LAREDO, Texas – Chandi Vijay Mulchand, a senior at John B. Alexander High School (AHS), was selected as the Laredo Sector Border Patrol Youth of the Year for 2020 - 2021. Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak made the announcement at Laredo Sector Headquarters that included Chandi’s family, a friend, and AHS representatives.
Chandi plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to major in biology. She aspires to attend Baylor College of Medicine and specialize in either general surgery or surgical oncology. Miss Mulchand hopes to travel the world, absorbing the distinct attributes every culture has to offer before opening her own private practice. Activities she participated in while in high school were the Treasurer of the National Honor Society, Student Council member, Captain of the Volleyball team along with being a member of the Key, Recycling, and Environmental Clubs and part of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and the Bleacher Dawgs.
The Youth of the Year ceremony culminates the Youth of the Month program that recognizes students from all Laredo high schools each month during the academic year. Students are selected for the honor based on academic achievement, community involvement, and demonstration of their dedication to succeed. This year marks the 34th anniversary of the program.
The Youth of the Year was established by Border Patrol as an effort to recognize the youth for their outstanding achievements. Community partners play an integral role in the Border Patrol Youth of the Month program as they reflect the commitment and dedication in supporting education by highlighting Laredo’s young leaders.
Community partners provided Chandi with various awards and gifts in honor of her selection as Youth of the Year. Emperor Garden provided a laptop computer in memory of Chuah Sien Eng. Dr. Marcus Hinojosa, OD and Dr. Sara Campos, MD donated a $1,000 scholarship each. The Outlet Shoppes of Laredo and Area Health Education Center (AHEC) each gave $500 scholarships. Chick-fil-A donated a $50 Chick Fil-A gift card, a $50 Visa gift card, and a gift basket. McDonald’s provided a gift basket that included a $50 gift card. Ashley Furniture Homestore provided a $500 Visa gift certificate. Royal Laser Wash gave 20 free carwashes. Awardmasterz donated a beautiful Texas-shaped plaque. Captured by Claudia Photography provided a $300 gift card. Attorney at Law Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina gave a certificate and goodie bag. IBC Bank gave a $50 gift card.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Texas Senator Judith Zaffirini, State Representative Richard Raymond, and State Representative Tracy O. King each gave framed certificates recognizing Chandi as the Youth of the Year.
Chief Patrol Agent Hudak said, “We are proud to carry on the tradition of recognizing the outstanding students in Laredo and awarding this year’s Youth of the Year award to Ms. Chandi Vijay Mulchand. This is the 34th year that we have presented this award and this year’s recipient is a shining example of academic achievement and service to others. My congratulations to Miss Mulchand, her family, and to her teachers at Alexander High School.”
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Texas Senator Judith Zaffirini,
State Representative Richard Raymond, and State Representative Tracy O. King
each gave framed certificates recognizing Chandi as the Youth of the Year.