Feldman Scholarship recipients Yunseo Kim, Logan Perez and Pippa Fung. Photo by Jessica Booton Photography
Sims Scholarship recipient Rebeca Rocha with Becky Sims and recipient Carter Watkins. Photo by Jessica Booton Photography
LAPS Foundation News:
The Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation administers several memorial scholarships to graduating seniors each year. The following are the winners from the Class of 2023.
Nyla Lee is the winner of the Larry Baca Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a student who has participated in track or cross country at Los Alamos High School. The scholarship is named for Larry Baca, a renowned coach in Los Alamos for 30 years and member of the Los Alamos High School Hall of Fame and New Mexico Coaches Hall of Fame. He was a tremendous athlete at LAHS participating in baseball, basketball, wrestling, football and track. A role model to youth in our community, Baca’s humility, determination and sportsmanship enabled his track teams to achieve numerous district and state track titles. Nyla is the daughter of Richard and Pamela Lee. She will attend Montana State University and major in chemical engineering.
Aria Mair and Kelly (Isabella) McTeigue are the winners of the Irene Boone Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship, awarded to students pursuing a two or four-year degree at a college, university or technical-vocational program, is made possible through the generosity of long-time Los Alamos resident and pediatrician, Dr. Irene Boone and her husband, Zanas “Slim” Boone. Aria is the daughter of Anna Yarrow and Herschel Mair. She will attend the School of Visual Arts NYC and major in animation. Isabella is the daughter of Jolyn McTeigue. She will attend the University of New Mexico and major in business.
Pippa Fung, Yunseo Kim and Logan Perez were selected for the Sophia Feldman Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded in memory of Sophia Feldman, a Los Alamos High School student who passed away in September 2019. Sophia was passionate about helping and supporting people. She had many interests, including dance, music, and speech and debate. In Sophia’s honor the scholarships are awarded to students for their exemplary academic and personal conduct combined with participating in mentoring, anti-bullying, social justice, or related activities. Pippa, daughter of Elizabeth-Sharon and Jimmy Fung, will attend Arizona State University, majoring in journalism and international relations. Yunseo, daughter of Hyunjoo Kang and Yongho Kim, will attend Columbia University and major in political science and human rights. Logan, son of Erin and Antonio Perez, will attend New Mexico State University to study psychology.
The Jim Sims Memorial Engineering Scholarship has been awarded to Rebeca Rocha and Carter Watkins. This scholarship was created to honor long time Los Alamos resident and LANL engineer Jim Sims. Sims worked for 34 years at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a design engineer and leader of project engineering teams. He was a gifted mechanical engineer with a distinguished career, essential to the success of highly visible programs that have enhanced the scientific and engineering reputation of the Laboratory. Sims was also committed to mentoring young engineers, designers, and students, generously sharing his knowledge and experience.
Rebeca is the daughter of Fran and Reg Rocha. She will attend Texas A&M University to study mechanical engineering. Carter Watkins is the son of Alison and Heath Watkins. He will attend Colorado School of Mines to study mechanical engineering.
The Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation is an independent organization which serves as the connection between our community and school district, evaluating needs and investing resources to improve the quality of public education in our community. To learn more about the LAPS Foundation, visit www.lapsfoundation.com.
Boone Scholarship recipient Isabella McTeigue. Photo by Jessica Booton Photography
Baca Scholarship recipient Nyla Lee. Photo by Jessica Booton Photography
