Bright Minds
Local scholarship program provides monetary assistance to Boling, Wharton and East Bernard students for college and vocational training
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP bensharp@journal-spectator.com

Staff Photo by Benjamin Sharp Committee members of the Bright Minds Scholarship Fund place a sign announcing the non-profit group's next fundraiser, which will be on Jan. 12 at the Wharton Civic Center. The organization provided 11 scholarships last year. From left are David Gilbert, Melissa Miller, Dr. Kay Shoppa, Hollis Yackel and Earl Yackel.

In 2007, the Bright Minds Scholarship Fund provided 11 scholarships to students in Wharton, East Bernard and Boling school districts.

Not bad for the first year in existence, but fund members have no intentions of resting on their laurels.

"We had a great start last year, but we'd love to be able to meet or exceed (what we provided)," said Dr. Kay Shoppa, Wharton ISD's assistant superintendent for instruction and a member of the Bright Minds steering committee.

"Hopefully, we'll keep getting larger and larger and larger," added committee member Earl Yackel.

The brainchild of David Gilbert, the non-profit fund began as a way of providing scholarships to a more diverse segment of the student population. Applications are accepted from all three of the school districts in East Wharton County, and the $500 scholarships can be applied to junior college, four-year universities or even to technical and trade schools.

The Bright Minds Scholarship Fund gave 11 scholarships in 2007 to areas seniors, including five to Wharton High School graduates, from left, Amy Aaronson, Malori Matula, Austin Wozniak, Nimshi Perera and Hayley Ragus.

"We didn't limit anything," Yackel added.

"It's to help the kids that are from all over our area," Shoppa said.

The fund has further opened itself up as a centralized "pot" where people from all over the county can toss in any donation - even the smallest amount.

Those amounts build up over time, eventually providing one or more scholarships, Shoppa noted.

Contributions may be made specifically for a particular designation or school, made in memoriam or just given in general. All donations are tax deductible.

"We felt like there are a lot of organizations in Wharton County that give scholarships; our organization was dedicated to specifically giving scholarships. We wanted to allow businesses and individuals to have a place to give for this," Gilbert said.

"We felt there was a place for us and a need for us."

Steering committee members include Gilbert, Shoppa, Yackel, Chris Cerny, Barbara Stephenson, Ryan Quinn, Cynthia Garrett, Phil Stephenson, Hollis Yackel, Margaret Johnson, Robert Garrett, Melissa Gonzales, Julie Aaronson, Natalie Duyka, J.R. Gonzales, Melissa Miller, Eric Muegge and Bud Northington.

In addition to contributions, the fund generates additional monetary resources by holding fund-raisers.

The first was held this past March. Enough money was raised to provide 11 scholarships: five for Wharton High School, three for Boling and three for East Bernard.

Around 50 students applied for the scholarship.

"We had a great response," Shoppa said.

The application process includes basic biographical information as well as a threepart essay detailing extra-curricular activities, special school-related recognition and an explanation of why the scholarship is needed.

This year, the fund hopes to offer scholarships to even more students. A fund-raiser is planned for Jan. 12 at the Wharton Civic Center.

A catered meal, live and silent auctions, raffle and dance led by the Triumphs are all part of the event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 each, with corporate tables for 10 going for $350.

Sponsorships are also available, from $100 to $1,000 in value.

Tickets are available by calling 532- 5964.

All proceeds go toward the Bright Minds Scholarship Fund.

Gilbert is hoping for a great turnout. The more money raised, the more area youth can be helped.

"The mind of the youth are the greatest resource of a given community," he said.