EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A total of $100,000 in scholarships will be awarded to 18 graduating high schoolers through the McDonald’s El Paso Scholarships Program Awards event.

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at the Starlight Event Center, located at 6650 Continental Dr.

Guest speakers at the event include Dr. Richard Castro, owner/founder of the McDonald’s El Paso Scholarships, Dr. William Serrata, president of EPCC and Dr. Heather Wilson, president of UTEP.

Here is the list of the 2026 McDonald’s El Paso Scholarship recipients:

Natasha Aguilar – Andress High School

Frida Camacho – El Paso Leadership Academy East

Yazline Chavez – Fabens High School

Victoria Garcia – Socorro High School

Aaron Garcia – Pebble Hills High School

Valeria Hernandez – El Paso High School

Zuley Lovato – Bowie High School

Emily Martinez – Eastwood High School

Itzel Ortiz – Canutillo High School

Elijah Portillo – Americas High School

Amir Torres – Riverside High School

Hillary Bermudez – Socorro High School

Maxine Ferrer – Montwood High School

Kevin Lopez – Bowie High School

Michael Martinez – Parkland High School

Marley Medina – Bowie High School

Chole Melero – El Dorado High School

Emiliano Rodriguez – Horizon High School

“The initiative’s sole purpose is to provide financial support to local, dedicated students who don’t have the financial means to realize their academic goals and seek an opportunity to better their lives through education,” Castro said. “By partnering with UTEP and EPCC, we take this initiative to a whole new level, enabling the cause to cover the tuition of a student’s entire first academic year.”

According to a news release by McDonald’s El Paso Scholarship program, McDonald’s El Paso will donate $50,000 in scholarships to qualifying students who wish to attend UTEP or EPCC during the 2026-2027 academic year.

Other academic institutions have matched the scholarship amount, totaling $100,000 to support the initiative, commitment to education and El Paso’s community.

“Through the ongoing McDonald’s El Paso Scholarship initiative, Dr. Castro has helped create valuable academic opportunities for local students, recognizing and supporting their hard work, leadership and commitment to higher education,” read the release.

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