary job with the U.S. District Court Clerk’s office. Now I work with Bexar County in Economic and Community Development, where I help low-income communities get assistance with their utilities. I love what I do and am making connections to further my career once I graduate with my master’s! With having a full-time job and being a full-time graduate student, it can be a bit difficult at times, but in all honesty, Loretto prepared me a lot for the “real-world” and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity of going to such an amazing school. Thank you for everything and wish luck to all the new Challenge Program scholars!”

Kimberly Rodriguez, class of 2017
Margarita Alonso

“My time at Loretto has been a fun, challenging, and memorable experience. Being part of the Challenge program has been really special, since we all come in together in this new environment being able to rely on each other. Even though throughout the years classes and work become more challenging, I knew I always had resources around me if I needed help with anything, and most importantly I knew my hard work would pay off in the end. These seven years flew by and I am extremely grateful for this great opportunity. I managed to get into my dream college, which I would have never known about without Loretto. Here, I was really offered all the tools I could ever need to make my way and succeed not only in my high school career, but in college as well. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity that the Loretto Challenge Foundation offered me, and I hope to one day be able to give the same opportunity to someone else.”

Margarita Alonso, class of 2022
Isabelle Labrado

“Because of my scholarship, I’ve had many new opportunities. I’ve met many new people and have tried many new things. It is a very rewarding and meaningful thing to me because not many people get the opportunity to try out for a scholarship as special as this one. I am very blessed to have been able to be one of the four who got it. It has changed my life in ways I will always remember. I encourage others to try out for it because it has given me such an amazing opportunity that I will always be grateful for.”

Isabelle Labrado, class of 2026
Challenge Scholar Success Stories
Danya Navarrete

“I am a Biomedical Engineering Major at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. I’m currently in the Pre-Medicine Program and am concentrating in biomaterials. I’m also set to Graduate in May 2023. This next Spring and Summer I am participating in an Engineering Co-op with Medline Industries at their manufacturing facility in Glen Falls, NY. I will be learning more about the development and integration of their medical devices.”

Danya Navarrete, class of 2019
Estefhani Morales

“I was nervous to start my first year at college, but I felt like my time at Loretto had prepared me for this exact moment. Those 7 years at Loretto were filled with wonderful sisters, teachers, and staff that have helped me feel prepared for this new chapter in my life. If it wasn’t for the donors, I would not have had the opportunity to attend such a wonderful school that has helped me flourish to the woman I am today.”

Estefhani Morales, class of 2021, UT Arlington, Nursing Program
Challenge Mentor Experience
Stephanie Karr

“What a marvelous experience to join the Challenge Program as a mentor and have the unique joy of Priscilla in my life! Watching this shy 12-year-old-girl, grow into a self-confident and mature young woman has been delightful. I’m so glad I’ve been able to bond with her, provide unique experiences and lend support and encouragement. We have shared much and will continue our relationship into the future.”

Stephanie Karr, mentor, and friend to Priscilla Gonzalez, class of 2020
Corinne Hidalgo

“Joining the Loretto Challenge program as a mentor, I prayed to be able to guide my mentee and help with life lessons. Upon meeting Alexa Marquez, I saw a sweet young girl with big eyes and a smile that could warm anyone’s heart and our 7-year journey began. There were ups and downs, closeness and a bit of distance, laughter, annual Christmas teas, Halloween bunco games, girl talk, shared meals, the teenage years, and college fairs. I’ve had the privilege of seeing this young girl evolve into an intelligent, giving, strong, confident young woman ready to make her mark on the world. As I look back, I realize I have to thank Alexa for her life lesson to me - that opening your heart to mentor a young girl is not a challenge, but a blessing that forever warms your heart.”

Corinne Hidalgo, mentor, and friend to Alexa Marquez, class of 2015
Tina Y. Lemaster

“Mentoring has brought Diana and me a relationship that is enriching, interesting, and inciteful. We’ve learned about each other and ourselves in her journey through Junior and High School. Knowing what I know now, I’m so grateful I didn’t miss this opportunity for joy, growth, and a lifelong friendship.”

Tina Y. Lemaster, mentor, and friend to Diana Maldonado, class of 2024
Support Loretto
Support Loretto

With your support, we can continue educating young leaders, make our school more inclusive with the addition of an elevator, support more students with tuition assistance, retain and attract highly-qualified educators, and maintain and improve our school grounds.

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