(July 8, 2008)

Q – Tell us about the ‘Student of Integrity’ scholarships. What is the programs purpose and how does it work?

A- The purpose of the scholarship program is to recognize high school seniors in the Coastal Bend area (9 counties) who personify ethics through leadership, community service, overall integrity and academic history. Students are selected by a panel of judges to receive scholarships of $1,000 each to a Coastal Bend college of his/her choice (Coastal Bend College, Del Mar College, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi or Texas A&M University-Kingsville).

There are many scholarship programs. Some based on academic excellence, others on athletic skills, etc. This is the only business sponsored scholarship program we know of that acknowledges the importance of ethics in preparing young people entering the workforce.

Our ‘Student of Integrity scholarship program is made possible through the generosity of its sponsors; IBC Bank and Valero Refineries.

This year’s winners are:

Brian Damerow - Richard King High School, Corpus Christi

Kendra Garza - Falfurrias High School, Falfurrias

Q-What is our scam of the week?

A- Phony e-mail from Texas Attorney General.

Beware of Spam E-mails Claiming to Originate from the Office of the Attorney General. A brazen, new spam e-mail featuring Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s photograph and the Office of the Attorney General’s Web page banner has recently hit in boxes statewide.

The fraudulent e-mail message, which may include the subject line, “ATTORNEY GENERAL OF TEXAS,” is given the false appearance of legitimacy because it is adorned with the agency’s distinctive online logo and an image of Attorney General Abbott. In the e-mail text addressing the recipient by name, a vague security alert warns about a “transaction with the United Nations.”