TORRINGTON – Barrett Eichenberger, a Torrington High School senior and member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church since 2016, has been named this year’s recipient of the Arnold Quinonez Memorial Scholarship by the Guadalupe Society Scholarship Committee.

“This scholarship means a lot to me because it will help with the expense of college and I’ll be paying/earning it mostly on my own, so every bit helps,” Eichenberger, who plans to attend Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs on a wrestling scholarship to pursue a career as an electrician said. “I love my church because it is like family for us. Lots of great people and a great support system.”

The son of Steve and Danielle, Eichenberger has a freshman brother named Brandt. After completing his studies at Iowa Western, Barrett hopes to continue wrestling for another four years while earning his bachelor’s degree, with the ultimate goal of starting his own business.

To underclassmen looking up to him, Eichenberger offers simple but powerful advice: work hard, have fun, pray, and be a good person.

The scholarship honors the memory of Arnold Quinonez, an accomplished music educator who taught in Nebraska and Wyoming for 38 years. Known affectionately as “Mr. Q,” Quinonez, former parishioner, was an active member of the Guadalupe Society, the Men’s Club and the Knights of Columbus, where he served as treasurer for thirteen years. He also directed the Guadalupe Choir.  

Having overcome poverty in his own life, Quinonez was passionate about helping struggling students pursue higher education. Before his death on December 22, 2005, he discussed establishing a college scholarship with his wife Maria (“Mary”). She later created the memorial scholarship in his name, which is based on academic excellence and financial need, available to both first year and continuing education students.

The Guadalupe Society members strive to maintain continuity of the scholarship, which continues to grow through interest accrual, private and public donations and ongoing fundraisers by the Guadalupe Society.