The Waco ISD Education Foundation and Waco ISD awarded surprise scholarship gifts to several graduating seniors during the commencement rehearsals for University High School and Waco High School on Tuesday.
The Waco ISD “scholarship surprise patrol” gave $19,000 in scholarships to nine high achieving students. They were selected through a competitive application process.
Both schools will hold commencement ceremonies on June 4 at Baylor University’s Ferrell Center located at 1900 S. University Parks Drive in Waco.
According to school officials, Waco High Student Kristen Petree fought back tears of joy when she received the $10,000 Dorthy Crippen Hurd Scholarship.
"I would not be where I am today - would not be sitting where I am on stage with the top five percent if it hadn’t been for my amazing teachers,” Petree said. “I've been at Waco ISD my entire life and there’s not a Waco ISD teacher I’m not thankful for.
Petree who plans to become a mathematical engineer will attend McLennan Community College with the intent of enrolling in Baylor University.
Petree’s father and brother are faculty members at Waco High School. Her sister, Karen Petree also received the same $10,000 Hurd Scholarship from the Waco ISD Foundation in 2003.
“From first grade on our parents have been involved,” Charles Petree said of his family’s heritage at Waco High. “If parents are involved, kids will be great."
Roman Novian, a realtor with Coldwell Banker Jim Stewart Realtors in Waco provided funds for the scholarships. Novian, a 2007 graduate from University High School gave surprise awards to four University High School teachers who had an impact on him as a student: Lisa Cain, Salisa Harrell, Dede Moore and Mindy Place.
Other recipients of Scholarships at Waco High School included:
Ramon Perez ($2,500) Kenneth B. Esterak Memorial A&M
Bennett Johnson ($2,500) Kenneth B. Esterak Memorial University of Texas
Sylvia Conatser ($500) Louise DuPuy Memorial Scholarship
The following University High School students were awarded:
Margarito Barrientos ($1,000) Roman Novian Coldwell Banker Jim Stewart Realtors
Jazmin Lizama ($1,000) Roman Novian Coldwell Banker Jim Stewart Realtors
Lorena Benavides ($1,000) Roman Novian Coldwell Banker Jim Stewart Realtors
Jada Hopwood ($250) Coach Echols Scholarship
Selena Rodriguez ($250) Coach Echols Scholarship
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