20 May 2003
83 Percent of Graduating Seniors '03 Earns Designation
DALLAS—During May's graduation ceremonies and senior awards assemblies, Dallas Independent School District graduates who have completed the Recommended High School or the Distinguished Achievement program requirements are accorded a special designation: Texas Scholars.
Texas Scholars medallions will be presented to almost 5,800 graduates of 29 comprehensive schools this month, 83 percent of the total graduates of the district. The Texas Scholars Program, promoted by the Texas Business and Education Coalition and sponsored locally by the Rotary Club of Dallas with support from the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, is designed to better prepare students for the workforce, post secondary training and higher education.
Judge Bill Sanderson, president of the Rotary Club of Dallas, said education is the key component to making Dallas a viable city for growth and development. "The Rotary Club of Dallas supports Texas Scholars as an extension of that view," he added.
The Rotary Club of Dallas members will make the presentations at senior events across the city. At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, Sanderson will present 194 medallions at South Oak Cliff High School, 3601 S. Marsalis Ave.
At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, David Dunnigan, a Sunset High School '59 graduate and incoming president of the Rotary Club of Dallas, will present 294 medallions at Sunset, 2120 W. Jefferson. "We get a great deal of delight in seeing our young men and women making the most of themselves and we're equally delighted to play a part in making that happen," Dunnigan said. "Besides, going back to Sunset is always a thrill."
All 39 graduates of School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, 1201 E. 8th St., will be presented with the medallions during the awards assembly scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22.
Hillcrest High School seniors will receive 251 Texas Scholars medallions during the graduation ceremony at the Dallas Convention Center, to be held at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 22. This accounts for 93 percent of the graduating class.
Some schools have already held their presentations. For a complete list, contact Judy Bobbitt at (214) 616-4366.
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