Phoenix, Ariz., May 18, 2009.  AAA Arizona has selected the five Arizona high school seniors to be honored this year with ¡Si Se Puede! Scholarships, totaling $5,000.

Spanish for “it can be done,” the ¡Si Se Puede! scholarship program is in its third year, and is offered by Los Embajadores, a AAA Arizona employee affinity group. The scholarship is designed to assist five outstanding Hispanic high school graduates in Arizona to obtain a college degree. Each $1,000 award is disbursed in the fall to help cover costs for the winners’ tuition and book expenses.

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

• Derek Marquez of Chandler, Arizona State University marketing major
• Guadalupe Quijado of Tucson, University of Arizona biology major
• Janet Ramirez of Glendale, Arizona State University nursing major
• Federico Bryner of Glendale, Arizona State University business management major
• Jennifer Kussey of Yuma, University of Arizona biology major

Students were selected based on their academic performance and accomplishments. And, in many cases they are also role models for their peers.

For example, Derek Marquez of Chandler said his parents have advanced degrees, which has inspired him to excel.  But he’s done more than that: He’s also convinced friends to attend college.

“Seeing my parents’ success only made me want to have my own success that much more,” Marquez said. “I also was able to talk some friends into college. They were afraid of the costs, but with a lot of hard work, you really see the benefits.”

Another recipient, Jennifer Kussey of Yuma, is planning to be a pharmacist and was inspired by her brother who was the first college graduate from her family.

“My daughter sees the advantages of a long-term degree,” said Joe Kussey, her father. “We’re very proud that she’s doing so well in school and putting so much away.  She has earned $9,000 toward her first two years.”

Applications for next year’s scholarships will be accepted beginning in the fall. To be eligible for the annual award, the recipients had to meet the following requirements:

• Be of Hispanic heritage.
• Be graduating from an Arizona high school
• Be an Arizona resident.
• Be enrolled full time in a degree seeking program at an Arizona accredited university or community college at the time of disbursement.
• Apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Submit a two-page essay describing one or two unique accomplishment(s) they are particularly proud of and how it makes them unique.
• Display at least a 3.0 High School Grade Point Average. 
• Complete the school’s own “General Scholarship Application.”

Los Embajadores is a group of AAA Arizona employees dedicated to supporting the club’s mission of providing high-quality trusted products and services to all Arizona communities. The group’s mission is to reach out to and promote an understanding of Arizona’s Hispanic population.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. 

NOTE:  Spanish-speakers and scholarship recipients are available for interviews.  Contact AAA Arizona Public Affairs to arrange.