New Foundation Formed to Benefit Yoe High Students

(CAMERON) The formation of the Cameron Independent School District Scholarship Foundation was announced today during a 4 p.m. press conference on the steps of Yoe High School. President of the foundation board, David Barkemeyer (pictured left) said the foundation mission is "to ensure that every Cameron ISD student has the opportunity for post-secondary education. We will be working along side those who are already involved: students, parents, the school board, school administrators and teachers, Yoe High Parent Council, businesses and employers, churches, civic organizations, citizens and tax payers. We all benefit from helping our youth succeed in life."

The new foundation is a non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) public corporation operating independently under its own board of directors with no paid administrators. Interim Superintendent Maxie Morgan welcomed some 35 people who attended the press conference and introduced foundation board president David Barkemeyer.

Barkemeyer said "our most obvious task is to raise money, primarily to be used for scholarships. I want to strongly emphasize that we are not here to compete with or to replace other organizations that are already awarding scholarships to our students. We will be cheerleaders for those fine efforts. But the fact remains that there is still much to be done to achieve the vision of every student having the opportunity for post-secondary education. Post-secondary education includes but is not limited to, two and four year institutions of higher learning. It includes vocational/technical schools, institutes, dual credit courses, all training directed at helping our young people succeed. Our charter also allows for assistance to Cameron ISD teachers applying for innovative teaching grants to fund special projects, equipment or programs in their classrooms."

"We will be awarding scholarships as students graduate from high school but will also consider those that have been out of high school for a time and have decided to go back to school. Teachers and employees of the Cameron ISD who pledge to use the acquired knowledge to benefit Cameron ISD may also apply. We have adopted a set of scholarship criteria that emphasizes good character, motivation and willingness to work. (see criteria) In essence we see our role as one of coordinating with other scholarship givers and filling the gaps to achieve our mission. We will be working closely with the CISD Superintendent, who is a permanent member of the board of directors as the secretary of the foundation, with school counselors and teachers, the school board, parents, businesses, donors, and most importantly, with the students to make our vision a reality."

Barkemeyer said giving $5, $10, $20, and $50 in contributions all add up. He said the foundation provides a vehicle for people who want to help our students obtain post-secondary training and education. All contributions are fully tax deductible. Checks may be made payable to the Cameron ISD Scholarship Foundation and mailed to P. O. Box 1214, Cameron, Texas, 76520.

Benefactors may make donations anonymously, in their own name, their organizations name or in someone else's name.

Memorial Cards are available for mailing donations in the name of loved ones.

Honorariums--In recognition of someone loved or admired. For example, give as a Christmas gift a certificate of donation on behalf of an elderly grandparent who has no need for a present but would be honored by a scholarship awarded in his or her name to a deserving young student at this spring's award banquet.

Pledges--If you can't give now but want to participate, fill out a pledge card and give the money at a later date. This could also be done in estate planning as you make out your will.

Matching programs--Many employers have matching grant programs where they will match or even double or triple your gift. As a 501 (c)(3) organization, the foundation qualifies for these programs.

Around 35 people attended the press today's press conference. A kick-off dinner is planned for early next year at which time the foundation will announce a "level of giving" program including a founding donor program. Any gift giving in advance of that date will be credited in that program.

Foundation board members serve two year terms and are eligible for re-election for up to six years. Current foundation board members are as follows:

David Barkemeyer	President
John Henderson	Vice-President
Susan Humble	Treasurer
Maxie Morgan	Acting Secretary
Mark Humble
James Anderle
John Egger
Joe Fino
Loretta Allen
Marion Cooley
Anita Wallace

Scholarship Criteria

Each student will complete a written application and attach a grade transcript and other appropriate documents and letters of recommendation as requested by the board. In addition, interviews may be conducted by board members (or their designees) to further assess candidates.

A. Priority will be given to students who have demonstrated a willingness to work.

1.	Co-op program participation with good report from sponsor;
2.	Summer or after school jobs with good report from employer;
3.	Work on family farm or in other family business (or job such as yard work, etc.) with letter from parents (or others) attesting to their performance;
4.	Volunteer work at school or other institution with performance letter from person to whom responsible; and/or
5.	Other demonstrated willingness to work.
NOTE: The Cameron ISD Scholarship Board will actively work with the school, co-op program, and with employers in the community to develop work opportunities for junior and senior students so they will have the opportunity to learn to work.

B. Priority will be given to students who have demonstrated good character.

1.	Any student who has had disciplinary problems at school or delinquency problems in the community will be closely scrutinized and normally will not be given a scholarship until they have a sustained good record.
2.	Testimonial letters from others describing specific good deeds, acts of benevolence, example of perseverance, church youth activities, demonstrations of good character and citizenship, etc. are to be attached to the application.
3.	Applicants should describe their extracurricular activities; these will be crutinized for evidence of their character, determination, and persistence.

C. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to succeed at the post secondary education program they plan to pursue.

1.	Their academic records and grades must demonstrate that they can successfully complete the program (This would normally be a high school average of 80 or above); and
2.	They must have applied or been accepted at the school they plan to attend.
NOTE: Priority will be given to students that were successful in the Cisco program, National Honor Society, vocational programs, Dual Credit Program, or other high school programs that indicate that the applicant has the capability and necessary motivation to complete their chosen program of study.

D. The applicant's financial need will be taken into account in regard to the magnitude of the scholarship given.

1.	Cameron ISD Scholarships will be coordinated with other scholarships awarded.
2.	Scholarships may be awarded for multiple years, but the recipient must reapply and meet certain requirements to receive subsequent funding (such as C or better grade average, amount prorated for any D's or F's, minimum of 12 hours or equivalent completed in previous semester and registered for in coming semester, no disciplinary action or police record, continuing financial need). This list of requirements will be established and communicated by the board and will be updated as necessary.
3.	Scholarships will be coordinated with the student and family's ability to pay; however top quality applicants with minimal financial needs may be considered and awarded scholarships in recognition of their achievements.
4.	Based on financial need, students may apply for a scholarship after graduation. (For example, they may decide to go to a post secondary education school sometime after graduation, or they may not have qualified or were turned down for a scholarship during their senior year.)
5.	The board will establish guidelines as to the dollar amount to be awarded to recipients; these amounts will be reviewed and updated annually, as funding is available.

E. Teachers and school employees may apply for scholarships or funding to further their education and/or training provided that their intent is to use the acquired knowledge to benefit the Cameron ISD.