A very resourceful Coronado High School senior earned a huge financial head start to college when the learned his submission for the Hardin-Simmons University/KRBC,"Free Ride" scholarship competition was chosen as the winning entry. Raul Diaz, a future accounting major, beat out over 31 extremely creative entries from as far away as Kailua, Hawaii.

Raul Diaz learns that his was the winning entry

The judges, representing HSU's Enrollment Services and Marketing departments, announced the selection live on a remote KRBC broadcast on the HSU lawn. Diaz receives a one-year full-ride scholarship to HSU valued at $17,400 for his inspired production. Diaz was shocked when his name was announced, and said, "This is wonderful, I've always wanted to be able to make my own way, and this lets me get started on my degree without putting a burden on my parents." It was a long ride from Lubbock for Diaz who said, "I couldn't stop thinking about the possibility of winning on the way down here. Then I remembered what my dad always told me, to 'let go and let God,' and I did that."

Raul gives his father a hug as emotions take over

Graduating high school seniors were given the challenge of crafting a 60-second video with the theme, "What I'll do with my HSU Diploma." "Raul's video created a compelling atmosphere to show how he would make use of his diploma from HSU," said Leland Harden, HSU's vice president for Institutional Advancement and one of the judges, "He displayed thought, focus, and wit in his presentation that made him stand above the rest."

"What an honor," says Coronado High School principal Eric McKnight, "Anthony is one of the most dedicated individuals I know. Whether it's academics or football, he pays close attention to detail. He has continued to workout in the weight room since the end of football last November, even though it is not required of seniors. He is committed to work hard, in the classroom and on the football field."

"This is a great collaboration with KRBC and an awesome opportunity for high school students to contribute to the energetic atmosphere of our campus," says Amanda Etter, HSU marketing director, "Incoming students begin to feel connected, be a part of the creative environment that makes our University unique, and show us what they want to do with their degree. Above all, these students truly want to make an impact on the world, all with an education enlightened by faith."