Thirteen Xavier College Preparatory seniors received the Hispanic Scholarship Recognition Award. Most had no idea they were in the running for the honor, according to a press release. Scholarship America, as part of the national College Board program, annually recognizes 7,000 Hispanic scholars entering their senior year. Some students apply; others are invited. So it was for seniors Mariana Acevedo, Blanca Soto Rubacalva and Victoria Jimenez as they received a surprise email inviting them because their PSAT scores were so high. In addition to the test scores, they were required to have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their junior year. Miss Acevedo, Miss Rubacalva and Miss Jimenez all expressed appreciation that the College Board singled out Hispanic students for the award. “I felt really proud, especially being part of the first generation of my family to go to college,” Miss Rubalcava said in a prepared statement. Miss Jimenez is part of the first generation in her family to attend college. “It’s important to recognize Hispanic students so we can inspire others,” she said Miss Acevedo said she believe the recognition will “add a distinction to [her] college application” and she hopes it will make a difference. The common theme between all of the young women was they didn’t realize what a big deal the recognition was until people started congratulating them, a release states. “It made all the study hours for the tests worthwhile,” Miss Jimenez said. “And, I hope the admissions officers notice that I’m hard-working and studious.” Just as every other student at Xavier, these young Hispanic women are involved in activities other than academics: from editing a literary magazine, participating in speech and debate club, volunteering at a children’s hospital to creating something new in the robotics club. College Board recognition programs are not scholarships but rather a way for colleges to identify academically exceptional students.