Golfers brought their “A” game, raising $140,000 in scholarship funds to help graduating seniors in the Socorro Independent School District achieve their dreams of higher education.
Organized by the SISD Foundation Excellence in Education, the 17th annual golf tournament on Oct. 11 at Butterfield Trail Golf Club brought together community members and visitors from out of town to tee off for a worthy cause.
SISD Foundation President Esther McCarthy said the popular golf tournament allowed participants to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors while making an impact on deserving students who were grateful for the support.
“We know we're making a difference in the lives of these students,” McCarthy said. “Once, for example, we pay the beginning of the tuition in August for these kids, and several called back and said thank you so much. So, I just want to convey that thanks to everyone who participates and supports our event.”
Since 2005, the SISD Foundation has provided students with post-secondary education scholarships by raising funds through the annual golf tournament and employee and community contributions. Five scholarships are given to students at each of the district’s six comprehensive high schools. One scholarship is awarded to Mission Early College High School and another to Options High school.
In May, 42 graduating seniors from the class of 2024 received $3,000 scholarships. To date, more than 500 scholarships have been awarded to students.
Superintendent James P. Vasquez thanked the foundation for their hard work and generosity in organizing the event. He emphasized that the scholarships supported by the golf tournament help prepare students for success in college.
“The price of college tuition is always rising,” Vasquez said. “It's just great to at least give (students) some help as they embark on their new endeavors in college or beyond. We're grateful to the foundation who have taken that into account, who provide that scholarship money for our students, and they've been a great partner to us.”
Thirty-two teams and 128 players participated in this year’s golf tournament, including Michael Stills with Parkhill, an architectural and engineering design company.
Stills has played in the tournament for many years. He said that the scholarships provide students with a foundation for a successful future.
“I'm in the K-12 sector, so education is our goal,” Stills said. “A lot of the kids, we know that that's our future, so we helped build the community by enhancing the lives with the designs that we do. So, the scholarships that these kids will receive, they'll help them build onto their future.”