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Education

DFW International Airport Honors 20 Students with "Share the Dream" Award

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

DFW International Airport has marked its 30-year milestone with the launch of the "Share the Dream" program, which recognizes students who have overcome challenges and demonstrated determination to achieve their goals. The inaugural winners, 20 students from various school districts in North Texas, were honored at an award ceremony, each receiving a $200 scholarship and a commemorative certificate. The program's inspiration comes from a sculpture standing at Founders Plaza, donated by the AMR/American Airlines Foundation to commemorate the Airport's 25th Anniversary.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Share the Dream" program is designed to support and honor area youth, promoting education and perseverance in the face of challenges.
  • Educators nominate students in grades 9-12 who have shown great improvement toward their dreams, and a committee of Airport employees selects the winners.
  • Each student wrote a brief essay about their life and why staying in school and persevering is essential to achieving their goals.
  • The program is inspired by the "Share the Dream" sculpture at Founders Plaza, symbolizing the love of flight and the spirit of the original dream that became DFW Airport.
  • The inaugural winners, 20 students, were announced, including Mario Pina, Scott Alcaraz, Chiquita Searcy, Gabriela Reyes, Kaitlin Smith, Kenny Hassenteuffel, and many others, each highlighting their determination and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
  • The program aims to recognize students who have struggled in school and life but made significant improvements toward their dreams, aligning with the Airport's mission to support education and community development.

Statistics:

  • 20 students were awarded the inaugural "Share the Dream" award.
  • Each student received a $200 scholarship and a commemorative certificate.
  • The students attend school in one of five major districts near the Airport, serving the Dallas and Fort Worth areas.
  • The sculpture "Share the Dream" at Founders Plaza has an inscription that reads, "On a warm summer evening, on the open Texas prairie, children play with arms outstretched and dream of soaring among the clouds."

Sources:

  • DFW International Airport.
  • PRNewswire.
  • AMR/American Airlines Foundation.
  • Texas Governor John Connally.
  • Max Wells, DFW Board Chair.
  • Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW Airport.

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