LPJ News Report
RUSTON, La. — Three Ruston High School seniors have been awarded scholarships through the ArkLaTex Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association International for their academic achievement and commitment to pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
Gabriel Houston, Jamie Mande and Trisha Pangilinan were among the students selected to receive scholarships through the organization’s annual STEM scholarship program.
Houston received the $1,500 Fred Moffitt Tuskegee Airman Scholarship, presented by retired Col. Dr. Joseph Jones.
Mande received the $1,500 Cyber Innovation Center Platinum Partner Scholarship, presented on behalf of Cyber Innovation Center President Kevin Nolten.
Pangilinan received the $1,500 Federal Direct Access Expeditions Partner Scholarship, presented on behalf of Mrs. Jade Ruiz.
A total of 20 students were awarded scholarships.
The ArkLaTex Chapter of AFCEA International awards scholarships each year to graduating seniors pursuing degrees in STEM-related fields, including engineering, computer science, information technology, mathematics and physics. The organization said 2026 marks the 20th year the chapter has awarded scholarships to students across the I-20 corridor in East Texas, North Louisiana and Southern Arkansas.
Applicants for the scholarships were required to maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 GPA in math and science courses. Students also submitted transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, biographies and photographs as part of the application process.
Scholarship funds are awarded for tuition and fees at accredited colleges and universities.
