MODELO Mentor Named 2010 Gates Millennium Scholar
GSCS youth, Tania Hernandez, has been selected to be a Gates Millennium Scholar for 2010. The goal of the Gates Millennium Scholarship is to provide seamless support from undergraduate through doctoral programs, for students selected as Scholars entering target disciplines. This year, there were over 20,500 applicants for the prestigious award and only 1,000 were selected nationwide. Tania, who is class valedictorian at Lanier High School, first came to Good Samaritan 7 years ago to participate in the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio Beginning Strings program and has participated in GSCS' MODELO college preparation program since 2005. Tania spoke no English as a child when she and her family immigrated from Mexico. Today, in addition to being a MODELO mentor, Tania sports a 3.87 GPA while serving as National Honor Society President, Academic Decathlon® competitor, and member of the National Technology Honor Society. As a recipient Tania will also have distinctive access to a wide range of services to encourage academic excellence including leadership conferences, a mentoring program, internships and fellowships. Tania plans to become an Architect and is currently deciding between many schools including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University.
King Antonio LXXXVII Visits GSCS
On Thursday, April 23rd, King Antonio LXXXVII, Stephen B. Cavender, and the King's Guard visited GSCS, bringing joy and a burst of excitement to the neighborhood during Fiesta. When the King arrived, the front courtyard was decorated and packed with giddy children wearing colorful crowns and carrying homemade maracas, and with enthusiastic participants of our Senior Activity Center. Many of the children had never seen King Antonio up close and all were delighted by his visit. A few brave toddlers were selected to follow the GSCS tradition of cracking cascarones over the King's royal head, and he graciously knelt to receive their "surprise." GSCS was thrilled to have had a float in this year's River parade as well as the opportunity to take 45 kids from the After School Program to see the parade and enjoy supper on the river as guests of the Cavaliers. As if all this was not enough King Antonio came bearing a major gift from the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation! Thanks Cavaliers and until next year VIVA FIESTA!
Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church Welcomed at GSCS
In an unprecedented visit, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church visited Good Samaritan Community Services on Saturday April 25. The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori is chief pastor to the Episcopal Church's 2.4 million members in 16 countries and 110 dioceses, ecumenical officer, and primate. "It was a particular honor for us to have been included in the Presiding Bishop's agenda" said GSCS CEO Jill Oettinger. "We appreciated the opportunity to share with her the excellent community services being provided here." The Most Rev. Jefferts Schori visited the agency on the invitation of Bishop Gary Lillibridge, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. Upon arrival, the Presiding Bishop was greeted by Board members Neel Lane, Pamela Matthews, Kirk McDonald, and Al Silva as well as 12 students in the Beginning Strings collaboration between GSCS and the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio, and their families. After a recital by the young musicians and an introduction to Gates Millennium Scholar for 2010, Tania Hernandez, Jefferts Schori was given a tour by the Board Members and discussed with them the scope of GSCS' work in impoverished South and Central Texas communities.
