The SISD Foundation Excellence in Education raised $179,000 for post-secondary education scholarships at its 16th annual golf tournament on Oct. 6 at Butterfield Trail Golf Club. The well-attended tournament contributed to the foundation raising a milestone amount of more than $1 million for scholarship funds.
The popular fundraiser brought people from across the community together to tee off for a good cause: supporting students' dreams of higher education.
“We all know the escalating costs of post-secondary education so the fact that our foundation was able to double from a $2,000 scholarship to a $4,000 scholarship is huge for these kids,” said Socorro Independent School District Superintendent Nate Carman, Ed.D. “The foundation is nonprofit. They volunteer their time, and the work they do is exceptionally important.
The SISD Foundation Excellence in Education provides scholarships to SISD graduating seniors every year. Since its inception, the foundation has provided more than 456 students with scholarships worth more than $851,500. Scholarships are made possible through the district’s annual golf tournament and employee and community contributions.
In May, 26 high school seniors each received $4,000 scholarships from the foundation to continue their education at a college or university of their choice.
“We've just given out almost $100,000 in scholarships to seniors, and this will add to it,” said SISD Foundation President Susan Hill. “Our goal is really to support public education.”
This year's golf tournament netted $179,000, surpassing $1 million raised by the foundation in scholarships to date.
Thirty-seven teams and 148 players participated in this year’s tournament, including diamond sponsor Aetna and platinum sponsors Banes General Contractors Inc., Dantex Construction Company and Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo.
This was the fourth year Michael Bluth with Nine Degrees Architecture & Design Inc. played in the tournament.
“It's amazing being out here, being able to participate in something as great as scholarships for the kids,” Bluth said. “I have kids that have graduated from SISD, so I like to give back. It's just fun to come out here and play.”
SISD Foundation scholarship applications are currently being accepted through February 2024. Click here for more information.
SISD Foundation Excellence in Education 16th annual golf tournament event photos