In 2019, Elisa Gonzales, the Willow Bend student council sponsor, decided she wanted to find a way to give back to past students that are now graduating high school. She pitched her idea to give scholarships to students who started their education at Willow Bend, and everyone was immediately on board.  

Gonzales rallied the student council to raise funds through various dress up days for the scholarships. In addition, they collected donations from staff and community members.  

This year, four previous Willow Bend students received scholarships to aid their future at college. Ryan Walshaw and Grant McCombs received $1,000 each. Ezekiel LeCroy and Esmeralda Portillo received $500 each. 

“The Willow Bend teachers and staff believe in our past, present and future students,” said Gonzales. “This is our way of showing the Willow Bend students at the Frenship High School that the Willow Bend Family is still rooting for them.”  

“To be able to give back and show our students that we are able to give back to further someone else’s education is always a great thing,” said Jennifer Pierce, Principal at Willow Bend. “We are growing lifelong learners at Frenship, and it is such a gift to be able to give back to past Willow bend students.”  

This scholarship program is one of the many ways the Willow Bend community lets parents know that they are investing in their students beyond their elementary days.