Burich receives Capt. Paul W. Peña Scholarship at SMA

San Marcos Academy honored one of its fallen heroes at an assembly Nov. 7 with the presentation of the Captain Paul W. Peña Memorial Scholarship.

Receiving the scholarship was senior Josh Burich of Mountain City, Texas, who was born the year Paul Peña graduated from San Marcos Academy — 2000.

Peña, who also attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, was killed in action in Afghanistan in January 2010. His mother, Cecilia Peña of Kyle, assisted with the presentation of the scholarship, which was established in his name following his death. The scholarship is presented each year to an upper school student who, like Peña did demonstrates loyalty, integrity and leadership qualities representative of Academy values.

Burich is a cadet major in the SMA Bear Battalion, serving as the JROTC Executive Officer. He is the president of the National Honor Society and the Student Council and participates in football, basketball and track. He has received several athletic awards, including football MVP and SMA Male Athlete of the Year.

A third-year student at the Academy, he is the son of Brett and Leslie Burich.