Four Tyler ISD seniors received a life-changing scholarship surprise from The University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) last week. Three are students at Early College High School (ECHS) and the fourth student attends Tyler Legacy High School.
Dozens of ECHS students lined the hallways on Tuesday, February 15, to clap and cheer as their three classmates walked to the library. UT Tyler Scholarship Road Show members and Tyler ISD leadership, including Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford, greeted them with the announcement of their scholarships. Family members were also in attendance to congratulate their accomplishments.
"Tyler, Texas is blessed with incredible higher education opportunities," Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. "The University of Texas at Tyler awarding Honors scholarships to our students exemplifies the strong connection between higher education and their K-12 educational partners in East Texas."
"We are extremely proud of our students and their accomplishments," Crawford added. "We relish in seeing how happy their parents and families are today. We're also appreciative of Dr. Calhoun's leadership at UT Tyler in making East Texas students, notably Tyler ISD scholars, a priority in awarding scholarship opportunities."
ECHS seniors Tallon Clemmer, Jason Rivera, and Angel Silva received their certificates of accomplishment and big checks for $40,000 toward their college education from UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun.
"The lesson to learn now is whatever career you intend to follow, you may be surprised, like me, where life takes you and what you wind up doing may not be what you had planned," said Dr. Calhoun. "We prepare you for the future, whatever that future may be. You are well on your way; what you learn here and at the university will be with you forever. Always value that."
The next stop was Legacy High School to surprise senior Addie Contreras. When she walked into the library, her family, best friends, and academic counselor Susana Martinez-Arroyo were elated to celebrate with her.
"I am very proud of Addie,” Ms. Martinez-Arroyo said. “She is an outstanding student who worked very hard throughout high school. I am not surprised she got this well-deserved recognition."
UT Tyler was back at ECHS Friday, February 18, to award the Greater Texas Foundation Scholarship (GTF). Thirty-six students were each given $2,000. When graduating from ECHS, many students will already have their high school diploma and associate’s degree. Dr. Swain explained how UT Tyler also connects students to career opportunities. After spending just two years at UT Tyler, many will have a job ready and waiting.
"We are thrilled and over-joyed to honor and celebrate these outstanding students," UT Tyler Director of Recruitment and College Readiness Katie Ramirez said. “They have all reached incredible academic achievement. This is a beautiful and proud moment for UT Tyler, Tyler ISD, and the parents and students collectively. What a wonderful week. I feel blessed to be here today."
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.