HISD Foundation supports the event for third year in a row

Nearly 1,000 recent graduates will have the chance to enter a drawing to win a brand new car and more than $10,000 in scholarships at the upcoming third annual Cool to Be Smart celebration on Aug. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Road.

“These are students that have gone above and beyond to ensure they are college-ready and many even earned college credits while in high school,” said HISD Superintendent Terry Grier.  “Cool to Be Smart recognizes their efforts to challenge themselves academically by completing college-level coursework and setting the example for others to follow.”

The annual event recognizes scholars who completed five or more Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, or a combination of both, and took the corresponding exams.  Students who score high enough on these exams are eligible to earn college credits.

“This is such an exciting event, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it again,” said Krista Moser, president of the HISD Foundation. “We understand the value of a higher education and the importance of recognizing those students who go the extra mile to better prepare themselves for the future.”

The grand prize, a brand new 2013 Dodge Avenger, was donated by the HISD Foundation and Helfman River Oaks Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.

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“We supported this event last year and saw the lasting impact it had on the graduates and their families,” said Alan Helfman, president of Helfman River Oaks Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.  “It is really an honor to be a part of this celebration again.”

Aside from the grand prize, the outstanding members of the HISD Class of 2013 will also have an opportunity to win five $1,000 scholarships, two $3,000 scholarship and 10 laptops fully loaded with Microsoft Office Student Edition provided by the HISD Foundation, as well as an iPad provided by Cell Phone Repair.

Qualifying students from more than 40 high schools will receive an invite by postal mail and will also get a call from HISD staff to ensure they are present to enter the drawing and win prizes.  Students may call the HISD College and Career Readiness Department at 713-556-7277 to see if they qualify.

All winners will be randomly selected during the Cool to Be Smart celebration. Last year, Lamar graduate Marisol Lara and her family took a city bus in order to get to the celebration but they left with a brand new Dodge Caliber, donated by Helfman River Oaks Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.

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