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)

Six Las Cruces locals have been awarded New Mexico State University's 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.

"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."

NMSU students Luis Barrera, Dakota Burrow, Lindsey Gamboa, Shelby Martin, Sarah Phillips and Ismael Torres are six of 15 students selected to receive the President's Associates Scholarship.

Barrera, son of Eduardo and Debra Barrera, graduated second in his class from Mayfield High School and is double majoring in engineering physics and aerospace engineering at NMSU. In high school, he was president of Spanish Club, vice president of MESA and a Mayor's Top Teen. Barrera is an active volunteer with the Gospel Rescue Mission.

Burrow, son of Josie Burrow, graduated from Mayfield High School as valedictorian and is majoring in mechanical engineering at NMSU. He is a National Merit Scholar, a National Hispanic Scholar, a former member of MESA and the founder of Mayfield's Stock Market Club.

Gamboa, daughter of A.G. and Donna Gamboa, graduated from Mayfield High School and is majoring in nursing at NMSU. She was the Rotary Youth Leadership's 2011 Volunteer of the Year and a former student body president.

Martin, daughter of Laura Michalik, graduated from Onate High School and is double majoring in biology and microbiology at NMSU. She is involved with academic tutoring and volunteering at the soup kitchen.

Phillips, daughter of Connor and Bradley Phillips, is also a graduate of Onate High School and is majoring in biology at NMSU. Phillips was a member of the National Honor Society, a former Rotary Student of the Month and volunteer for Dress-A-Child and the Special Olympics. She plans to pursue a career in medicine and has volunteered at Full Bloom Pediatrics.

Torres, son of Marina and Mario Torres, graduated from Las Cruces High School and is majoring in economics at NMSU. He is a National Hispanic Merit Scholar, a former member of National Honor Society and part of the Federal Reserve Bank Student Board of Directors. He was also involved in the Las Cruces High School varsity swim and tennis teams.

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.