Woodrow student earns $12K from Y award

By Nicole Rosales 

Twenty North Texas high school seniors collectively received academic scholarships of $276,000 throughout the next four years through the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation, part of the 2024 Annual College Scholarship program. 

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. 

“Scholarships don’t just open doors, they create pathways and opportunities for personal growth. An investment in our students is an investment in the future,” said Kathryn Allen, president of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation. 

Previously, scholarship eligibility was only available to high school students who were also members of the Y. However, in the last few years, the Y has expanded its reach and has opened eligibility for all students to apply. 

“No one should be turned away because of financial constraints,” said Curt Hazelbaker, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “Our high schoolers deserve to have equal opportunities for higher education; it’s only then that we can develop a stronger and more resilient workforce and community.”

Individuals were formally awarded during the The College Scholarship Reception on Tuesday, May 21 at Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant at North Park Mall.

Scholarship funds were made possible through the generous contributions of:

The Dye Foundation Scholarship, a four-year renewable fund sponsoring students who wish to attend college anywhere in the world; The Fina Foundation, a four-year, renewable scholarship which supports students who plan to major in law, math, science or international business; The Jordan Family Scholarship, The King & Phipps Foundation, Scholarship, and The YMCA Chairman’s Scholarship, a four-year renewable college scholarship, part of the Dallas YMCA Foundation.

White Rock Family YMCA member Ryen Moore was awarded a $12,000 college scholarship this past week. These funds will be used over the next four years at Creighton University. He’s one of 20 students to earn a spot in the program.