Vanessa Guerra awarded $50K U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship

DOWNEY — Vanessa Guerra, class valedictorian and top-ranked student with a 4.5 GPA, has been awarded a $50,000 Minuteman Scholarship from the U.S. Army, officials announced this week.

The scholarship, which covers tuition, room and board, and textbooks, will support Guerra as she begins her studies at a four-year university while serving in the Army National Guard.

She was nominated for the award by Dn. Mario A. Guerra, a former two-time mayor of Downey and current Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA). The two are not related.

“One of the great honors of being a CASA is to be able to give scholarships to such deserving young men and women who have earned this, not only for their academic achievements but also for their leadership and desire to continue serving as officers in our United States Army,” said Guerra. “Vanessa has earned this through her academic achievements, leadership skills, and desire to serve our nation as an Army officer.”

Guerra will be the first in her family to attend college, wear a U.S. military uniform, and commission as an officer. Her commitment to military service is driven by a desire to support her family and give back to her community.

Raised in a single-parent household and with her father facing health challenges, she said the scholarship represents more than financial aid — it’s a path to a better future.

“Vanessa’s ambition, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her goals make her a remarkable role model,” said CASA Guerra.

Guerra’s award comes through the Army’s Minuteman Scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to high-achieving students who commit to serving in the Army Reserve or National Guard while pursuing their college degrees.

She plans to continue developing her leadership skills as she prepares for a commission as an officer upon graduation.