Wes was full of joy from the moment he was born. He brought light wherever he went, and his laughter filled every room. He loved animals, nature, music, and people. His friends were not just friends—they were family. Wes had a rare gift for bringing people together, especially those who felt shy or unseen. He reached out, made space, and helped others feel like they belonged. He was the glue of his friend group and somehow stayed connected with everyone through calls, texts, messages, and time together.

Music was one of the deepest ways Wes connected with others. He loved underground genres like math rock, swancore, and post-hardcore. Dance Gavin Dance and Kendrick Lamar were among his favorites. He loved concerts, discovering new sounds, and sharing playlists with friends. He also played music, learning the cello and upright bass in middle and high school, which shaped his love for rhythm, sound, and storytelling.

Wes was passionate about sports and life. He played football and was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. He followed basketball, soccer, and baseball, and could talk sports with anyone. He loved stories and ideas—Smallville, Game of Thrones, The Office, Parks and Recreation, Supernatural, superhero films, gaming, chess, mythology, and literature. He loved English and literature, yet was also accepted into the engineering program at Texas Tech, a reflection of how well rounded he truly was.

He was drawn to stories about meaning, struggle, and redemption. One of his favorite books was Grendel by John Gardner. Wes loved the way the story humanized the misunderstood. He named his dog Grendel because he wanted to give him a different ending—one filled with love, not isolation.

Wes loved his family deeply. His younger brother Carlos and younger sister Sara meant everything to him. His care showed through action. He saved lives by performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a woman at a restaurant, helping a man after a car accident, and supporting a friend through a moment of crisis. He loved with courage, compassion, and presence.

Wes was funny, witty, stylish, and handsome. He loved Greek mythology, fall and winter, birthdays, and celebrating life with the people he loved. He lived with heart, curiosity, strength, and kindness. This scholarship honors his life by supporting young adults as they grow, persevere, love others well, and move toward a future filled with purpose and hope.