Congratulations Madison Alonzo!

Congratulations to Madison Alonzo, this year's RF-LAMBDA Scholarship recipient, who is making her mark on the world and finding success. We know her father would be so proud! Good luck Madison will all of your future academic endeavors. 

“My name is Madison Alonzo, and I am studying Political Science with a minor in Criminology at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Soon, I will be graduating and moving forward with my Graduate Studies.

Family has been a central part of my life growing up. That was the very first concept I grasped as a child, and all I remember was being surrounded by family. The best part about being family-oriented is the strong support system and forever cherished moments that come with it. My father was the biggest foundation of this bond, so his passing had created everlasting hardships. Though that was the case, I still had my twin brother, my older brother, my older sister, and my mother. My mom had to continue working while raising four grieving children while also handling her grief. My mom has continued to carry on and honor traditions for my father, and she has been one of the greatest supporters through this, ensuring I knew every little memory about my dad.

I had all the courage to push forward and continue with my education. Every day, I am inspired by his qualities and the fascinating stories he had left behind for me to pass on to others. My father was the smartest man ever and would have wanted his children to grow up and go to school to have exciting careers like becoming scientists. He was the biggest history/government nerd, so I know just how proud he would be to know his daughter turned out like him and is going to school to teach the same thing we both have passion for.

I am forever grateful for my father's sacrifices and am determined to make him proud, just as he has made me proud. I also appreciate foundations like the Sugar Bear Foundation for supporting children like me and for providing scholarship opportunities that aid in my academic journey. This assistance allows me to continue my education and, ultimately, to fulfill my father's dreams for me.”