Chapel Hill High School Senior Receives TACS/TTU K-12 Scholarship to Texas Tech University

By Leslie Cranford, Media Relations Coordinator

May 23, 2018

TTU K-12 in collaboration with the Texas Association of Community Schools (TACS) recently awarded Karyme Renteria of Tyler a $1,000 scholarship to Texas Tech University. Renteria, a first-generation college student, is a senior at Chapel Hill High School.

With the plan to attend Texas Tech University, Karyme's career goal is to become a gastroenterologist, a physician specializing in digestive diseases of the stomach and intestines.

At the age of 16, Karyme was stirred by the illness of her great-grandmother. Hospitalized at the age of 101, her body was slowly shutting down. One of the challenges Karyme noticed was a language barrier between the caregivers and her great-grandmother. The health professionals, try as they might, didn't seem to be meeting her needs effectively, as they did not speak Spanish.

“This life experience has influenced me to become a doctor,” Karyme said. “With my bilingual capabilities, I can help others receive the best care possible.”

She added, “My great-grandmother's passing influenced my aspirations immensely. The TTU K-12 scholarship will aid me in my journey to becoming a doctor.”

Karyme has been active in Health Occupational Students of America, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, UIL Academic Team and Student Senate.

As a saxophone player in her high school band, Karyme was drawn to Texas Tech because of its excellent school of music and superior academic programs. Congratulations, Karyme, and we'll see you on campus at Texas Tech University.