Houston Independent School District seniors who hope to pursue career and technical education opportunities after graduation were honored at the annual Marvy Finger Family Foundation Scholarship Ceremony on Wednesday evening.
At the ceremony, which was held at the Delmar Field House, the 65 scholarship recipients and their families were treated to a dinner and reception attended by members of HISD’s Board of Education, Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan and the Finger family.
Since 2013, the Marvy Finger Family Foundation Scholarship has awarded worthy HISD graduates full scholarships covering their two-year degree or certification program in high-demand careers.
“Mr. Finger’s vision has helped pave the way for many like yourself and now it is your turn to take this opportunity and be the trailblazers in your family and community,” Lathan said during the ceremony. “Remember that you are all here because you are resilient; you have each overcome many personal obstacles, all of which have made you stronger and more prepared to face the challenges of the future.”
The purpose of Finger scholarship is to promote career and technical education opportunities for low-income students in HISD. Local and national industry data show a need for highly-skilled employees in high-growth jobs with great earning potential.
Finger and his wife Elaine recognized the students and their families receiving the scholarships and expressed how moving it is for him to provide scholars with the opportunity to pursue vocational education.
“It is a reminder of how great it is to be an American and part of a democratic society,” he said. “It is an emotional experience for me, for I know these young men and women are going to do well. I hope to see them five to ten years down the line and see their success.”
The Finger scholarship not only covers tuition, but it also covers books, supplies, and food. During the ceremony, scholarship recipients were surprised with the Food for Change Scholarship from the Houston Food Bank. For the duration of their education, students will receive groceries twice each month through designated Food for Change Markets.
The scholarship recipients are students who are pursuing careers in areas such as maritime transportation, plumbing, public safety, HVAC, cyber security, pharmacy technician, construction, culinary, and cosmetology. Before finding out she received the award, East Early College High School senior Brianna Lola did not know how she was going to pay for college.
“I’m very thankful to have received this scholarship,” she said. “This will ease the financial burden on myself and my parents, and now I can focus on my dream of owning my own salon.”