Family Scholarships

13-years ago a husband and wife and their young son immigrated to the United States from the small Caribbean country of Dominica. Now, three children later, the family calls Tampa home, and they are living at least a part of the American dream.
All four children in the family have been awarded guaranteed-college scholarships.

In Bill Ratliff's "Assignment: Education", a novel scholarship program is setting four young children on a path to a higher education and a life free of crime and drugs.

--[Clara George says:] "I was excited. I think I cry. I laugh. I thank god.. You know, I felt good."--

That's Clara George recalling her reaction after learning two more of her four young children had received college scholarships. Eighth-grader Cascius and sixth-grader Cassandra were the first of the George children to learn they had been given the special "Take Stock in Children" Scholarships.. which are awarded by the Hillsborough Education Foundation.. Then, to their parents delight, the two younger children.. Fifth-grader Clive.. and third-grader Claudia came home with the same good news.

Scholarship Coordinator Cherie Donohue says the awards are handed out to students at an early age.. as an incentive.

[Donohue says:] "Third grade children still have that enthusiasm for school. And then we see that in the fourth and fifth grade, it becomes less and less cool to do your homework.. to stay in school.. or whatever. So, there is not an age that is too young."

The scholarships are not easy to win. First, the family must qualify for the free or reduced school lunch program. The student must write an essay about why he or she deserves the scholarship. Each essay is then judged against the essays of other students. But most importantly, the student must sign a contract agreeing to stay in school, stay drug and crime free and turn in copies of all report cards to the Foundation. The George children have made the committment. And when you listen to their mother's philosophy about school, you can't help but believe they'll make good on their committment.

--[George says:] "You go to school to learn.. To do the best you can. You listen to your teachers. You respect your teachers."--

400 Of the "Take Stock" Scholarships have been handed out to Hillsborough school students. 97-percent of the recipients have maintained their eligibility by adhering to the contracts they sign.

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