During their scheduled May meeting, the Concerned DeSoto Citizens (CDC) organization awarded $10K in scholarships to three DeSoto High School students! CDC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, established in 1989 to serve as a vital organization for promoting and providing educational assistance to all children of DeSoto, Texas and the surrounding area. One of CDC's main objectives is to promote and encourage students to seek higher education through the awarding of scholarships.
CDC established the Curtistene S. McCowan scholarship in 2007 in honor of the late Mayor McCowan on the occasion of the newly built DeSoto ISD Middle School being named in her honor. The 2022 scholarship of $5K was awarded to Serenity Davis. Ms. Davis is a DHS Eaglette officer who owns a business and is a community volunteer with plans to attend Howard University and major in International Business. In her application, she referenced three things she would change in the world: create free higher education; change the poverty guidelines and provide free adequate senior living. Ms. Davis and her mother Stacey were presented with the scholarship award by Dr. McCowan, CDC President Curt Krohn, and scholarship co-chair Gayla Burton.
The Helen Giddings scholarship established in the late 90's was one of the first named scholarships developed by CDC in recognition and honor of the longstanding relationship with then Representative Helen Giddings. Through the years, Ms. Giddings has mentored the named recipients, spending quality time with them, offering advice and encouragement on their future plans. The 2022 recipient of the $2,500 scholarship is Sonia N. Martinez. Ms. Martinez is an active volunteer in the community including concession work for fundraising, chemistry lab assistant, tutor, and blood drives. She plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington and major in Engineering. In her application, Ms. Martinez stated the three things she would change: spread current news to the youth, inform people about world culture, and improve road conditions. Ms. Martinez is an Early College High School student who received her associates degree from Cedar Valley on the day of the CDC meeting. Representative Giddings joined the meeting via Zoom to offer her congratulations and best wishes.
Former Mayor Bobby Waddle is the namesake of the third CDC scholarship, in recognition and honor of his long standing service to community and country. Mayor Waddle is a tireless supporter of education and military engagement, encouraging students to reach for their highest heights. The 2022 recipient of this $2,500 scholarship is Jacobb Cornwell. Mr. Cornwell is a JROTC Officer who mentors others and serves as a community volunteer. Through the DeSoto High School Career and Technical Education program, Cornwell has become CNA certified through Dallas College’s Mountain Valley campus. He plans to attend Prairie View A&M University with a major in Nursing. Mr. Cornwell was unable to attend the presentation meeting due to a JROTC trip, but he was represented by his Mother and Aunt who accepted well wishes and encouragement from Mayor Waddle.
CDC networks with community leaders and other organizations on activities to build a stronger community. Membership is open to all DeSoto residents, the fee is $5 per month per household. For more information about CDC, visit their website at CDCDeSoto.org.