The 2013 NMSU President's Associates Scholarship recipients stand in front of the Conroy Honors Center. Top row, from left, Dakota Burrow, Luis Barrera, Elliott Romo; second row, from left, Allison Jenkins, Ismael Torres, Christian De La Pena, Andrew Casson; third row, from left, Kyanna Martinez, Shelby Martin, Lauren Tinley, Sarah Phillips; bottom row, from left, Kaitlin Garrett, Lindsey Gamboa. Not pictured: Casey McKim and Tel Pickett. (Courtesy Photo)

Four New Mexico State University students from Albuquerque have been awarded the 2013 President's Associates Scholarship.

The President's Associates Scholarship is NMSU's most prestigious scholarship. It is awarded to outstanding high school students from New Mexico who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement and strong leadership potential.

NMSU students Andrew Casson, Allison Jenkins, Christian De La Pena and Elliott Romo are four of 15 students been selected to receive the President's Associates Scholarship.

"We're all very proud of this 35th freshman class of President's Associates Scholars," said Thomas Price, president of the PA Board and a PA Scholar alumnus. "These high-achieving students represent the very best of all regions of New Mexico. I'm confident that the time they'll spend as President's Associates Scholars will help each of these students achieve successful and rewarding futures. As we extend our congratulations to the scholars and their families, the PA Board would also like to once again thank the many donors who recognize the value of this scholarship to the university through their generous, on-going support."

Casson, son of Debby Casson, graduated from La Cueva High School and is majoring in mechanical engineering at NMSU. He was a member of the La Cueva High School marching and jazz bands, and the Boy Scouts of America. Casson was also a participant in National Honor Society and part of La Cueva High School's state championship-winning soccer team.

Jenkins, daughter of Katrina D'Amour, graduated from Sandia High School and is majoring in animal science at NMSU. She was a member of the National Honor Society and New Mexico Model United Nations. She enjoys playing softball and plans to pursue a career as a veterinarian.

De La Pena, son of Leanne Whitemore, graduated as valedictorian from Eldorado High School and is majoring in electrical engineering at NMSU. He is a National Merit Commended Student, a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar and a Lockheed Martin Academic Scholarship recipient.

Elliot Romo, son of Julie Rivera, graduated from St. Pius X High School and is majoring in animal science at NMSU. He is a past member of the National Honor Society, has volunteered at a hippotherapy clinic, and is actively involved in 4-H calf and team roping.

Since the creation of the scholarship in 1978, it has been awarded to more than 300 students, representing every academic discipline and every community in New Mexico.