CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi Hooks and CHRISTUS Health have partnered to extend the education of 10 area high school seniors through the CHRISTUS Spohn Scholars of Tomorrow program, awarding each recipient with a $1,500 scholarship as they continue their education with a focus in health care.
The 2026 CHRISTUS Spohn Scholars of Tomorrow will be recognized in a pregame ceremony tonight, May 19, at Whataburger Field.
Aleena Olivo, Moody High School
Kathryn Burda, Veterans Memorial High School
Karlie Jones, Aransas Pass High School
Carly Brady, Flour Bluff High School
Aubrey Connor, Gregory-Portland High School
Kendahl Patton, Gregory-Portland High School
Julianna Flores, Tuloso-Midway High School
Taylen Stephenson, Woodsboro High School
Xavier Velam, Miller High School
Esmeralda Cruz Trejo, West Oso High School
“We are truly blessed to be able to offer this scholarship to these outstanding young individuals,” said Reyaan Ali, President of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi Shoreline. “We know how hard they have worked to qualify for this opportunity. They are our future, and we are honored to play a part in their journey.”
For consideration, graduating seniors submitted a short essay describing how they will pursue a career in health care, how CHRISTUS Health has impacted their lives and what being a health care professional means to them.
"We are thrilled to carry this partnership with Christus Health into another season of benefitting the Coastal Bend,” Hooks General Manager Brady Ballard said. “We've had a great response of applicants and look forward to supporting their future endeavors into the health care industry."
Judges from both organizations selected the winners, and the scholarship funds will be sent directly to the student’s future college or university.