CEF and community partners award $150,500 in scholarships

The Columbus community made a powerful investment in its students this year as the Columbus Education Foundation (CEF) helped facilitate 42 scholarship awards, totaling a record $150,500 for Columbus High School seniors. The total included scholarships funded directly through CEF as well as awards the foundation administered on behalf of community donors, memorial funds and partner organizations.

The milestone reflects more than financial support. It speaks to the commitment of local families, donors, volunteers and educators who continue to rally behind Columbus students as they prepare for life after graduation. From college classrooms to trade school programs, this year’s recipients will carry that hometown support with them into the next chapter.

Heather Thomas, a CEF board member, said the record-setting year reflects the heart of the community. “Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors, volunteers and dedicated supporters, CEF has helped administer a record number of scholarship awards this year,” Thomas said. “These scholarships are truly transformative for our local high school students. They help remove financial barriers, open doors to trade schools, colleges and universities, and empower young people in our community to pursue their dreams.”

All applications were reviewed by the CISD teacher committee to select award recipients. Thomas also recognized CHS teacher and scholarship coordinator Amy Venghaus for helping guide students through the process.

For Columbus, the annual scholarship awards are about more than dollars raised — they are a reminder of what a small community can accomplish when it comes together to invest in its next generation. “This is about more than dollars raised,” organizers noted. “It’s about supporting students as they take the next step toward their futures and showing them their community believes in them.”

Students recognized through the Columbus Educat ion Foundat ion College scholarships included Will Chavez, Emerson Glueck, Liam Halcom, Shelby Johnson, Estrella Lopez, Julissa Martinez, Cooper Osborne, and Gracie Schobel.

Trade school scholarships through the Columbus Education Foundation were awarded to Cullen Barrett, Cade Neumann, and Parker Prenatt.

Recipients of the Don H. Morrison Memorial Trade School Scholarship were Colten Koy and Kloee Woytek, while Jamilah Betanzos received the Clyde A. Werland Memorial Trade School Scholarship.

Additional scholarship recipients included:

• Columbus Chr ist i a n Women’s Or gan izat ion Schola r ship — Caylie Neisner

• Dr. Luther St reet Memor i a l Sc hol a r ship — Colby Lewis and Kel ler McClel land

• Martin Wi l l iams Jr. Memorial Scholarship — Jami lah Betanzos and DeAnna Reaume

• Leftwich Family Mental Health/ Healthcare/ Trade School Scholarship — Angelina Castillo, Micah Ehlert, Jada Espitia, Vanessa Palomares, and Ava Weidemann

• First Financial Group of America Trade School Scholarship — Colten Koy

• Urban and Elizabeth Bur tschel l Memor ia l Scholarship — Isreal Westbrook and Kloee Woytek

• Emmett and I l l ian Kveton Foundation Scholarship — Giovanni Martinez and Wyatt Wrobliski

• Leon & Beatrice Obenhaus Grodhaus Scholarship — Alejandra Diaz, Eddie Garcia, Ross Heffley, Zaid Ramirez, Jase Rau, Bryan Salazar, Wyatt Tipton, Isreal Westbrook, and Macey Wilke The W.H. Miekow Education Foundation also recognized academic achievement, awarding Colby Lewis for the highest math and English GPA and Rylan Carruthers for the second-highest math and English GPA.

Community leaders said the scholarships help ensure local students have opportunities to pursue higher education, workforce training, and career development while reinforcing the importance of community support and investment in young people.