News Summary
The West Texas A&M University community gathered in Legacy Hall to honor the memories of students Coby Flow, Daniel Poole, and Yonathan Mendoza during a heartfelt tribute. Scholarships were presented in their names, emphasizing the impact of their legacies on peers and the university as a whole. The event highlighted the strong bonds within the community while reaffirming a commitment to supporting students in their academic journeys.
Canyon, Texas — A Touching Tribute to Fallen Students
At West Texas A&M University, emotions ran high as the campus community gathered to pay tribute to students who left this world too soon during the 2023-24 academic year. The event took place in Legacy Hall in Canyon, where heartfelt memories were shared and legacies honored.
Remembering Coby, Daniel, and Yonathan
This poignant memorial service focused on the lives of three remarkable individuals: Coby Scott Flow, Daniel Wade Poole, and Yonathan Mendoza. Coby and Daniel were both seniors from Amarillo, busy navigating their final year of studies, while Yonathan was a freshman hailing from Wheeler, full of potential and dreams.
Scholarships with Heart
Among the uplifting moments of the service were the presentations of scholarships established in memory of each student. Leticia Lora, Ximena Badillo, and Efrain Rosales were recipients of scholarships dedicated to Coby, Yonathan, and Daniel respectively. These awards not only provide financial support but also keep the memories of these students alive. Families of the fallen students were present, sharing in this special occasion that highlighted the strong bond between recipients and their honored mentors.
Words of Comfort from Student Leaders
Feliberto Avila, the WT student body president, took the opportunity to emphasize the profound significance of honoring the legacies left behind by the students. He expressed how much their passing has impacted not just their families, but the broader university community, reminding everyone that these connections are what make a community whole.
A Competitive Spirit of Giving
The process to select scholarship recipients wasn’t a walk in the park. Over 1,000 applicants vied for this meaningful recognition. With such a competitive selection, the chosen recipients felt honored and inspired to live their lives with the same purpose that Coby, Daniel, and Yonathan had.
Gratitude and Remembrance
In a heartfelt moment, a recipient of Coby’s scholarship, Leticia Lora, expressed her deep appreciation for the honor. She mentioned how receiving the scholarship inspires her to live each day with a renewed sense of gratitude and awareness of life’s fragility.
Honoring Outstanding Achievements
Beyond memorial scholarships, West Texas A&M is committed to recognizing academic excellence. This year alone, the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice awarded over $85,000 in scholarships. Students like Biak Nung were celebrated as Outstanding Political Science Students, while Phillip Keith Smith Jr. was acknowledged as the Outstanding Emergency Management Administration Student for 2023-2024. This emphasis on success resonates deeply within the university culture.
Looking Forward
As WT embarks on its ambitious long-range plan, WT 125, the commitment to fostering student success remains at the forefront of its mission. The initiative aims to enhance student recruitment and provide ongoing support to achieve both academic and personal growth.
Raising Funds for Future Generations
Meanwhile, the One West comprehensive fundraising campaign is making dramatic strides, raising nearly $160 million and setting a new goal of $175 million by 2025. With such initiatives, West Texas A&M strives to continue shaping bright futures for generations of students to come.
A Community United in Remembrance
On that day, Canyon was not just a city but a haven of shared stories, tears, and laughter—a reminder of the impact each student has, no matter how brief their time with us may be. With love and memory at the core of the scholarships, West Texas A&M University remains a vibrant community dedicated to supporting its students, today and always.
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Additional Resources
- Amarillo.com: WT Scholarships Honor Legacy
- Wikipedia: West Texas A&M University
- The Prairie News: WT Political Science Scholarships
- Google Search: Scholarships West Texas A&M
- Amarillo.com: Randall County 4-H Members Excel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scholarship
- Go Buffs Go: WT Athletics Announces Scholarships
- Google News: West Texas A&M University
