The George Scott Scholarship fundraiser was held at Italy High School Friday night. Family members of George Scott and several scholarship recipients welcomed members of the community and Italy High School ex-students when they arrived at the cafeteria. Everyone enjoyed a delicious barbecue meal catered by Bubba’s in Ennis.

The proceeds from the annual fundraiser are used to award scholarships for two to four IHS graduating seniors every year. As long as the students maintain a 2.5 average and take 12 or more hours, they receive $1,000 per year for four years.

George Scott was Superintendent of Italy ISD from the late 60s until 1991 when he passed away. He had a dream that any Italy student that desired to attend college would be given a way to do so financially. He and his wife, Wanda, started the scholarship with their own money in 1986 with that goal in mind. Later, James Steele, an Italy alumni, promised to match up to $100,000 that the community raised. The community raised the $100,000 and Mr. Steele kept his promise and did just that.

Since the first scholarships were given in 1993, 71 students have been awarded the scholarship. Every year the scholarship committee hosts the fundraiser before the homecoming game. It has been catered the past few years, but when the event began, members of the committee did the cooking with help from people in the community. Every year it was a labor of love for George Scott and the students of Italy High School.

“I am thankful that the community and Italy alumni support our fundraiser every year,” said Cheryl Owen. “I want everyone to know that they may make tax deductible donations in honor or memory of anyone throughout the year. They don’t have to wait for the fundraiser. I know that because of everyone’s generosity, many of our young people have been able to attend college and go on to be successful in the business world.”

Brett Kirton attends the University of Texas at Arlington and said the scholarship is really helping with gas and other expenses.

Kaytlyn Bales attends Angelo State and uses the scholarship for books.

Mark Wainscott graduated from Texas Tech University and used the scholarship for books.

Reid Jacinto said that the scholarship covered his books and will definitely help the next 3 years while he is attending the University of Texas in Austin.

Logan Owens used the scholarship to purchase a laptop to use at college.

Kaitlyn Rossa attends Southwest University in Georgetown. She is using the scholarship for tuition.

“Being selected to receive the scholarship was an honor,” said Rossa. “Going through the selection process was a learning experience that I will use for other things.”

Alyssa Richards attends Tennessee Tech and her sister, Megan Richards attends Hardin Simmons University. Both are recipients of the scholarship.

“I am very proud of my daughters’ accomplishments,” said their father, Alan Richards. “Mr. Scott was my superintendent and I played football on Willis Field the night he passed away. So the scholarship is very special to me and brings back a flood of memories.”

To make a donation to the George Scott Scholarship fund, mail checks to P.O. Box 911, Italy, TX 76651.