Scholarship Sparks Hope Through The Journey Of An Inspiring Student

For Immediate Release

June 2, 2024

Media Contact: Diana O’Brien diana@cfsnm.org

Hot Springs, NM – May 10, 2024 – Amid the sea of caps and gowns at Hot Springs High School, there is a stand-out student, seeking the hands–on skills that forge the backbone of our communities. The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico (CFSNM) is proud to celebrate the Carla J. Urban Scholarship for the Trades, a scholarship established in 2022 and designed to support aspiring students from Truth or Consequences and Elephant Butte, NM, in their pursuit of vocational excellence. This year’s scholarship has been awarded to a deserving honor roll student, Joseph Romero, who is not only excelling academically but also demonstrating strong commitment to his community through his hands-on apprenticeship in HVAC, landscaping work with his father, and seeking to help his neighbors however he can through his hands and heart of service.

Carla J. Urban, the benefactor behind this unique scholarship, has served as an educator and has a great passion for doing what she can to make a positive difference. She is deeply rooted in the Truth or Consequences (T or C) community. Carla and her husband, Peter Urban, built their permanent home in T or C, 35 years ago. The two spent many years boating at Elephant Butte and always had a deep love for the community. Peter passed away in 2016. His loved ones admired his authenticity, intelligence, and great sense of humor and adventure. He was an exceptionally skilled mechanic who specialized in working on motorcycles and boats and was known for being able to fix anything. Since Peter’s passing, Carla stated she found herself needing support with home maintenance tasks. This need, coupled with her dedication to serving her community and her love for the town’s camaraderie, stunning natural beauty, and friendly people inspired her to give back in a meaningful way. Understanding the importance of skilled trades in the growth and sustainability of local communities, Carla has established this scholarship with the hope of opening doors for students to access education in vital trades such as plumbing, electrical work, and more.

The scholarship aims to alleviate financial barriers for students who wish to enter trade fields and intends to bolster the availability of skilled service providers in the community. Carla’s dedication to T or C is also a call to action, encouraging others to support educational funds that can create a lasting impact.

Joseph Romero, the 2024 scholarship awardee, embodies the values Carla wishes to promote through this initiative. As a first-generation student, Joseph’s academic achievements and practical experience are paving the way for a promising future in the trades. Romero is currently preparing for his high school graduation while also completing an apprenticeship at MPG Services, LLC. This scholarship will support Romero in furthering his education through the HVAC program at Doña Ana Community College. His dual commitment to learning and working in the field is a testament to the drive and dedication the scholarship seeks to reward.

“My goals are to go on to college and get an associate degree in HVAC. The reason I am choosing HVAC is to help out the community and provide a service that not many people have,” said Romero. He attributes his strong work ethic to his father and mother and his grit to his beloved late grandmother who encouraged him to pursue his passions and taught him to persevere. Romero said, “They have shown me nothing is handed to you, and you’ll always have to work to provide for the people you love. I will make a change in my community and help them grow.”

“Joseph’s sense of responsibility extends beyond his own needs. He genuinely embodies the spirit of assistance and consistently demonstrates a genuine concern for the well-being of others, often going out of his way to assist his peers and contribute positively to the environment around him,” said Samatha Starr-Sullenger, Hot Springs High School English Department Chair. “His self-awareness drives him to continuously strive for self-improvement, all while fostering an environment where everyone feels supported to achieve their best. His actions reflect a deep understanding of the importance of community and empathy.”

“We are honored to award the Carla J. Urban Scholarship for the Trades and support students like Joseph, who are the backbone of our community’s future,” said Terra V. Winter, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. “Carla’s vision for the scholarship is not only an investment in individual futures but also a critical contribution to the well-being and service infrastructure of T or C and beyond.”

Carla and the CFSNM believe that this scholarship will be a long-standing legacy, fostering educational opportunities and professional growth for many students to come, and will continue to strengthen Southern New Mexico now and for generations to come.

For more information about the Carla J. Urban Scholarship for the Trades, or to contribute to the fund, please visit www.cfsnm.org or contact CFSNM at 575-521-4794 or info@cfsnm.org.

For the Sierra County Sentinel published article, visit: https://www.gpkmedia.com/news/scholarship-sparks-hope-through-the-journey-of-an-inspiring-student/article_8859061a-1dd6-11ef-a1a3-33c366aa694f.html 

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About Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico
The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work. At the Community Foundation, we are committed to improving the quality of life in southern New Mexico now and for generations to come. As a center for charitable giving, we support countless meaningful causes in the twelve counties we serve, which include: Catron, Chaves, Doña Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Sierra and Socorro.

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