Archives > McKinney Courier-Gazette > News
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
MEF awards $322,000 for 247 MISD seniors
By Chris Beattie, cbeattie@acnpapers.com
The McKinney Education Foundation recently awarded $322,000 in scholarships to 247 McKinney ISD graduates.
Businesses, private companies and individual citizens helped MEF continue its annual donations to McKinney seniors from Serenity High, the LINC Center and the three main high school campuses. It was another step toward fulfilling the nonprofit organization's all-encompassing mission.
"MEF experienced a record number of scholarship applications this year, so competition was fierce," MEF Executive Director Melanie Perkins said. "Our goal is to someday be able to give every graduating MISD senior a scholarship, but we are simply not there yet."
The donations signified a tradition that keeps on giving despite difficult economic times. Kathy Parker, MEF board president, started the event by reminding attendees why MEF remains dedicated to its service.
"Our donors have experienced a better life because of the opportunities their educations provided," she said. "We are honoring you students tonight for your academic achievements, and the scholarships you are receiving exist because this community believes in the value of higher education. I know of no better investment in the future, so as Mark Twain once said, 'Throw off the bowlines and sail away from safe harbor. Explore. Dream. Discover."
The awards presentation concluded the foundation's 20th year. The McKinney Chamber of Commerce established the MEF in January 1991 to coordinate scholarship awards from local businesses and, in 1995, former MEF Executive Director Beverly Kleckner directed the organization's first endowment campaign.
More than 400 seniors applied for scholarships this year, providing a record number of applicants for the MEF committee to choose from. Donors contribute through the annual endowment program and with one-time donations.
They establish criteria for their contributions, including those for merit scholars and for students attending a specific university or planning to obtain a certain degree. The committee reviews and scores all applicants, then lines up matches with the donors' criteria.
After this second phase, the committee interviews applicants for the top few scholarships. One donor decided during last month's ceremony to double its contribution, increasing it by $4,000.
Margaret Harsch, MEF operations director, said that MEF remains fortunate in light of tight budgets across the board.
"The economy is still tough, so some scholarship groups have drawn back," she said. "We're up from last year, though, so it was a really good year."
The MEF Advisors, stationed at each of the three main high school campuses to guide students toward additional funding, helped secure a record $9 million for college-bound seniors, which doesn't include federal or state aid offered through Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
McKinney ISD Superintendent J.D. Kennedy, who serves on the MEF board, said that the foundation also awards innovative teaching grants during the year, further improving public education at every level.
"It's really nice to see the balanced approach of the McKinney Education Foundation," he said. "It enables programs and projects that might otherwise not occur, so it's a real asset."
The annual scholarships have perhaps the most lasting impact on both the students' education and the community.
"MEF believes that an investment in our students," Perkins said, "is an investment in our future."
For more information about MEF or to make a donation, visit www.mmeeff.com.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: News «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
