WCJC Foundation Awards $88,000 in Scholarships for 2025

Note: This press release is available in a formatted PDF for download at this link

The Wharton County Junior College Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of $88,000 in scholarships to 22 graduating seniors across its service area. Each recipient will receive a $4,000 scholarship to support their continued education at WCJC.

This year’s recipients represent a broad spectrum of the college’s service area, including students from Wharton, Boling, East Bernard, Needville, El Campo, Louise, Bay City, Palacios, Van Vleck, B.F. Terry, and William B. Travis.  The Foundation launched this scholarship initiative in 2017 and has steadily expanded it to ensure equitable access for students in every community WCJC serves.

“The Foundation remains committed to investing in the potential of our local students,” said Gary Gillen, President of the WCJC Foundation Board of Directors. “We’re proud to help reduce financial barriers and give these students a strong start toward their academic and professional goals.”

The 2025 scholarship recipients include: 

• Boling High School – Cayden Voldan, Hunter Tolson, Alyse Mann
• East Bernard High School – Alexander Henriquez, Lily Alexander, Gabriel Boehnemann
• El Campo High School – Briana Sanchez, Edith Del Aqua, Jasmin Lopez
• Louise High School – Fatima Feregino Moreno
• Needville High School – Gwendolyn Ellis, Rogelio Rodriguez, Reyna Johnson, Manny Balderrama
• Wharton High School – Miracle-Angel Gomez, Damian Alvarez
• Palacios High School – Nelly Garcia
• Van Vleck High School – Mackenzie Ballard
• Bay City High School – Mariah Brooks
• BF Terry High School – Adrian Badillo
• William B. Travis High School – Chigozie Chibundu
• Katy-Texas Online School – Mia Terrell

To be considered for the award, applicants were required to graduate from a high school within WCJC’s service area, complete a written essay, and demonstrate financial need. Preference was given to students for whom the scholarship would be pivotal in attending college.

“This is one of the most impactful things we do,” said Jonathan Jeter, WCJC Foundation and Advancement Director. “Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors and leadership from the Foundation Board, we are able to invest in students who will shape the future of our communities. We are excited to see what they will accomplish.”

The WCJC Foundation continues to enhance its support for students through increased fundraising, expanded scholarship access, and growing community partnerships. With a mission to foster educational opportunity and awareness, the Foundation remains a vital resource in the college’s mission to serve the region.

The WCJC Foundation Office is located on the Wharton campus inside the J. M. Hodges Library. To learn more about supporting WCJC students, visit www.wcjcfoundation.org or contact Jonathan Jeter at jeterj@wcjc.edu or 979-532-6981.