The SISD Foundation for Excellence in Education upheld its decades-long tradition of making a difference in students' lives by awarding scholarships to 50 seniors from the Class of 2026, enabling them to pursue their postsecondary education dreams.
This year, 32 scholarships were increased from $3,000 to $3,500, providing students with additional financial support. The Foundation also introduced awards for students studying fine arts, reinforcing the district’s commitment to a well-rounded educational experience that values both creativity and academic achievement.
Janae Frayre, a senior at El Dorado High School, said her scholarship will allow her to pursue her music career at El Paso Community College next fall. The aspiring singer was grateful to the Foundation for the award, which she plans to use to cover her tuition and book expenses.
“I'm very grateful for it because they didn't grant me my FAFSA. I was only accepted for loans,” Frayre said. “So, to give these opportunities to kids who don't qualify for FAFSA or things like that, I think it's an amazing thing to do.”
Each of the district's six comprehensive high schools receives five scholarships. Mission Early College High School and Options High School are each awarded one scholarship.
Since 2005, the SISD Foundation has provided postsecondary education scholarships to students through fundraising activities, such as Socorro ISD's annual golf tournament, as well as employee and community contributions. Last year’s golf tournament raised $120,660 in scholarship funds.
Additionally, 18 graduating seniors received community-funded scholarships from private donors. These awards included a $2,000 scholarship from AETNA Insurance, a Diamond sponsor of the golf tournament and $1,000 scholarships from Speaking Rock, Banes Construction and ACO Remodeling, which are Platinum sponsors of the event.
“As a former educator, it makes me very emotional because every little bit helps. So, I think of the benefit to the parents for their funding or financing for their children's education. And we're able to just do a little bit to help ease some of that,” said SISD Foundation President Esther McCarthy.
The Foundation also recognized additional sponsors for their generosity in supporting student success, including ICON Homes, Dr. W.G. Barber, Ryan Beard, Gracie Tovar, Hank Green, Clearwire and James P. Butler.
This year, the event featured a former scholarship recipient who spoke to the students about the impact the scholarship had on his life. Edgar Lerma Loya graduated from Eastlake High School in 2025. He is currently studying mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso. He said that he used the funds from the SISD Foundation to purchase a laptop, school supplies and meals. He explained that this scholarship, along with others he received, allowed him to focus on his studies without needing a job and eased the financial burden on his family.
Loya advises students applying for the SISD Foundation Scholarship to focus not only on their academics but also on their community service when completing the application.
“So that would be my main advice, like joining clubs. What are your ways to volunteer and help the community, right? I think the main way to get scholarships, at least for me, was to go beyond just your own necessities and see how you can help others,” Loya said.