Aldine ISD End Of Year 2023-24

AISD NEWS FEATURE ALDINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION CELEBRATES HISTORIC SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY

In a landmark event, the Aldine Educa tion Foundation (AEF) hosted its annual scholarship ceremony during school hours for the first time, ensuring all students could participate, given the many who work after school. Despite initial concerns, the ceremony saw an impressive turnout, with over 200 families and loved ones in attendance at M.O. Campbell Educational Center. The event was also broadcast live online, garnering more than 500 views. The ceremony commenced with a pri vate Meet and Greet in the M.O. Camp bell foyer, where scholarship recipients and donors mingled. A highlight of the day was a heartwarming surprise from Whataburger—a commemorative table tent proudly declaring ‘Graduate 2024’ for each student. Linda Flores Olson, Director of Aldine Education Foundation, welcomed at tendees, remarking on the significance of this momentous occasion: “There are few things as exciting as new begin nings, and starting college is definitely one of the biggest new beginnings for graduating seniors. Congratulations!” The event featured a patriotic Colors presentation by Aldine HS JROTC and a pledge led by Aurelio Manriques from Avalos PTECH. Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, Superintendent of Aldine ISD, extended Fourteen Aldine ISD high school students were selected earlier this school year to join Leadership High School (LHS), a leadership development and diversity awareness program from Lone Star Col lege (LSC) for sophomore and junior high school students who attend public school and live in the LSC service area. The LHS participants took a day-long challenge course at Camp Allen in Navasota and toured HCA Houston Healthcare in Kingwood, Project Row Houses in Third Ward, and Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center. They also

a warm welcome, followed by greetings from President Elect Dr. Charlotte Davis on behalf of the AEF board, acknowledging elected of ficials and trustees for their support. Dr. Davis shared the re markable growth of AEF, graduates to college with $47,000 in awards in 2012, the foundation now awards scholarships totaling over $467,000 to 413 students—a testament to the communi ty’s dedication to education al excellence. highlighting that from sending 35 Aldine ISD

Aldine ISD Trustee Rose Avalos, and Aldine Education Foundation Board member Rose Avalos presents Aldine ISD student Diana Serrano with her AEF scholarship.

In closing, President-elect Davis urged continued support for students: “Educa tion is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. Students, we are cheering for you, so go light up the world!” As students exited, they enjoyed a Grab-n-Go Whataburger breakfast sandwich and a coupon—a fitting end to a memorable celebration. For more information about Aldine Education Foundation and its initiatives, please visit aldineeducationfoundation. org or contact 281-985-6078. with each other and community leaders about the needs of the community and learning how to initiate positive change to meet those needs effectively. “We want them to understand the need for positive student leaders in the community,” said Kay Fitzsimons, executive director of LSC Leadership and Economic Development. “The goal is to provide them a platform to explore best leadership practices and engage in dialogue to understand better leaders’ roles in initiating positive change in the community.”

Former scholarship recipient Ashleeya Ashley, now at Prairie View A&M, shared her inspiring journey, emphasizing re silience and the importance of support. Superintendent Goffney encouraged the young leaders with inspiring words, recognizing parents and loved ones for their pivotal role. Michael Rogers and Adriana Gonzalez Garcia presented awards to students as they crossed the stage, followed by a heartfelt display of gratitude with recipi ents holding up cards thanking everyone who contributed to their success. had the opportunity to meet and have an open dialogue with multiple administra tors from LSC, including Vice Chancellor Garth E. Howard, President Bennie Lam bert, and various LSC administrators, community, and business leaders. The Leadership High School program was first launched in 1999 in the North Houston region and now offers young leaders from high schools across the area a program of study that allows them to identify, reflect on, and develop their leadership skills and abilities while also engaging in meaningful dialogue

14 ALDINE ISD STUDENTS COMPLETE LONE STAR COLLEGE’S LEADERSHIP HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

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