By Leslie Fuentes
Public Communications
Three outstanding AVID seniors from Humble ISD—Leondrea Mackey and Jonathan Turrubiartes of Humble High School, and Jhonatan Santisteban of Guy M. Sconzo Early College High School—have been named 2025 Dell Scholars.
The Dell Scholars Program, an initiative of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, honors students who demonstrate grit, potential, and determination in their pursuit of a college degree. It specifically supports first-generation college students, offering both financial and ongoing support throughout their college journey. Only 500 students nationwide are selected each year, and each recipient is awarded a $20,000 scholarship, a laptop, textbook credits, and access to personalized academic and career support.
This marks a historic milestone for Humble High School, as Mackey and Turrubiartes are the campus's first-ever Dell Scholars.
For Mackey, her AVID classes provided invaluable insights from current college students, which helped her craft a compelling scholarship essay and share her personal story. A first-generation college student, Mackey will attend Sam Houston State University this fall, where she plans to major in political science with the goal of pursuing policymaking and ultimately becoming a judge.
In addition to AVID, Mackey is active in student council, the National Honor Society, and serves as a CTE ambassador on her campus.
“It shows that hard work pays off,” she said. “It makes me realize the magnitude of things I have pushed myself to accomplish while I was in high school.”
Turrubiartes shared that the moment he found out he had been named a Dell Scholar, he rushed to tell his mother the good news.
“I told her I didn’t have to worry about going to college anymore,” he said. “It feels like I’m setting an example for my little brothers. I know that seeing me go to college will help them understand that it is possible.”
Also a first-generation college student, Turrubiartes plans to attend Texas A&M University to study either construction science or aerospace engineering. Throughout high school, he challenged himself with rigorous engineering courses and developed a passion for understanding how mathematical formulas apply to structural design. His dream is to contribute to large-scale construction projects or possibly work in the aerospace field.
“It’s a result of the work I have put in,” he said about becoming a Dell Scholar. “I didn’t choose the easy route in high school. I wanted to push myself beyond what’s expected so I could stand out.”
Turrubiartes also hopes to use his education to uplift others in his community who may not have access to similar opportunities.
“This means everything both to them and to the Humble High School AVID program,” Humble High School AVID Campus Coordinator Bree Welter said. “Becoming a Dell Scholar is truly a game-changer. Seeing two of our students receive such an incredible scholarship inspires every AVID student on our campus and shows them that anything is possible. Jonathan and Leondrea have blazed a trail for future students to follow.”
Joining them in this prestigious achievement is Jhonatan Santisteban from Guy M. Sconzo Early College High School. Also a first-generation college student, Santisteban plans to attend Texas A&M University to study finance. He shared that the Dell Scholarship made it possible for him to attend his dream university rather than staying close to home due to financial limitations.
“Jhonatan being named a Dell Scholar is not surprising to me because he always goes the extra mile,” Guy M. Sconzo Early College High School AVID Campus Coordinator Dr. Chestin Auzenne-Curl said. “He has a quiet humility, but such a strong work ethic.”
Santisteban's dream of attending Texas A&M dates back to third grade, when a teacher at Park Lakes Elementary gave him a folder and cup featuring the university. That early spark of inspiration stayed with him, and as he grew older, he began to see himself as part of the Aggie family.
A member of the AVID program since 7th grade, Santisteban said his high school AVID experience played a key role in preparing him for college applications and scholarship essays. He currently serves as senior class vice president and is active in several honor societies, including National, Spanish, Science, History, and Math.
He shared that the Dell Scholarship, combined with additional financial aid from Texas A&M, will cover most of his college expenses.
“It is extremely competitive and very prestigious,” Guy M. Sconzo Early College High School AVID IV teacher Dr. Jacqueline Howard said. “One of the biggest reasons students don’t complete college is financial hardship. A $20,000 scholarship can be life-changing. It can also determine where a student is able to attend based on tuition costs.”
Dr. Howard added that she hopes Santisteban will return to Sconzo in the future to share his journey and encourage underclassmen to pursue college and scholarship opportunities with confidence.