Meet the 2024/25 CITGO Distinguished Scholars

CITGO Distinguished Scholars

The 2024/25 Distinguished Scholars Program was created to assist students planning to continue their education at a two-or four-year university. Forty scholarships were awarded to select class of 2025graduates from the Alief, Houston, and Spring Branch Independent School Districts (ISD). These Distinguished Scholars are being recognized not only for their academics but also for their excellence in one of the following categories: Beating the Odds, Career & Technical Education, Communications, Performing & Fine Arts, S.T.E.M., Service & Leadership, Spirit, or Student Athletics.

Meet the CITGO Distinguished Scholar for January

Name: Matthew Jeong

School: High School for Performing and Visual Arts

About:

Matthew is an outstanding student who is dedicated to helping others achieve their potential. He founded Pause That Thought, a nationwide educational podcast, dedicated to using philosophy to navigate life's challenges. Through Pause That Thought, he works to exemplify avenues for growth everywhere he can. He has partnered with the Harris County Education Department, integrated the initiative into his AP Language Class curriculum, and even teamed up with the local Veterans' Center. His vision is to make his school, his community and the world a more self-reflective, empathetic, and thoughtful place. He plans to pursue a career in academic research and public policy at Duke University.

Sponsored By

CITGO believes in being an active member in the communities where we operate. In fact, our commitment to making a positive impact has always been a hallmark of CITGO operations. For more than 100 years, we have demonstrated this commitment through our established social and development programs, just like the Distinguished Scholars initiative.