Frank Alvarez, a senior at George West High School, recently learned he has been awarded two scholarships to Baylor University. The first is the Provost’s Gold Scholarship for $31,470. The second is a Baylor University Scholarship of $27,000.

Diane Johnson, one of Alvarez’s teachers, said, “While many students perform for the grade, Frank has proven time and time again that he performs in class for the pure enjoyment of learning and expanding his creativity. He has successfully managed to ingeniously bring ninjas into the life of The Scarlet Letter and the acting debut of Myrtle from The Great Gatsby onto the silver screen. His limitless ingenuity knows no bounds, and there is little doubt that his abilities will thrive as he attends Baylor.”

Alvarez will be majoring in pre-dental biology. Alvarez is in the National Honor Society, UIL and Student Council. He was the 2008-09 regional president for Business and Professionals Association (BPA) and was recently announced as the 2009 Outstanding Member at TRiO Day.

In addition to scholastic accolades, Alvarez has played varsity tennis for four years. “I enjoy participating in community activities and assisting throughout my community as needed through the Valero Volunteers,” Alvarez said.

English teacher Leslie Simon Cox said, “Frank’s effortless wit, social conscience and academic conscientiousness have made him one of my most memorable George West students. His easy ability for public speaking made it a joy to have him in speech class, and I continue to enjoy working with him for UIL speaking events. I have no doubt that Frank will thrive in college and enhance Baylor University’s student body.”

“As a teacher, receiving the opportunity to watch a student grow, learn, develop and succeed throughout the years can be an amazing experience. Frank has achieved the goals he had set for himself through his hard work, self-discipline and dedication to learning. No matter where Frank attends school or what he decides to do with his life, one can be certain that he will remain successful due to his creativity, determination and work ethic. I can only be truly proud of Frank for his accomplishments, and I look forward to witnessing his success at Baylor University and throughout his life,” said Michelle Blount of GWHS.

The Provost Gold Scholarship will be distributed over two semesters and the university scholarship will be distributed over eight semesters.

Alvarez is the son of Christina Ponce of George West and Frank Alvarez of Mathis.