Hill College awards scholarships to Hillsboro ISD seniors

  Jessyca Brown
  Monday, May 10, 2021 10:02 AM
  Academics

Hillsboro, TX

Hill College awarded $10,000 in scholarships to 10 Hillsboro ISD seniors last week as part of the college’s annual Teen Forum scholarship program.

The program, which was started by Hill College President Dr. Pam Boehm in collaboration with Hillsboro ISD in 2005, was designed for high school seniors to develop and enhance their knowledge in pursuit of their post-secondary education specifically at Hill College.

Each year, Hillsboro ISD seniors who are interested in attending Hill College are given the opportunity to participate in the program. Ten seniors are selected based on recommendations of Hillsboro ISD teachers and counselors and program applications.

Hill College hosts a culminating Teen Forum event at the Hill County Campus each spring. Candidates are given a campus tour, attend a special lunch, and participate in a questions and answer session with Hill College faculty and staff.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to visit one-on-one with college leaders,” said Hillsboro ISD’s ninth and twelfth grade counselor, Ed Sumrall. “Students ask about such matters as dorm applications and campus activities. As we toured the campus, some asked about the meal plans and student government.”

The on-campus visit also helps the students feel more prepared and generates excitement about going to college.

“Being on the Hill College campus helps the students feel more comfortable and not as nervous to attend college,” said Hillsboro ISD’s tenth and eleventh grade counselor, Karen Schroeder. “They will also share with their friends and classmates their experience on campus. This in turn can help encourage others to attend as well.”

Boehm said she was excited to have the Teen Forum recipients on campus again this year.

“This is a long-standing program, which connects high school graduates to programs, services, and personnel at Hill College to help jumpstart their college experience,” she said. “Learning about the college’s many programs and services in a small group orientation format helps the students be prepared and ready for classes to begin in the fall.”

At the end of the event, Boehm presented each candidate with a $1,000 Teen Forum scholarship to attend Hill College full time in the fall.

“It feels amazing to have ten of our seniors receive scholarships to Hill College,” Schroeder said. “We are so excited for these students and their future as Hill College students. Thank you, Hill College and Dr. Boehm, for your generosity year after year.”

This year’s Teen Forum scholarship recipients are Kelsey Creech, Edward Gaspar, Kayla Huerta, Sean Hyland, Brianna Love, Elizabeth Nuñez, Jacqueline Pineda, Harrison Steele, Ana Trejo and Alyssa Ward.

“It is a privilege to be able to offer our local students scholarships to help pay for their college expenses,” said Boehm. “This program has served many students since 2005, and it’s an honor to have these students stay close to home to get their first two years of college completed at their hometown college.”

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