BNP Paribas Announces Scholarships to Four Local California Indio High School Students in Its 10th Annual Scholarships Awards
Each Student Receives $20,000 College Grant Based on Scholastic & Athletic Achievements
Reconfirms the Bank’s Commitment to Tennis and Local Community Involvement
NEW YORK & INDIAN WELLS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BNP Paribas, Europe’s leading financial institution and a global sponsor of tennis, today announces the winners of its 10th annual BNP Paribas Open Scholarships to Nicholas Aguirre, Ashley Beltran, Jessica Ramirez, and Noriel Sanchez from the 2025 graduating class of Indio High School in Indio, California, not far from the tournament site.
This year’s scholarships are granted during the BNP Paribas Open and support each students’ pursuit of higher education. In order to receive a scholarship, each recipient must meet stringent requirements including impressive academic accomplishments as well as a personal interest and commitment to tennis. Each student will be awarded a $20,000 college grant at a ceremony at their school on Wednesday, March 12, as well as being recognized during an on-court presentation at the BNP Paribas Open later that evening.
José Placido, CEO of BNP Paribas USA and CIB Americas, said: “Tennis instills many admirable qualities in a person including pushing oneself to perform better and remaining committed. BNP Paribas as a leading global bank firmly believes in these principles and we see it as essential to inspire these traits in others, especially in up-and-coming young tennis players. I’m incredibly happy to be a part of today’s activities and awarding for the 10th year to these four bright, young students scholarships which will help them accomplish their own goals. A hearty congratulations to Nicholas, Ashley, Jessica, and Noriel who have more than exhibited admirable talent and focus both in the classroom as well as on the court.”
Peggy Michel, Assistant Tournament Director of the BNP Paribas Open, also added: “This year’s group of scholarship recipients are an exceptional group of students who have each shown remarkable dedication to excelling in the classroom, on the tennis court and in their local communities. As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of these scholarships, it is incredible to reflect on the impact that these awards have had on individuals in the Coachella Valley, and I applaud BNP Paribas for their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in our community. Nicholas, Ashley, Jessica and Noriel – a well-deserved congratulations to each of you, we look forward to following your successes for years to come.”
Kelly May-Vollmar, Superintendent, Desert Sands Unified School District, said: “I am incredibly proud of the four Indio High School students who have earned the prestigious BNP Paribas Open scholarships. Their dedication on the court, in the classroom, and in their communities is inspiring. Congratulations to these deserving young leaders, and thank you to BNP Paribas for supporting local talent and investing in our students’ futures.”
Scholarship Winner Biographies
Nicholas Aguirre
Nicholas wants to study undergraduate and graduate school at University of California-Irvine and upon graduation, become a fully-licensed Accountant. He also has an interest in helping others and will apply his accounting expertise to helping under-privileged groups with their taxes. Nicholas has always pushed himself to take additional advanced classes outside of school and be involved with the school’s Renaissance excellence program, which includes community volunteering, as well as to become a member of the Varsity tennis team. He has maintained an excellent GPA after all this activity, including a 4.8 for the current semester.
Ashley Beltran
Ashley has a passion for learning and a drive to succeed. Her life’s goal is to attend the University of California where she would like to study Political Science and English, and would ultimately like to be elected a Congresswoman from California. Ashley is a proud first-generation Mexican-American and the first of her four siblings to attend high school, where she takes many Advanced Placement courses along with dual-registered classes at College of the Desert. Outside of school, she is involved with many organizations and clubs, including Reach Higher Club, Ophelia Project Program, and Girls Varsity Tennis where she is Captain of the team. Even with all these activities, Ashley maintains a 3.9 GPA.
Jessica Ramirez
During Jessica’s sophomore year, she traveled to Harvard University where she attended a mock trial workshop, which still inspires her to push herself and excel in many aspects of her life. Jessica stands out in the classroom with a 4.5 GPA, studying Geography, History and Math Honors. She has also won many awards including Girls Tennis DVL Singles Champion (2024-2025), Girls Tennis Singles MVP (2024-2025), and the Desert Sun newspaper’s Athlete of the Week, among many others. Jessica has been on the Honor Roll every quarter, awarded Student of the Month eight times, and achieved Summa Cum Laude with a cumulative 4.0 GPA. She is passionate about her volunteer work at Love & Love Tennis Foundation where she teaches young children how to play tennis.
Noriel Sanchez
Noriel’s goal is to achieve a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of California-Irvine or San Jose State University, after which, he wants to apply to NASA to become a scientist and collect data on different planets. His other passion is tennis and he would like to design a cutting-edge tennis racket to advance the game. Starting with his Junior year, Noriel became more involved with his studies, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, as well as becoming more involved in tennis and different clubs, including California Scholarship Foundation, Reach Higher, and Interact clubs.
About BNP Paribas and tennis
BNP Paribas is a major partner of world tennis, with a historic commitment that began in 1973 and applies to all levels of tennis around the world – singles, wheelchair tennis, team and family tennis – from beginners to the biggest professional tournaments.
These various communications initiatives ensure that tennis is a fantastic vehicle for the brand image of BNP Paribas:
About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is the European Union’s leading bank and key player in international banking. It operates in 63 countries and has nearly 183,000 employees, including more than 145,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.
Press Contacts:
BNP PARIBAS
Guy Taylor
Media Relations
+1 (332) 323-3704
Guild.Taylor@us.bnpparibas.com
BNP PARIBAS OPEN
Matt Van Tuinen
MVT PR
+1 (773) 860-5828
Matt@mvtpr.com
Press Contacts:
BNP PARIBAS
Guy Taylor
Media Relations
+1 (332) 323-3704
Guild.Taylor@us.bnpparibas.com
BNP PARIBAS OPEN
Matt Van Tuinen
MVT PR
+1 (773) 860-5828
Matt@mvtpr.com
Press Contacts:
BNP PARIBAS
Guy Taylor
Media Relations
+1 (332) 323-3704
Guild.Taylor@us.bnpparibas.com
BNP PARIBAS OPEN
Matt Van Tuinen
MVT PR
+1 (773) 860-5828
Matt@mvtpr.com
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