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June 1, 2009, Johnson City, TX –* The Johnson City Community Education Foundation board is pleased to announce presentation of a record number of higher education scholarships to graduating Johnson City high school students. During graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 29, JCCEF board member Joe Stewart presented five scholarships, three for students who will attend a four-year college or university and two for students who will enter technical school in the fall.

Kennedy Bynum, who plans to attend Austin Community College and enter the dental hygiene program, received a $3,000 technical school scholarship. Michael Zurovec also received a $3,000 technical school scholarship to attend San Antonio College to study film/radio/TV.

The 2009 JCISD valedictorian Virginia Smith was awarded a $6,000 scholarship and will study elementary education at Baylor University in Waco. Salutatorian Avry Stolzman also received a $6,000 scholarship and will be enrolled in pre-veterinary medicine at Tarleton State University in Stephenville. The third $6,000 scholarship was awarded to Jessica Moore who will also enter Tarleton to pursue a degree in education.

“On behalf of the full board of the Johnson City Community Education Foundation, I was very pleased to reward the hard work and dedication of these five students by presenting them with higher education scholarships,” said Joe Stewart, a real estate professional with Century 21 here in Johnson City. “Thanks to the Johnson City community and all the individuals and businesses that have donated to JCCEF, enabling us to provide this record number of student scholarships. It is with your help that JCCEF is able to help JCISD students pursue their dreams of higher education.”

The Johnson City Community Education Foundation has a rigorous and robust analytical process to determine scholarship recipients. All applicants complete a detailed application that highlights academic success, community service, and includes an essay portion that enables the student to describe his or her hopes and dreams of higher education. Finalists make a formal presentation and answer questions in front of the full JCCEF board.

“We are proud of all our student applicants,” said Louise Grovenor, a member of the JCCEF scholarship committee. “The board thanks the eleven Johnson City High School students that applied for the scholarship opportunities. It is always a difficult decision because we wish we could award scholarships to all students who apply. That is the ultimate goal of the Johnson City Community Education Foundation.”

In addition to providing student scholarships, the Johnson City Community Education Foundation also awards grants to JCISD teachers for innovative programs and projects that inspire and motivate student learning. For information on making a donation to JCCEF or to learn more about the organization, visit the website at www.jccefonline.org . It is never too early to plan for next year’s scholarship opportunities. Applications are available online and will be due April 15, 2010