AEF, ASF award 251 scholarships to AISD seniors

Two hundred-fifty-one Aldine ISD seniors received the opportunity to continue their academic careers by receiving either Aldine Education Foundation (AEF) or Aldine Scholarship Fund (ASF) scholarships during an awards ceremony this spring at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center.

AEF incorporated in 2012 to enable more Aldine ISD students to receive financial support for college, to provide additional choices for college and to award grants to teachers for innovative classroom instruction.

ASF, now under the direction of the Lone Star College Foundation, has a permanent endowment totaling more than $2 million, which sends AISD students to Lone Star College.

During the ceremony, AEF awarded 126 scholarships and 125 AISD seniors received ASF scholarships. The scholarships awarded this year totaled $537,000.

“Because of significant support from Noble Drilling, this is the second consecutive year AEF was able to award a four-year, $20,000 scholarship to a graduate from each of Aldine ISD’s high schools,” said AEF Director Michele McGovern. “Additionally, the amazing support of Aldine ISD staff through payroll deductions funded $89,000 in scholarship funds for 23 students.”

Prior to the awarding of the scholarships, former AEF recipient Alex Elizondo addressed this year’s recipients. Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg, who provided the Superintendent’s Challenge, and Dr. Derrick Manns, vice-president for student engagement at Lone Star College-North Harris, also addressed the audience. AEF President Bill Ginder delivered the welcome and Scott Brady, Lone Star College Foundation board member, delivered closing remarks.

Approximately 1,000 people attended the event.