East Texas Leadership Summit awards TJC scholarships to area students

Published June 4, 2025

Two future Tyler Junior College students have been awarded scholarships from the East Texas Leadership Summit.

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Tyler Legacy High School graduate Diego Castro was recently awarded a TJC scholarship from the East Texas Leadership Summit. From left: Angeles Perez Hernandez, president of the Hispanic Professionals Association of Tyler; Diego Castro; and Ebb Torres, ETLS co-chair.

Hosted annually by the Hispanic Professionals Association of Tyler (HPAT), the summit’s mission is to contribute to the development of local leadership while offering opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration to impact in the East Texas community.

Diego Castro recently graduated from Tyler Legacy High School and plans to attend TJC in the fall as part of the Texas A&M Engineering Academy, where he will study mechanical engineering.

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Winnsboro High School graduate Fernanda Palacios was recently awarded a TJC scholarship from the East Texas Leadership Academy. From left: Ebb Torres, ETLS co-chair; Fernanda Palacios; and Angeles Perez Hernandez, president of the Hispanic Professionals Association of Tyler.

Fernanda Palacios graduated from Winnsboro High School and plans to attend TJC in the fall to study radiologic technology. Her own experience with scoliosis has influenced her to want to pursue a career in radiologic technology, as she continues to appreciate the support and emotional connection she experienced while spending time at Scottish Rite Hospital.

“All profits from the East Texas Leadership Summit go toward providing scholarships for students in Smith and surrounding counties,” said Ebb Torres, summit co-chair. “HPAT is on a passionate mission to uplift and empower the promising young minds of our community.”

TJC President and CEO Dr. Juan E. Mejia added, “It continues to be an honor to have Tyler Junior College as a proud partner of the East Texas Leadership Summit. The leadership team continues to improve every aspect.”