Top CAMP Scholars from Migrant Families Honored at WT

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - A pre-nursing major and a criminal justice major were honored as scholars of the year for a special West Texas A&M University program for students from migrant families.

Janet Banuelos, a freshman pre-nursing major from Booker, was named Scholar of the Year and Jason Granillo, a freshman criminal justice major from Olton, was named Rising Scholar of the Year as WT's College Assistance Migrant Program, or CAMP, celebrated the end of the academic year during a luncheon in the Alumni Banquet Hall on WT's Canyon campus.

Samuel Fraser, a junior criminal justice major from Temecula, California, was named Tutor of the Year.

CAMP is a federally funded program designed to help students from migrant and seasonal farmworker backgrounds succeed at WT.

"I feel very humbled and grateful that other people recognized all the hard work I put into this academic year," Banuelos said. "The year started off a little nerve-wracking, but I knew I had people supporting me. We were constantly thrown into different opportunities where I had to step out of my comfort zone. This has helped me grow both professionally and socially."

Banuelos exemplifies CAMP's mission and purpose, said Fabiola Hernandez, CAMP director.

"Janet was hesitant at the beginning of the year to leave her family behind to start her new academic journey at WT," Hernandez said. "Despite her fear of the unknown and the distance from her family, she connected to our program through every requirement and challenge that came her way and quickly learned to adapt to call CAMP her home."

Granillo was recognized for overcoming adversities over the year.

"This recognition shows that I have grown as a person and as a student through CAMP," Granillo said. "I am able to hold my head high and continue on my academic journey. CAMP has given me connections and friendships that I will always cherish."

Hernandez said she is proud of Granillo's growth.

"You would never know that Jason endured many struggles during his transition into college because he radiates so much joy," she said. "I am so proud of the growth Jason has shown this year."

Fraser said he was honored to be recognized for his work with the students.

"Working the scholars was an absolute pleasure," Fraser said. "Seeing them grow as not only better people but better in academics has really inspired me and helped me consider a path to help others in the near future."

Hernandez lauded Fraser for giving "tremendous" academic support to the students with whom he worked.

The luncheon was held May 1, part of a series of year-end events leading to May 11 commencement ceremonies.

CAMP facilitates the transition from high school to college and offers first-year support services to develop the skills necessary to persist and graduate from college.

The program provides academic advising and support; tutoring and supplemental instruction; financial aid counseling; cultural enrichment; social adjustment; leadership and professional development activities; and services, including scholarships up to $2,700, book assistance and a monthly stipend.

Serving CAMP students is one way in which WT is regionally responsive, a key component of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign's new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised nearly $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest's finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men's and women's athletics programs.

Photo: West Texas A&M University's College Assistance Migrant Program recognized its top 2023-2024 students at a recent awards luncheon. Pictured are, from left, Jason Granillo, a freshman criminal justice major from Olton, Rising Scholar of the Year; Fabiola Hernandez, CAMP director; Janet Banuelos, a freshman pre-nursing major from Booker, Scholar of the Year; and Samuel Fraser, a junior criminal justice major from Temecula, California, Tutor of the Year.

-WT-

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