WT’s CAMP Students Honored at Year-End Event

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - A finance major and an education major were honored as scholars of the year for a special West Texas A&M University program for students from migrant families.

America Pacheco, a freshman education major from Amherst, and Aaron Orrantia, a freshman finance major from Dumas, were named Scholars of the Year as WT's College Assistance Migrant Program, or CAMP , celebrated the end of the academic year during a luncheon in the Fairly Club at the Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium on WT's Canyon campus.

CAMP's Rising Stars of the Year were Eloy Ceballos, a freshman animal science major from Hereford, and Lilibeth Hernandez, a freshman nursing major from Plainview.

"Aaron and America consistently exceed expectations and were always fully engaged in the CAMP experience, developing strong leadership skills and setting a high standard for others. Eloy and Lilibeth each showed exceptional growth over the year," said Jasmine Montoya, CAMP director. "All four built a strong sense of community in CAMP while developing essential skills that will enable them to persist, graduate and succeed at WT and beyond."

Jimmy Muñoz, a junior sports and exercise sciences major from Olton, was honored as the 2026 CAMP Student Champion on behalf of the National High School Equivalency Program and CAMP Association.

Filiberto Ávila, a 2024 WT alumnus who completed the CAMP program in 2022, was recognized as the 2026 CAMP Distinguished Alumnus. Ávila teaches English, language arts and reading in Spearman Independent School District.

The luncheon was held May 1, part of a series of year-end events leading to May 15 and 16 commencement ceremonies.

CAMP facilitates the transition from high school to college and offers first-year support services to develop the skills necessary to persist and graduate from college.

The program provides academic advising and support; tutoring and supplemental instruction; financial aid counseling; cultural enrichment; social adjustment; leadership and professional development activities; and services, including scholarships up to $2,700, book assistance and a monthly stipend.

Serving CAMP students is one way in which WT is regionally responsive, a key component of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World .

That plan is fueled by the One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which raised more than $200 million dollars, the largest such campaign in Texas Panhandle history.

About West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is a Regional Research University in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers multiple options for students to graduate and succeed: 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men's and women's athletics programs.

Photo: Aaron Orrantia, a freshman finance major from Dumas, left, and America Pacheco, a freshman education major from Amherst, were named Scholars of the Year as WT's College Assistance Migrant Program, or CAMP , celebrated the end of the academic year during a May 1 luncheon.

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