Chihuahuas Award $25,000 in All-Star Scholarships in Memory of Yolanda Arriola

EL PASO, TEXAS – July 15, 2026 – The Chihuahuas announce the recipients of the 2026 All-Star Scholarship in Memory of Yolanda Arriola, awarding a total of $25,000 to five El Paso-area graduating seniors recognized for excellence in academics, leadership, and community service.

Established in memory of Yolanda Arriola, the founder and chief executive officer of Southwest University, who passed away in 2020, the scholarship honors her unwavering commitment to education, opportunity, and the future of El Paso's youth. Created in 2019 as part of the Triple-A All-Star Game & Home Run Derby, the annual scholarship program continues Arriola's legacy by investing in students whose hard work, perseverance, and dedication embody the values she championed throughout her life.

The 2026 All-Star Scholarship recipients are:

• Saul Munoz, Canutillo HS - $10,000
• Elvis Ortiz, Socorro HS - $5,000
• Ava Saucedo, Eastlake HS - $5,000
• Trager Simpson, Transmountain Early College High School - $2,500
• Milagros Quinlan, Franklin High School - $2,500

Since its inception, the All-Star Scholarship has helped deserving El Paso students pursue higher education while honoring Arriola's lasting impact on the Borderland community.

For Munoz, the scholarship is a reminder that perseverance pays off.

"Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me because I've learned that life gives back what you put into it. Galatians 6:7–9 has always reminded me that you reap what you sow and that staying consistent matters. This opportunity feels like one of those moments where the work starts to show, and it motivates me to keep building toward a life of purpose and impact," Munoz said.

The scholarship continues to reflect Arriola's lifelong commitment to expanding educational opportunities throughout the Borderland. In 1999, Arriola founded Southwest University with the mission of providing a pathway to success for individuals without a high school diploma. Her dedication to the community extended beyond education; in 2013, Southwest University secured the naming rights to the downtown ballpark, now proudly known as Southwest University Park, home of the Chihuahuas and El Paso Locomotive FC.

Arriola's unwavering passion, generosity, and leadership made her a beloved mentor and inspiration—not only within Southwest University and MountainStar Sports Group but also throughout the El Paso community.

About the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation

The El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization created to provide financial and cultural impact on families and children in the southwest region through creative programs and events. Through the MountainStar Sports Group Foundation, the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation, and the El Paso Locomotive FC Foundation, the foundation aims to support communities via direct giving, grants, and events that help raise funds to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.

PREVIOUS ALL-STAR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

2019 Scholars:
Alan Eduardo Lizarraga Lujan – Valle Verde Early College HS
Ethan Ontiveros – Bowie HS
Wendy Salazar – Jefferson HS
Mariangela Cobain – Coronado HS
Ashley Crooks – Parkland HS

2021 Scholars:
Fernando Sepulveda – Coronado HS
Marlenne Garcia – Austin HS
Elliot Ayoub – Montwood HS
Rey Sanchez – Parkland HS
Dejanira Hernandez – Northwest Early College

2022 Scholars:
Martin Rodriguez – Franklin HS
Evelyn Zarate – Montwood HS
Keiley Tierce – Franklin HS
Kimberly Sarabia – Mountain View HS
Marvin Parker – Parkland Early College

2023 Scholars:
Damian Lem – El Dorado HS
Richard Maese – Ysleta HS
Yoseph Ortega – Harmony Science Academy
Ashley Aguilera – El Dorado HS
Aylin Tepezano – Clint HS

2024 Scholars:
Daniel Rubio – Montwood HS
Mercedes Lopez – Socorro HS
Evelyn Gesualdo-Lopez – Canutillo HS
Kayla Newbern – Franklin HS
Lucille Marta – Gadsden HS

2025 Scholars:
Adriana Gonzalez – Americas HS
Kayden Robey – Arrowhead Park Early College High School
Isabella Nauer – Pebble Hills HS
Julian Almanzan – Coronado HS
Marian Delgado-Garcia – Pebble Hills HS
Katherine Baer – Coronado HS