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The 8th annual Colorado County Go Texan fundraiser brought in a crowd of more than 350 people on September 7.
Held at the St. Mary’s Nada Community Center, the event raises money for Colorado County students in need of scholarships, with over $352,000 donated in the form of scholarships to agriculture students since 2011.
The event included a prime rib dinner, complimentary beer and wine and a silent and live auction, conducted by auctioneer Todd Krenek.
Companies, organizations and individuals across Colorado County bid for giveaways, items, food, parties, furniture and more in an effort to raise money for these scholarships.
Lisa Krenek, Coordinator for Colorado County Go Texan, details the process the students go through to be in consideration for the scholarships and how the scholarships are given out to any students based on certain qualifications.
“We have an application process that they go through, and it is based on their academic performance,” said Krenek. “If their need is higher than somebody else’s, we refer to a points system. The scholars get points from working on the events, points for extracurricular activities inside and outside of school and for their leadership and fellowship.”
Krenek says the scholarships are not just subject to students going to college, but any student pursuing a career after high school, whether through a four-year degree or other certifications. The students must retain a certain grade point average however, or they risk being unable to see through the full amount of the scholarship.
“They must be a fullt ime student,” said Krenek. “We have kids that go into trade schools, four-year universities or even vocational school as well as degree certifications. The scholarship is divided over two years, so all these students must have a 2.75 GPA or better.”
Krenek thanked the community and all the new attendees for their support of the event and helping fund secondary schooling, or any type of further education, for the students who need help the most.
“It was great to see so many new faces in the crowd,” said Krenek. “They believe in the students and believe in us. They come out and support these fundraisers to support these students. We are very grateful for each of them.”
