As graduation season highlights student achievements in Southern Nevada, one student's journey stands out. Alyssa Becnel, a senior at CSN High School South, has been awarded the Frias Legacy Scholarship. This $100,000 scholarship, funded by the Charles and Phyllis M. Frias Charitable Trust, aims to remove financial obstacles for students pursuing higher education.
Sarah Tartaglia, Program Officer for CSN’s CAPS Program, nominated Alyssa. Tartaglia described her as someone who has "risen above adversity with grace, grit and unwavering focus." The selection committee was moved by Alyssa's story, and the scholarship will support her continued education.
The award ceremony on April 8 brought together representatives from the Frias Trust, the Public Education Foundation, and CSN staff to honor Alyssa. The event celebrated not just a scholarship but also the legacy of Charles and Phyllis Frias. The couple once ran Nevada’s largest transportation company and believed strongly in education despite never attending college themselves.
Additionally featured in the CSN Dual Credit Newsletter was Career Exploration Day on April 25 at CSN’s Henderson campus. It offered 145 high school students an interactive experience in careers like aviation and public safety.
On April 23, 23 students from Central Technical Training Academy and Rancho High School were recognized at the Nevada Gold Mines Family Celebration Night. These students graduated with a CSN Certificate of Achievement and are ready to start careers in mining with starting salaries of $70,000.
For more information about dual credit opportunities or to connect with Amber Mayes regarding future possibilities, email Amber.Mayes@csn.edu.