A third-grade class in Arizona was surprised with full scholarships to college
Ten years ago, 84 third-grade students at Michael Anderson School in Avondale, Arizona, were surprised with the gift of opportunity.
In 2005, a Hungarian-born chemist named Ferenc E. Rosztoczy launched The Rosztoczy Foundation as a way to help Hungarian students get scholarships to study in the U.S. In 2012, the foundation branched out with its College Promise program, surprising the students at Michael Anderson School with full-ride college scholarships once they graduated from high school.
Erika Valadez was one of those students, and told The Washington Post that knowing she had a scholarship and wouldn't graduate with debt "was so motivating. It made everything more real. It changed the course of my life." She graduated high school as valedictorian, and just finished her freshman year at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, where she is studying criminal justice and forensic science.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Out of Valadez's class, 34 students are now enrolled in college. The Rosztoczy Foundation viewed this as a success, and decided to repeat their generosity with a new generation. During an assembly last month, 63 third-graders at Bernard Black Elementary School in Phoenix learned they would receive full scholarships to college. "There wasn't a dry eye in the house," Roosevelt School District Superintendent Quintin Boyce told the Post. "It was a really precious moment."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
Christmas gifts for children: the top toys of the year
The Week Recommends The most sought-after kids' presents revealed
By Tess Foley-Cox Published
-
Should Line of Duty return?
Talking Point Adrian Dunbar's hint about a series reboot has some critics worried
By Tess Foley-Cox Published
-
One great cookbook: 'The Zuni Café Cookbook' by Judy Rodgers
The Week Recommends A tome that teaches you to both recreate recipes and think like a cook
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Fall is the best time to live that cabin life. These 6 getaways prove the power of isolation.
The Week Recommends Expect to get the good kind of cabin fever
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Autumn means time to turn into a country mouse. These 6 low-key destinations are the right kind of escape.
The Week Recommends Fall feels more special away from the big city
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
6 fabulous hotels to visit in April
The Week Recommends Stay at a zoo in Sydney, or meet vortex hunters in Sedona
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
7 enchanting spots for glamping
The Week Recommends Camping, but make it glamorous — and don't forget the s'mores
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published