Hispanic Texas Baptist students honored with scholarships

Texas Baptists welcomed 160 attendees and honored Hispanic students during a fundraising banquet following the conclusion of the Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas 2026 annual meeting held at Howard Payne University in Brownwood.

Scholarships awarded

A total of 15 students were awarded scholarships by Texas Baptists’ Office of Hispanic Education. Fourteen full-time students received $1,000 each, and one part-time student received $500.

Funds are raised through the Hispanic Education Banquet and granted to students attending a Baptist General Convention of Texas-affiliated university and who are members of Texas Baptist churches.

Scholarship recipients are:

• Celina Aguirre, a political science major at Dallas Baptist University and member of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas.
• Priscilla Alfaro, a nursing major at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and member of Rio Grande Bible Church in McAllen.
• Stephanie Barrón, a ministry major at Stark College & Seminary and member of New Life at the Cross in Robstown.
• Samuel Castañeda, a theology major at Dallas Baptist University and member of Grace Temple Baptist Church in Dallas.
• Sarah Castañeda, a special education major at Baylor University and member of Highland Baptist Church in Waco.
• Osmara Flores, a clinical counseling major at Wayland Baptist University and member of Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel in McAllen.
• Callie Hernández, an intercultural studies major at Dallas Baptist University and member of First Baptist Church in Garland.
• Marix Paola Márquez, a human behavior and business major at Baptist University of the Américas and member of Life Church in San Antonio.
• Arthur Mendes, a chaplaincy and pastoral care major at Dallas Baptist University and member of Valley Ranch Baptist Church in Coppell.
• Yadeline Pérez, a Christian ministry and mental health major at East Texas Baptist University and member of Iglesia Bautista El Calvario in Mt. Pleasant.
• Laura Resendiz, a business administration major at Baptist University of the Américas and member of Iglesia Bautista Alta Vista in San Antonio.
• Demetrio (Caleb) Salazar, a worship technology major at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and member of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Belton.
• Alexandra Sánchez, a ministry major at Stark College & Seminary and member of Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen.
• Sophia Sánchez, a nursing major at Baylor University and member of First Baptist Church in Weslaco.
• Rafaela Vieira Sousa de Araujo, a music education major at Dallas Baptist University and member of First Baptist Church in Garland.

Scholarships in memory

Three students received a scholarship in honor of Josué Garza, a personal injury lawyer and the son of Felipe Garza, first chair of Texas Baptists Hispanic Education Task Force. After Josué passed away in March, Felipe asked if donations could be made to the Texas Baptist Hispanic Education Scholarship fund in his memory.

Many donations were received, including a contribution from the San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association of which Josué was a member. Thanks to generous contributions, three students were awarded Texas Baptist Hispanic Education scholarships totaling $3,000 in Josué’s memory.

Encouraging the legacy

BGCT Executive Director Julio Guarneri delivered the banquet’s keynote address, sharing a personal testimony of being called into vocational ministry at a young age. Using Exodus 3:1-10 and the calling of Moses, he explained how God calls people within a larger legacy and sends them into meaningful work.

At age 16, during a Congreso conference at Houston Baptist University, Guarneri suddenly felt called into vocational ministry. He knew he needed an education.

His parents, natives of Mexico, did not understand the educational system in America and could not help him attend a Baptist school. So, he attended a state school. There, he completed his undergraduate degree before eventually attending seminary, serving in churches, and gaining valuable ministry experience.

“I know that my parents made some sacrifices, that they were not able to reap the reward, but I was able to do so. And I’m thankful for that,” Guarneri said.

Reflecting on his own journey, Guarneri encouraged students to recognize they, too, are beneficiaries of those who have gone before them.

“Your story might be different from mine, but you, too, are part of a legacy. There are those who have come before you and have prepared the way. They’ve opened doors, and you stand taller today because of them,” he continued.

Honoring the legacy

Turning to the account of Moses, Guarneri emphasized how God works through ordinary people to accomplish his redemptive purposes. Just as Moses was called to lead God’s people out of slavery, believers are called to serve others and prepare the way for the next generation.

“We are called to prepare the way for others. God called Moses because he had heard the cry of his people who were suffering. … So, he sent Moses to free God’s people from slavery in Egypt. Notice that when God decides to bring freedom and relief to others, he does it through people,” he said.

Guarneri connected his calling to the role education plays in equipping students for ministry and service, highlighting how scholarships are one way Texas Baptists invest in future leaders, enabling students to become part of an ongoing legacy and prepare the way for those who follow.

“It is a joy to see the next generation take the baton and run with it. That’s why we provide scholarships. That’s why donors respond with generosity. We’re passing on the legacy of education,” Guarneri said.

“You have the opportunity to pursue an education and to apply yourself. That’s a personal responsibility. … All you need to remember is that you’re not alone. … You’re part of a legacy.

“Texas Baptists have established a 140-year-old legacy of education. There have been those who have prepared the way for you, and you can have a part in preparing the way for others. Your education, your example, your contribution matters. So, let’s go.”