Dallas, Texas—Highland Springs, the Erickson Living retirement community, awarded eight students employed in its Dining Services Department with collegiate scholarships during a luncheon ceremony held on June 9.
The value of these awards is $1,250 per semester for a four-year total of up to $10,000 paid directly to their accredited higher education institution.
A fundraising drive in May generated more than $33,000 for the program, mainly from contributions by residents. To be eligible, students must work at least 1,000 hours at Highland Springs during a two-year period and be in good employment and academic standing. They must be registered or accepted to a college, university or vocational school as a full-time student to receive the award.
John Young is a resident of Highland Springs who serves on the Scholarship Committee. The retired engineer who has lived at the community for nearly twelve years notes the strong bonds created between residents and students as a motivating factor in supporting the scholarship fund.
"These students are wonderful, and we simply want them to succeed in the future," stated Mr. Young. "Each and every day, the residents enjoy their presence, and it's a pleasure to see former recipients return to visit."
The Committee, chaired by Richard Manassa, coordinated creative ways to raise money. One of those was a partnership with Fuller's Jewelry. "We arrange for Fuller's to visit Highland Springs as residents can use the opportunity to sell jewelry they no longer want," described long-time Scholarship Committee member Helen Adele Johnson. "In return, Fuller's donates a percentage to the scholarship fund, plus this year, an additional $500. It's truly a win-win situation."
Further information about career opportunities at Highland Springs can be found at https://jobs.ericksonliving.com. Visitors can register for email alerts about job postings by field of expertise and location within the Erickson Living network of communities.