The Katy Area Retired Educators (K.A.R.E.) announced on May 9th the recipients of the 2024 local K.A.R.E. Scholarships. Each year graduating students from all Katy ISD high schools, who are planning to become teachers, are encouraged to submit applications for the awards. This year, a total of $9600.00 in K.A.R.E. Scholarships were granted to eight members of the Class of 2024 in Katy ISD who will each receive $1200.00.

· Casarah Bennett – Mayde Creek High School, who plans to attend Houston Community College

· Guillermo Israel Garcia, Jr. – Mayde Creek High School, who plans to attend Sam Houston State University

· Natalie Guske – Seven Lakes High School, who plans to attend Concordia College

· Ryleigh Hunt – Katy High School, who plans to attend Texas State University

· Page Pye – Taylor High School, who plans to attend Texas A&M University

· Tanner ‘Beau’ Rowland – Cinco Ranch High School, who plans to attend the University of Houston

· Peyton Smith – Seven Lakes High School, who plans to attend Sam Houston State University

· Nicholas Wachowicz – Morton Ranch High School, who plans to start at Houston Community College and finish at the University of Houston

The Katy Area Retired Educators (K.A.R.E.) began awarding scholarships in 2001 to graduating Katy ISD students who pursue becoming school educators. Through the dedicated efforts of the members of K.A.R.E, the number of scholarships and dollar amount of each of the scholarships has increased steadily over the past 22 years. The funding for the scholarships is primarily raised through donations received from the KARE members, special events during the monthly meetings, and in recent years, with help from some supporting local businesses. Over the past seven years, KARE has provided over 52 scholarships totaling more than $60,000.00.

The Katy Area Retired Educators (K.A.R.E.) was formed in the 2000-01 school year with only 16 retired educators. Since that date it has evolved into an organization of over 375 members, made up of retired teachers, librarians, counselors, administrators, and other former school district employees. It is the local chapter of the Texas Retired Teachers Association. KARE is proud to support present day teachers and public education in Katy ISD and throughout the greater Katy area in the forms of mentoring students, substitute teaching, tutoring, providing books and educational supplies, and volunteering on campuses. The organization itself works diligently and actively to assist retired educators (many on a small, fixed teacher retirement income) in their needs, home, and health.