The Young Family Foundation Awards 2025 Scholarships
Local non-profit commits $98,000 in funding to students in YK Communications service area.
GANADO, Texas — The Young Family Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of eight scholarships to graduating seniors from across the YK Communications broadband service area. Since its founding in 2000, the Foundation has awarded 146 scholarships in support of higher education.
Founded by the family behind YK Communications, The Young Family Foundation is committed to giving back to the communities that YK serves. The scholarship program is one of the key ways the Foundation invests in the future of rural South Texas, helping students pursue academic and vocational training that aligns with their career aspirations.
Each of the 2025 recipients will receive financial support through either an academic or vocational scholarship to help fund their college education and career goals. Academic scholarships are awarded at $2,000 per semester for up to eight semesters, while vocational scholarships are awarded at $1,000 per semester for up to six semesters. The 2025 awards total $98,000 in educational funding.
2025 Scholarship Recipients:
Hannah Gonzalez, Ganado High School – Academic Scholarship
University of Texas at Austin, Biology/Physics
Aspires to become a Radiation Oncologist in honor of her late grandmother.
Colby Cook, Ganado High School – Academic Scholarship
Sam Houston State University, Criminal Justice (Pre-Law)
Plans to pursue a J.D. at Texas A&M School of Law and practice law.
Luke Reid, Ganado High School – Vocational Scholarship
Victoria College, Instrumentation Process Technology
Aims to work for DOW Chemical Company after earning his associate degree.
Rhiley Drozd, Louise High School – Vocational Scholarship
Wharton County Junior College, Associate Degree in Nursing
Plans to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Fatima Feregrino Moreno, Louise High School – Vocational Scholarship
Wharton County Junior College, Biology – Health Science
Wants to improve access to health and wellness in underserved communities.
Travis Riendeau, Tidehaven High School – Academic Scholarship
Texas A&M University–Kingsville (transferring to Texas A&M University), Agricultural Economics
Hopes to own and manage a farm like his father.
Brook Bacak, El Campo High School – Academic Scholarship
Texas A&M University, Business Honors/Management (Pre-Law)
Plans to attend UT Law and become a corporate attorney.
Landon Brooks, El Campo High School – Academic Scholarship
Texas A&M University, Business Finance
Inspired by his love of math to pursue a career in corporate finance.
“We are honored to support these hardworking students,” said Russell Kacer, President of YK Communications. “It’s a privilege to invest in the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, healthcare providers, and public servants from our local communities.”
