C.C. Winn High School Student Paola Garcia Zuazua appointed to United States Merchant Marine Academy

By: Jose G. Landa, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2016

Eagle Pass C. C. Winn High School senior Paola Garcia Zuazua has been appointed to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kingspoint, New York by United States House of Representative Will Hurd (R-TX, 23) of San Antonio, Texas.  The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of five federal service academies.  Garcia Zuazua has accepted her appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

C. C. Winn High School Principal Jesus Diaz-Wever presented Paola Garcia Zuazua the Certificate of Appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy at the Faculty Year End Meeting on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 in Eagle Pass, Texas.  Garcia Zuazua received a loud and thunderous applause from her teachers, counselors, and staff of C. C. Winn High School.

Paola Garcia Zuazua is the daughter of Alfonso and Leticia Garcia Zuazua of Eagle Pass.  She is the granddaughter of the late Lucio Garcia Zuazua and Rosario Garcia Zuazua and of Javier Mancha and Petra Mancha.

The United States Merchant Marine Academy educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers of exemplary character who serve America’s marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war.  Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree, an officer’s commission in the U.S. Armed Forces, and a U.S. Coast Guard license. Graduates can choose to either serve five years in the maritime industry and eight years as an officer in any of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve or five years of active duty in any of the armed forces.

Paola Garcia Zuazua is the first student from the Eagle Pass Independent School District and Maverick County to be appointed to the prestigious United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Garcia Zuazua’s appointment is a four year scholarship with all tuition and room and board expenses paid by the United States government equivalent to $250,000.  She will become a member of the Class of 2020.

While at C. C. Winn High School, Paola Garcia Zuazua participated in many extracurricular activities, including serving as President (Senior Year) and Treasurer (Junior Year) of the National Honor Society Chapter, University Interscholastic League (UIL) Debate Team for four years, UIL Cross-Examination Debate District 29-5A Champion, Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps for three and one-half years, AFJROTC Group Commander (Junior Year), AFJROTC Rifle Team Commander (Sophomore Year) and Member (Freshman Year), Cross Country Varsity Team for three years, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Choir Member for six years, Black Belt in Kajukembo, Brazilian Ju Jitsu for three years, Mixed Martial Arts for two years, and a member of Martinez Mixed Martial Arts Team for 10 years.

The Eagle Pass Business Journal congratulates Paola Garcia Zuazua on her appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy and wishes her the best in her future endeavors.