ABILENE, Texas — As March celebrates National Social Worker Month, the West Texas branch of the National Association of Social Workers is recognizing people and organizations making a difference across the region.
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NASW 2026 Abilene Christian university Masters Social work student of the year – Eva Mel Carrillo Vazquez{ }(Roz Evans)
With the help of Roz Evans, chair of the National Association of Social Workers’ West Texas branch and a former Student of the Year award recipient at Abilene Christian University, an award ceremony is planned for Tuesday March 17, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Hardin-Simmons Houston Lantrip Center to honor social workers across West Texas.
Mandy Schuman – NASW 2026 Public citizen of the year
{ }(Roz Evans)
The NASW West Texas branch’s 2026 honorees include:
Mandy Schuman, Public Citizen of the YearSayler Beerwinkle, Bachelor’s Social Work Student of the Year at Hardin-Simmons UniversityYouth Voice, Outstanding Organization/Agency of the Year. Dr. Ben Siburt is the organization’s directorHannah Minchew, Hardin-Simmons Practicum Instructor of the YearSarah McLean, Social Worker of the YearAlexandra Shewmaker, Abilene Christian University Bachelor’s Social Work Student of the YearEva Mel Carrillo Vazquez, Abilene Christian University Master’s Social Work Student of the Year
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NASW 2026 Outstanding Organization/Agency of the year – Youth Voice (Dr. Ben Siburt, Director){ }(Roz Evans)
KTXS News plans to introduce this year’s award recipients throughout the ceremony on Tuesday.