The SISD Foundation for Excellence in Education awarded more than 30 scholarships to graduating seniors from the Class of 2025, helping to turn their educational dreams into reality this fall.
This year's recipients, including Alexa Herrera, demonstrated exceptional dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Herrera, who graduated from Eastlake High School in June, said her Go Center advisor encouraged her to apply for the scholarship. The funds will help cover her tuition at New Mexico State University, where she plans to study nursing starting this August.
“It's incredible,” Herrera said at the SISD Foundation’s scholarship ceremony in May. She was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. “I feel like at some point I was like at zero, and I wasn't sure if I was going to have even any money for college. This is a big help, and I feel very relieved and blessed and grateful for it.”
Since 2005, the SISD Foundation has provided postsecondary education scholarships to students through fundraising activities, such as Socorro ISD's annual golf tournament, along with contributions from employees and the community. Last year’s golf tournament raised $140,000 in scholarship funds. Scholarships are worth between $1,000 to $3,000.
“This is our highlight for the year,” SISD Foundation President Esther McCarthy said. “We awarded over 30 scholarships to Socorro ISD graduating seniors. So, we're very proud of the fact that we're able to continue to help them pursue their dreams.”
Each of the district's six comprehensive high schools receives five scholarships. Mission Early College High School and Options High School are awarded one scholarship each. Additionally, Socorro, Montwood, and Americas high schools offer campus-specific scholarships.
To date, these scholarships have enabled more than 500 graduates to attend colleges and universities nationwide, pursuing degrees in science, engineering, education, and the arts.
Adrian Gallegos received the ICON Homes Scholarship, which is one of three scholarships specifically available to graduates of Socorro High School.
The $2,500 scholarship will support Gallegos as he attends the University of Texas at El Paso this fall, where he plans to study biomedical science and prepare for dental school. He obtained his dental assistant certification through the high school’s HPA dental assistant course.
“That scholarship is not going to only help me out for all the tuition and cost and everything, but also for maybe some extra organization costs that I also want to be in because I want to be involved in my community as well,” Gallegos said.
The 2025 SISD Foundation Golf Tournament will take place Oct. 3 at Butterfield Trail Golf Club. All proceeds will benefit SISD students.
Click here for more information about the SISD Foundation.