Yamboree Empowerment Scholarship awarded to Vannia Romero, 2026 GHS grad

Vannia Romero, a 2026 graduate of Gilmer High School, is this year’s winner of the Yamboree Empowerment Scholarship for Women. A first-generation college student, she will enter the University of Texas at Tyler this fall to pursue training in pediatric oncology nursing, with a long-term goal of earning a degree as doctor of nursing practice.

“I want to provide care for children battling cancer while also supporting their families through some of the hardest moments of their lives,” Romero said.

She graduated with a 3.9 grade point average while participating in the National Honor Society and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, for which she helped organize events and community service projects. She also worked approximately 25 hours a week at a local fast food restaurant, eventually taking on managerial responsibilities.

“Vannia has a special ability to excel academically while balancing significant responsibilities outside the classroom,” said Dr. Robin Stephenson of Gilmer High School. “Her leadership and worth ethic will carry her far into the future.”

Romero has also faced significant personal challenges. “My life experiences have taught me strength, independence and pride in who I am,” she said. “They motivate me to work harder and create a better future for myself.”

Now in its third year, YES for Women was established with endowment created by Gilmer natives Laura Potter Parsons-Sergent and Sally Greene in collaboration with the East Texas Yamboree Association. Its purpose is to help make college a reality for young Upshur County women whose families might not otherwise be able to afford it.

The East Texas Communities Foundation manages the endowment and administers the scholarship. This year, the foundation awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships after reviewing thousands of applications from across the region.

 

Vannia Romero
Gilmer High School

Vannia Romero graduated from Gilmer High School. A first-generation college student, Vannia plans to attend The University of Texas at Tyler, where she will major in Nursing and pursue her dream of becoming a Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

Throughout high school, Vannia balanced academic excellence with leadership, service, and work responsibilities. She was involved in the National Honor Society and FCCLA, where she helped organize community service projects. Her volunteer work includes supporting the National Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk and and serving at her church.

In addition to her academic and extracurricular commitments, Vannia worked approximately 25 hours per week at Chicken Express, earning praise from supervisors for her leadership, work ethic, and ability to mentor and train fellow employees.

Inspired by her compassion for children facing serious illnesses, Vannia is dedicated to a future in healthcare. She hopes to provide expert medical care while offering comfort and support to pediatric patients and their families. As a first-generation college student, she is committed to honoring her family’s sacrifices through hard work, service, and educational achievement.