Two high school students are the recipients of $40,000 worth of scholarships from The GVTC Foundation. Cullen Eppright, from Gonzales High School, was awarded the Ritchie T. Sorrells Scholarship for Leaders, and Mason Fielder, from Boerne Champion High School, received the Ola Armstrong Scholarship for Volunteerism—both amounting to $20,000 each.
Cullen and Mason stood out from a pool of 189 total applicants who were screened and reviewed by the New Braunfels Area Community Foundation (NBACF). A team of educators selected the final recipients, and both young men visited GVTC’s Smithson Valley Headquarters to receive their awards.
Cullen displayed his strong leadership skills through his roles as National High School Rodeo Association President, Lonestar District FFA President, and American Junior Rodeo Association member for years. He will be attending Texas A&M University to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics. Ultimately, Cullen hopes to one day be the President and CEO of a major Rodeo Association.
Mason demonstrated his exemplary volunteerism through his active involvement in the Boy Scouts of America, playing saxophone for his high school band, and being a Boerne Outdoor Academy Camp Counselor for many years. Mason will also be attending Texas A&M University in the hopes of receiving not only his Bachelor’s degree, but also a Masters and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering to one day help improve the quality and sustainability of his community and society.
Cullen and Mason were honored during a reception attended by their parents, school counselors, NBACF members, the GVTC executive team and The GVTC Foundation board of directors.
Since 2011, The GVTC Foundation has awarded $203,000 in scholarships to local high school students and more than $2.6 million in contributions throughout GVTC’s service area since it started in 2006. The overall mission of GVTC and The GVTC Foundation is to enhance the lives in the communities they serve, and it would not be possible without the passion and commitment of everyone involved.