The SISD Foundation for Excellence in Education awarded more than 30 scholarships to 2019 graduating seniors at a special ceremony in May.
The SISD Foundation began 14 years ago with the sole purpose of raising funds for student scholarships.
“We do this once a year every year,” said Susan Hill, president of the foundation. “It’s such a rewarding experience for us because we get to know these students by reading their 10-page application, and it’s so nice to finally meet them. We love seeing their big smiles as we award them the scholarships.”
Foundation scholarships range from $3,000 to $500. These include the SISD Foundation Scholarship, the Hank Green Scholarship, W.G. Barber Scholarship, Dr. Sue A. Shook Scholarship, Clearwire – Sprint Academics, SHS Alumni Legacy Scholarship, Marian McQuiddy Scholarship, and the Icon Homes Scholarship.
Ricardo Hernandez, a graduate from Americas High School, was happy to be a recipient of the foundation scholarship because it will help pay for his college tuition and supplies.
“I think they picked me because they could tell I put in a lot of effort and heart into my studies,” Hernandez said. “I wrote about overcoming my disability and what I have accomplished. My next goal is to be a nurse and I know it’s going to take a lot of work to get there, but anyone can do anything if they are passionate about it.”
The foundation scholarship recipients shared Hernandez’s excitement as they gathered at the celebration in the presence of district administrators, parents, family and friends.
“This was a great ceremony and I was honored to receive this scholarship,” said Elias Robles, a graduate of Montwood High School. “I’m really grateful for the foundation and the district for helping me continue my education so I could fulfill my dream of becoming a physician’s assistant.”
Since its inception, the foundation has provided a total of $508,000 in scholarships to more than 300 students.
“I won a 3,000 scholarship and this gave me a boost and the confidence to further my college education even more,” said Alexa Ochoa, a student at Mission Early College High School. “The SISD Foundation is making a big difference in the lives of many students.”
SISD Foundation scholarship funds are collected through employee donations and proceeds from the annual SISD Foundation Golf Tournament. The next tournament will be Oct. 4 at the Butterfield Trail Golf Club, located at 1858 Cottonwods, El Paso, TX 79925.
To learn more about the SISD Foundation Golf Tournament or to donate to the foundation, visit the SISD Foundation Scholarship web page or call 937-0053.
SISD Foundation Scholarship event photos
Published June 26, 2019
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