Children who are to receive the educational benefits provided under Section 28-14-1 N.M. Stat. Ann. shall be selected by the veterans’ services department on the basis of need and merit. Nominations shall be made by:

A. the department, for children of deceased veterans;

B. the adjutant general, for children of deceased national guard of New Mexico members; and

C. the New Mexico state police board, for children of deceased New Mexico state police members.