Offering a solid foundation for equitable access to public education, a paramount focus of The Charro Foundation, is at the core of the Coronado Promise program, according to Scottsdale Charro Andrew …
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Offering a solid foundation for equitable access to public education, a paramount focus of The Charro Foundation, is at the core of the Coronado Promise program, according to Scottsdale Charro Andrew Beardsley, who serves as this year’s education chairman.
For more than 60 years, the Scottsdale Charros have been steadfast in the pursuit of supporting public education through being the “boots on the ground” through positive community impact.
“I have high hopes for the Coronado Promise scholarship can continue on its path to helping more and more students each year, as it has grown from helping a few individuals annually to now offering scholarships for up to 30 students in 2022,” he said.
“Rob Flick and the Flick Family Foundation’s generous $1 million donation is evidence of the virtue and support found in the Coronado community, and I believe there are more out there willing to contribute. With the continued efforts of the great team behind the Promise, coupled with an inspired local community, I’m hopeful we see those numbers continue to rise each and every year.”
Beardsley points out that an ongoing effort of the Charros is to recognize the excellence in local education but now with the Promise program, the philanthropic outfit is seeking to help build up students at the high school level.
“The Scottsdale Charros have a rich history of supporting education through programs based within the Scottsdale Unified School District, and are passionate about strengthening our communities and building a better future for our children, The Coronado Promise is a better future for our children,” he said.
“For that simple reason, we as Scottsdale Charros are committed to utilizing our organizational expertise to oversee the fidelity of the program funds, raise and manage funds to support the Promise scholarship, and raise visibility and excitement of improvements in the Coronado Learning Community.”
For Beardsley a thriving public education system is as American as apple pie --- it’s a keystone of what makes the United State the land of prosperity.
“A great public education system has an array of benefits for students, faculty, families and the surrounding community, including a connection to the people around you, an increased pride of place, and a sense of belonging,” he said.
“The school facilities not only serve educational purposes, but can act as a hub of activity year-round, including support of youth athletics, and a place to gather for non-profits and volunteer organizations. The economic benefit of a great public education system is vital, as higher literacy rates develop into higher graduation rates, increasing the human capital in the local community.”
The Flick Family Foundation has committed to $50,000 per year for the next 10 years in scholarship funds and will match dollar-for-dollar additional funds raised for the program up to $50,000 per year for 10 years.
Remembering when he attended Coronado High School, about 50 years ago, Flick said how happy he was to provide to funds to help students go to school.
“I really believe in education. My parents could not have afforded to send me to college. I could not have gone on to college without a full ride,” he said, noting his experience at the Naval Academy at Annapolis. “My goal is to not have 25 scholarships, but 100 scholarships a year and then we will try to get other schools to follow along in our path.”
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