June 24, 2010 - Three Austin eighth-grade students are the recipients of the 2010 Seedling Foundation Rourke College Scholarships, given this year in memory of the late Daniel Rourke, Jr., who devoted much of his life to providing educational opportunities to others.

The $5000 Rourke College Scholarships are presented to AISD 8th graders, and held in trust for their graduation from high school and acceptance into the two- or four-year higher education institution of their choice. It is the hope of the foundation that entering high school as a scholarship winner will inspire and challenge youth to reach their highest potential and to become the great young men and women that we see in them.  
 
The 2010 scholarship recipients are: Shvanaka Ross, who attends Kealing Middle School and is mentored by Alvenetta Henry; Desmon Barrett and Monica Castillo both attend Martin Middle School, and are mentored by Marcus Sharp II and Alicia Gatica, respectively.  
 
(The Seedling Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to nurture Texas public schools by providing resources, assistance and programming.)