Savanah Nava Receives Byrne Family Scholarship

Savanah Nava, a student at Southeast New Mexico College, has received the Byrne Family Scholarship of $1,000 from Kevin and Rosa Byrne and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation.

The Kevin and Rosa Byrne Family Scholarship is designed to provide financial support for high-achieving students seeking educational opportunities to pursue the careers and futures they desire. Preference is given to those who have been part of the Foster Care system.

Savanah is a member of the Alpha Rho Xi Chapter at SENMC. Her advisor, Dr. Candace Byers, described her as an outstanding student and leader. “In class, she is always fully present, prepared, and participatory, leading her peers by example in gaining the knowledge offered through academics,” she said.

“She is now in SENMC’s nursing program, developing understanding and skills that will allow her to care for other human beings when they most need her. Her dedication to academic excellence provides a powerful role model for her daughter, who is also now enrolled in SENMC through the Early College High School,” Dr. Byers added.

“During my career, I have personally witnessed how hard it is for students to overcome barriers—especially those who have been in the foster care system,” said Kevin Byrne. “Rosa and I are thrilled to be able to provide scholarships to deserving students who have shown perseverance to provide a better future for themselves and their families. We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to support community college students.”

According to the National Foster Youth Institute, fewer than 5% of youth raised in foster care graduate from a four-year college. Additionally, only 2-6% complete a degree from a two-year college. The PTK Foundation is proud to partner with Kevin and Rosa Byrne to establish an endowment to support these students as they pursue their studies at a community college.