$226K GIFTED TO 25 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AS PART OF 43RD ANNUAL YMCA COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
DALLAS, TEXAS (May 15, 2023) – 25 North Texas high school seniors will collectively receive academic scholarships of $226K over the next four years through the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation. The funds are part of the 2023 Annual College Scholarship program. For more than two decades, the foundation has given nearly $4 million dollars to support area students to attend colleges and universities.
“Students recognize the value of obtaining a college education and the opportunities weaved into the experience,” said Kathryn Allen, President of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to support graduates as they explore their passions and create their own path to a successful and fulfilling career ahead.”
Selections for scholarships are based on college entrance scores, high school grades, maintaining at least a 2.5 GPA, financial circumstances, impact of community service, interview, and a personal written letter.
“As a parent, one of the most important things you want to see is your child succeed. And that’s what this group of students have been able to do in the classroom,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “Their strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, and drive has guided them throughout the last four years. This year’s Y gift is to thank them for putting their education first and provide a foundation for their future.”
Individuals were formally awarded during the College Scholarship Reception on Thursday, May 11, at T. Boone Pickens YMCA.
The 25 students honored are individually supported by one of five scholarship funds, including: The Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation, a $3,000, four-year, renewable scholarship; The Dye Foundation Scholarship, a $2,000, four-year renewable fund sponsoring students who wish to attend college anywhere in the world; The Fina Foundation and the Jack C. Phipps Fund, a $3,000, four-year, renewable scholarship which supports students who plan to major in law, math, science or international business; The Kathy Hamilton Scholarship, a $2,500, four-year renewable scholarship for Grand Prairie High School graduates seeking a career in the fields of education, social work or community services (civic or non-profit); and The YMCA Chairman’s Scholarship,a $4,000, four-year renewable college scholarship, part of the Dallas YMCA Foundation.
2023 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES:
Julian Coleman, Catholic University of America - Chairman’s Scholarship
Terrance Thomas, University of Texas - King Foundation Scholarship
Omar Jaber, Southern Methodist University - King Foundation Scholarship
Diego Marquez, Collin County Community College - King Foundation Scholarship
Lauren Hatchett, Texas A&M at Corpus Christi - King Foundation Scholarship
Natalie Uscanga, University of Texas at San Antonio - Kathy Hamilton Scholarship
Hannah Beeler, University of Texas at Austin - Fina Foundation Scholarship
Asmina Magar, Clark University - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Daniel Castillo-Martinez, Collin County Community College- Dye Foundation Scholarship
Jaimi Coleman, Loyola University at New Orleans - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Christopher Emery, University of North Texas - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Mia Orsini, Texas A&M University at San Antonio - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Angelica Moreno, Duke University - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Brooke Marlett, Texas A&M University - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Cithlally Brenes, University of Texas at Austin - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Reed Smith, Spelman College - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Anika Raybarman, University of Texas at Austin - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Ezgi Durakoglugil, University of Texas at Austin - Dye Foundation Scholarship
George Lyke, University of Texas at Austin - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Catherine Dixon, Dallas Baptist University - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Jaxson Stuart, Collin County Community College - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Kelli Drentlaw, Texas A&M University - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Julian Gates, Alabama State University - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Jane Patton, Texas A&M University - Dye Foundation Scholarship
Gloria Espinsoa, Harvard University - Dye Foundation Scholarship
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION:
The first gift to the Endowment Fund was made by E.R. Brown, Chairman of the YMCA Board of Directors from 1919-1934. The will of Mr. Brown established a Trust to pay the YMCA and his church $1,000 annually for maintenance, upkeep and operation. In the intervening years, many gifts have been received from those with similar interests for the perpetuity of the mission and growth of the YMCA’s service to youth and families of the greater Dallas area.
In 1995, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation was chartered as a Texas non-profit corporation to manage the investments and distribution of the endowment of the YMCA Foundation. A majority of the scholarships awarded to the students are from the F.W. & Bessie A. Dye Foundation scholarship fund, and the remaining scholarships are funded through community gifts and donated gifts to the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation.
A majority of the scholarships awarded to the students are from the F.W. & Bessie A. Dye Foundation Scholarship fund and the remaining scholarships are funded through community gifts and donated gifts to the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation.
ABOUT THE YMCA OF METROPOLITAN DALLAS
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves thousands of men, women and children each year, regardless of age, income or background. Anchored in 21 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The Y ensures all people have equitable access to the essentials needed to become thriving members of the community. Daily, the Y bridges and fills individual and community needs as a catalyst for impactful change. The YMCA makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive, with three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact and support your neighbors, please visit us at www.ymcadallas.org.