Paying for college just became $2,000 easier for recent Bowie High School graduate and valedictorian Joel Vazquez.

Vazquez was awarded the Esparza Crockett Presidential Scholarship this month by his father’s Bowie-based employer Crockett Facilities Services Inc. (CFSI).

This is the second year the business has funded a scholarship to aid students pursuing higher education, which is open to the children or grandchildren of CFSI employees. Recipients must be enrolled full-time and seeking a degree at an accredited higher-education institution.

"I am so impressed with Joel's drive, community involvement and scholastic achievements," Cynthia Crockett, president of CFSI, said in a press release. "I congratulate Joel for his outstanding accomplishments and meeting his goals—such as becoming valedictorian of his high school. I wish him the best as he embarks on the next step in furthering his education."

The selection of Vazquez was based on his 4.375 GPA, his American Red Cross community service, and extracurricular activities, including president of the National Honor Society and president of the Gentlemen's Club.

"I am extremely honored to be selected as the recipient of this scholarship," Vazquez said in the release. "I hope to gain a more thorough education in the future and go wherever my path takes me."