Latest news with #Abell-HangerFoundation
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Legacy Scholars close out the year with celebration of service and a $14,700 Gift to Casa de Amigos
Apr. 22—MIDLAND — Midland College recently hosted its annual End-of-Year Celebration honoring students in the Legacy Scholars Program — a meaningful evening that recognized academic success, personal growth, and the incredible community partnerships that make the program possible. The Legacy Scholars Program provides students with more than just financial assistance — it offers mentorship, service opportunities, and a strong support system to help them stay on track, complete their degrees, and prepare for successful futures. The program would not be possible without the support of the Abell-Hanger Foundation, Scharbauer Foundation, Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust, and Chaparral Foundation. Their commitment to education and student success allows hundreds of Midland College students each year to access life-changing opportunities. Legacy Scholars also make a powerful impact in the community. Each student commits to 40 hours of volunteer service during the application process and another 40 hours during their freshman year. Students active in the Legacy Scholars Program during the 2024-2025 academic year have volunteered an impressive 8,080 volunteer hours — with 3,680 hours completed by 46 sophomores and 4,400 hours by 110 freshmen. "The success of the Legacy Scholars Program speaks to the power of partnership and purpose," Sara Saleem, director of the Legacy Scholars Program, said in a news release. "These students aren't just earning a scholarship — they're building a future. They're connecting with mentors, giving back to the community, and growing into leaders. It's an incredible journey, and it's made possible by the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our Midland College family." To better understand the value of philanthropy, Legacy Scholars also take part in raising funds for local nonprofit organizations. This year, sophomores sold T-shirt sponsorships to support three distinct initiatives at Casa de Amigos: Leslie's Place, a medical clinic for uninsured adults; after-school program supplies and technology; and a commercial refrigerator and hygiene supplies for the food pantry. Students spent the school year learning about and working with Casa de Amigos, including volunteering multiple times with the organization. In total, the Legacy Scholars Program, with a generous matching donation by the Abell-Hanger Foundation, donated $14,700 to Casa de Amigos. Students reviewed 36 grant applications from nonprofit organizations in Midland that submitted grant proposals, gaining first-hand insight into the needs of their community. After careful consideration, the Legacy Scholars selected Casa De Amigos to receive this year's grant, providing direct support to a local organization making a difference. To reflect on their service and community engagement, students were invited to submit essays describing their experiences. During the celebration, five students were awarded a $1,000 stipend each for their outstanding essays: Essay Contest Winners: — Denae Dominguez — Valeria Gillen — Katelyn Herren — Romero Lopez — Christopher Underdown The evening concluded with the announcement of the 2025 Herbert L. Cartwright Education Continuance Scholarship recipients. Funded by the Abell-Hanger Foundation, these prestigious scholarships — $12,500 per year for two years — support Legacy Scholars to complete their bachelor's degrees at Texas public colleges or universities. Herbert L. Cartwright Education Continuance Scholarship Recipients: — Isaiah Conde — Ycidro Galindo — Ariana Hernandez — Katelyn Herren — Eriana Alejandra Loya — Haily Marcial Ramirez — Maddison Leighann Marquez — Nathan Rodriguez — Ruth Sanders — Jaylynn Silva These recognitions highlight the dedication and potential of MC's Legacy Scholars — many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. With strong community support and access to meaningful opportunities, they are not only shaping their own lives but helping build a stronger future for the Permian Basin.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Odessa Chamber of Commerce to host National Civics Bee for middle schoolers
Apr. 3—The Odessa Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the Third Annual National Civics Bee this Saturday, April 5, at the Odessa College Wood Health Sciences Building. Twenty local middle school students will vie for the top prize, which is $1,000. The doors will open at 9 a.m. with breakfast and registration and the competition will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be finished by noon. Special thanks to local sponsor Abell -Hanger Foundation for their support. This event was open to all 6th, 7th or 8th grade students in the area. Ninety-three students submitted an essay to "Identify a problem facing our community." The essays were judged by community leaders and the top 20 students were selected to participate in this live competition. Students from Adinvita Private School, St. John's Episcopal School and Nimitz Middle School from Odessa, as well as Midland students from the Young Women's Leadership Academy and George Abell Middle School will participate in the live event. Three community leaders will serve as local judges for the live event including Blake Fosse, Chair-elect of the Young Professionals of Odessa; Mark Palmer, Abell-Hanger Foundation Executive Director and Shem Culpepper, Odessa Chamber of Commerce 2024-2025 Board Chairman. Odessa American Publisher Pat Canty will serve as the event emcee. Special guest speakers include Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick and State Representative Brooks Landgraf. The National Civics Bee is an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions. "We are so honored to be chosen by the U.S. Chamber to host this event for the third year. We are one of only five Chambers in Texas and 150 across the country to participate. Our middle school finalists submitted very impressive essays that shined a light on a variety of important issues and they are very in tune to offering solutions to these community problems," Renee' Earls, President/CEO of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release. "We can certainly learn from their ideas as they focus on the importance of civic involvement," she added. Cash prizes will be given to the top three winners, who will also advance to the state finals in Austin on May 17. The public is invited to attend.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National Civics Bee deadline for essay submission coming up
Jan. 28—Essay submission for the 3rd Annual National Civics Bee Sponsored by the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, Abell-Hanger Foundation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a week away. The 2025 National Civics Bee, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. This essay contest is open to all middle schoolers, regardless of the community they live in. It's aimed at students being better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions. Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition, which is open through Feb. 4. The top 20 student essay winners will be selected to advance to the local competition: an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge. The Odessa Chamber of Commerce will host the regional competition in April of 2025. The local finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including prizes of $1,000 for the first-place student, $500 for second place, $250 for third place and other prizes for runners up. The competition enables students to explore issues that matter to their communities, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship. Winners from each of the local competitions across Texas will be invited to take part in the state finals. The first-place winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete for prizes worth at least $50,000 during the national championship in the Fall of 2025. "This will be the third year that the Odessa Chamber of Commerce will host the National Civics Bee. It's an amazing program that features middle school students and their knowledge on Civics and community issues. This year, we are thrilled to be able to invite students from the West Texas region to submit an essay and participate in the competition," Renee' Earls, President/CEO of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release. For the second year in a row, the Abell-Hanger Foundation is also a proud supporter. "At the close of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked if we have a republic or a monarchy, to which he replied, "A republic, if we can keep it." What exactly did Mr. Franklin mean by that statement? Fundamental to retaining the form of government that we have is an informed electorate. The Civics Bee is an effort to ensure that our youth have a basic understanding of the governing documents of our country so that they may fulfill their responsibility as engaged and informed citizens," said Mark Palmer, CEO of Abell-Hanger Foundation. "This effort aligns well with the personal values of George Abell, who along with his wife Gladys, founded the Abell-Hanger Foundation. We take pride in knowing that we are assisting the youth of West Texas to fulfill this great responsibility," he added. "Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America. The National Civics Bee provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future," said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation. The deadline for the essay submission is Feb. 4. For more information on entering the National Civics Bee® in Texas visit: For additional information, please contact Allison Gray at [email protected] or call 432-333-7863. The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's The Civic Trust, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state and local chambers across the country. The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.
