Dominique Barraza, a student at Pebble Hills High School, has won the Take Care of Texas Video Contest by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
The contest creates awareness on environmental protection and provides tips on how to keep our air and water clean, conserve water and energy, and reduce waste.
“I am really grateful for this experience and I’m hoping that everyone will see the importance of taking care of the environment,” Barraza said. “It’s good to know that my video will motivate young kids and young adults to help the environment and lead by example.”
Barraza was one of six finalists in the 9th-12th grade category for the Take Care of Texas Video Contest by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Her video received 413 views and was voted as the best by the public, TCEQ commissioners, and representatives from Waste Management of Texas, Inc.
“Dominique has the eye for what professional video quality looks like,” said Benjamin Munguia, Pebble Hills High School audio/video production teacher. “She has the ability to take what she sees in her mind and actually go out and do it.”
As the winner, she earned a $2,500 scholarship that she will use toward her tuition at the University of Texas at El Paso, where she plans to pursue a career in multimedia digital production.
“If there is something I learned about this experience it is to think outside of the box,” she said. “There are many different ways to earn scholarships if you want to continue studying. You can make videos, draw, dance, solve math problems…there are opportunities out there for everyone.”
Barraza will be recognized by the TCEQ and representatives from Waste Management of Texas, Inc. at the 2019 Environmental Trade Fair and Conference in May.
