The Young Family Foundation, the charitable giving arm of the family behind YK Communications, is proud to announce this year’s 2025 Community Grant recipients, with a total of $35,000 awarded to organizations that are making a difference right here at home.
From local schools and youth programs to volunteer fire departments and community service organizations, this year’s grants continue a long-standing family tradition of giving back to the rural South Texas communities that have supported YK Communications since the 1940s.
“Our family has always believed in supporting the people and places that make our communities so special,” said Paula Young Kacer, President of The Young Family Foundation. “It’s an incredible feeling to see how each of these organizations touches lives in meaningful ways — and to be able to help them continue doing what they do best.”
2025 Grant Recipients
Pow-Wow Program, Ganado, TX $500
Markham Volunteer Fire Department $5,000
I Am Chosen Ministries, Markham, TX $2,000
Ganado Band Boosters $2,000
Ganado High School – One Act Play $4,300
Northside Center, El Campo, TX $2,000
Ganado Volunteer Fire Department $5,000
El Campo Methodist Child Care Services $4,000
El Campo Middle School Band $8,762
El Campo Middle School Theater Dept. $1,000
Each of these organizations plays a vital role in helping our neighbors, students, and first responders thrive. The Young Family Foundation is honored to be a small part of their ongoing efforts to make our communities a stronger, safer, and more connected place to live.
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About The Young Family Foundation:
The Young Family Foundation is the non-profit organization founded by the owning family of YK Communications. The organization’s mission is to share success with local communities by way of scholarships and grants.
About YK Communications:
YK Communications is a leading provider of telecommunications services in rural Texas, offering high-speed internet, voice, and security solutions to residential and business customers. With a focus on customer satisfaction and community support, YK Communications strives to connect and empower rural communities through reliable communication services.
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.”
Foundation Continues Legacy of Giving in Ganado, Louise, Markham, and El Campo Communities
The Young Family Foundation (YFF) is thrilled to announce its 2024 grant recipients, awarding a total of $26,417 to various organizations across the communities of Ganado, Louise, Markham, and El Campo. This year’s grants further underscore the foundation’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life and supporting local initiatives that make a lasting impact within their service areas.
Since its inception, the Young Family Foundation has been dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves, and the 2024 grant awards are a testament to this ongoing mission. In the 2023 granting year, YFF hit the incredible milestone of $2 million in total community support, continuing its legacy of fostering growth, safety, and education in rural Texas.
Louise High School Band received $2,000 from the Young Family Foundation as part of the 2024 grant program.
The City of El Campo EMS received $2,457 from the Young Family Foundation as part of the 2024 grant program.
The 2024 grant recipients are as follows:
- Louise Hornet Band – $2,000
- El Campo High School – $4,000
- St. Philip Catholic School – $3,700
- Pow-Wow Program – $500
- Markham Volunteer Fire Department – $5,000
- Markham Methodist Church – $2,400
- Jackson County VOAD – $1,000
- Serve Outdoors – $2,500
- City of El Campo EMS – $2,457
- Tidehaven Tiger Pride Band – $1,860
These grants are awarded with the goal of empowering local organizations to continue their important work in the community. From supporting educational institutions and first responders to investing in community-focused programs, the Young Family Foundation is honored to contribute to a variety of initiatives that align with its mission to foster thriving, empowered, and resilient rural areas.
“We are immensely proud of the positive impact our foundation has been able to make in the communities we serve,” said Russell Kacer, President of YK Communications. “The Young Family Foundation grant program is just one of the many ways we strive to give back, and we look forward to seeing how this year’s recipients continue to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors.”
El Campo Health Sciences was the recipient of a $4,000 grant used to purchase a new vital signs machine for the CNA program at El Campo High School.
YK Communications and the Young Family Foundation share a deep-rooted belief in the importance of supporting rural communities. Both organizations understand that access to essential services such as high-speed internet, reliable voice services, and robust security solutions are fundamental not only for connectivity but also for driving growth, education, and security. The Foundation’s support through grants and scholarships is a reflection of this shared commitment, aiming to shape the future and improve the quality of life for everyone in these communities.
Organizations interested in applying for the 2025 grant program are encouraged to learn more and access the application at www.youngfamilyfoundation.com.
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About The Young Family Foundation
The Young Family Foundation is the nonprofit organization founded by the owning family of YK Communications. The organization’s mission is to share success with local communities by way of scholarships and grants. More information about the company can be found at www.youngfamilyfoundation.com.
About YK Communications
YK Communications offers various broadband internet, voice, and security services for residential and business customers across South Texas. More information about the company can be found at http://www.ykc.com.
Contact
Russell Kacer, President
YK Communications
Phone: 361-771-3334
E-mail: russell@ykc.com
www.youngfamilyfoundation.com
Local non-profit commits over $100,000 in funding to students in YK Communications service area.
The Young Family Foundation recently awarded eight scholarships to 2024 graduates from YK Communications broadband internet service area. This makes 138 scholarships since the Foundation was established in 2000. The Young Family Foundation’s focus is to foster the benefits of a higher education. Each of the 2024 scholarship recipients will receive financial support through the YFF Scholarship, helping them obtain a college degree and achieve their individual career goals.
The 2024 scholarships recipients are:
Grace Amestoy, El Campo High School: Academic Scholarship, Texas A&M University, Agricultural Economics
Grace plans to attend Texas A&M University and pursue a degree in Agricultural Economics with emphasis in Agricultural Policy and subsequently her goal is to pursue a career in Agricultural Law.
Jade Alquisira, El Campo High School: Vocational Scholarship, Texas State Technical College, Welding Technology
Jade will pursue a degree in Welding Technology at Texas State Technical College. After she obtains her associate degree in welding she plans to start working and hopefully open her own business in the future.
Juliann Little, El Campo High School: Academic Scholarship, Texas A&M University, Biomedical Science
Juliann will be studying Biomedical Science at Texas A&M University. Her goal is to one day become a pediatrician after attending medical school.
Kobe Gussman, Louise High School: Academic Scholarship, Texas State University, Electrical Engineering
Kobe will be studying Electrical Engineering at Texas State University. He hopes to one day open his own company to be able to offer apprenticeships to college students.
Chloe Gresham, Ganado High School: Vocational Scholarship, Wharton County Junior College, Physical Therapy Assistant
Chloe will be studying to become a Physical Therapy Assistant at Wharton County Junior College. Her goal is to help treat and encourage young athletes while they receive treatment due to sport related injuries.
Logan Tupa, Ganado High School: Academic Scholarship, Texas A&M, Business Administration and Accounting
Logan will pursue a degree in Business Administration and Accounting at Texas A&M University. His goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant and work at one of the “Big Four” accounting firms to one day owning his own accounting firm.
Martin Ramirez, Ganado High School: Academic Scholarship, University of Texas San Antonio, Mechanical Engineering
Martin will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas San Antonio. His fascination with building Lego’s as a kid grew a love for disassembling and reassembling parts. He plans on obtaining an internship while attending school.
Juan Pablo Almeda, Ganado High School: Academic Scholarship, Texas A&M University, Kinesiology – Motor Behavior
Juan will pursue a degree in Kinesiology- Motor Behavior at Texas A&M University. His goal is to one day become a Licensed Physical Therapist.
Academic scholarships include $2,000 per semester for up to 8 semesters and vocational scholarships include $1,000 per semester for up to 6 semesters. This creates $108,000.00 awarded to the 2024 recipients. We applaud the achievements of our scholarship recipients and look forward to their future contributions to their fields of study and our community.
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About The Young Family Foundation:
The Young Family Foundation is the non-profit organization founded by the owning family of YK Communications. The organization’s mission is to share success with local communities by way of scholarships and grants.
About YK Communications:
YK Communications is a leading provider of telecommunications services in rural Texas, offering high-speed internet, voice, and security solutions to residential and business customers. With a focus on customer satisfaction and community support, YK Communications strives to connect and empower rural communities through reliable communication services.
Contact:
Russell Kacer, President
YK Communications
Phone: 361-771-3334
E-mail: russell@ykc.com
Website: http://www.youngfamilyfoundation.com
Local Non-Profit Continues Commitment to Ganado, Louise, Danevang, Markham, and El Campo Communities
The Young Family Foundation (YFF) proudly announces its 2023 grant recipients, marking a significant milestone in their mission to support local communities. With this year’s grants, the foundation’s cumulative support for Ganado, Louise, Danevang, Markham, and El Campo communities has now exceeded an incredible $2 million.
Each year, the Young Family Foundation accepts grant applications and carefully selects recipients for community grants, focusing on initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents in their service areas. In 2023, the foundation is delighted to extend its support to the following organizations:
Community of Ganado:
- Ganado High School Band Boosters – $5,000
- Ganado Volunteer Fire Department – $1,700
Community of Louise:
- Louise Beautification Committee – $2,500
- Louise Volunteer Fire Department – $1,700
Community of Danevang:
- Danevang Volunteer Fire Department – $1,700
Community of Markham:
- Matagorda County Women’s Crisis Center, Inc – $5,000
- Markham Volunteer Fire Department – $1,700
Community of El Campo:
- El Campo Medical Foundation – $10,000
- El Campo Museum of Natural History – $2,500
- Boys & Girls Club of El Campo – $2,500
- El Campo Volunteer Fire Department – $1,700
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- El Campo Museum of Natural History
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- Ganado High School Band Booster
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- Louise Beautification
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- Women’s Crisis Center
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- El Campo Medical Foundation
These grants aim to empower local organizations to make a lasting impact on their communities. The Young Family Foundation encourages eligible organizations to submit grant applications for consideration in 2024. More information and the grant application can be found at www.youngfamilyfoundation.com.
YK Communications and The Young Family Foundation share a deep-rooted belief in the importance of rural service providers as cornerstones of their communities. They understand that access to high-speed internet, reliable voice services, and robust security solutions is not just about connectivity but also about fostering growth, education, and security. Both organizations take immense pride in their ability to serve within these communities and view their support through grants and scholarships as a way of giving back, further reinforcing their commitment to creating thriving, empowered, and resilient rural areas. Their mission extends beyond providing essential services; it’s about shaping the future and enhancing the quality of life for everyone they serve.
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About The Young Family Foundation
The Young Family Foundation is the nonprofit organization founded by the owning family of YK Communications. The organization’s mission is to share success with local communities by way of scholarships and grants. More information about the company can be found at www.youngfamilyfoundation.com.
About YK Communications
YK Communications offers various broadband internet, voice, and security services for residential and business customers across South Texas. More information about the company can be found at http://www.ykc.com.
Contact
Khloe Parks, Coordinator
The Young Family Foundation
Phone: 361-771-4109
E-mail: admin@youngfamilyfoundation.com
www.youngfamilyfoundation.com
The Young Family Foundation (YFF) is proud to continue its annual tradition of fostering higher education within our community. This year, the foundation has awarded scholarships to seven high school graduates from Ganado, Louise, El Campo, and for the first time, Tidehaven High Schools. With this year’s awards, the foundation celebrates the milestone of having bestowed 130 scholarships since its establishment in 2000.
Each academic scholarship recipient will receive $2,000 per semester for 8 consecutive semesters, amounting to a total of $16,000 per recipient. Our vocational scholarship, awarded to Joshua Carrasco, includes $1,000 per semester for 6 semesters, totaling $6,000. This year, the Young Family Foundation is providing a record $29,000 in scholarships to support these graduates’ pursuit of higher education and their individual career aspirations.
The 2023 scholarship recipients are as follows:
• Bridget Dorotik, El Campo High School:
Bridget plans to major in Accounting and Finance as part of the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. Her aspiration is to become a Certified Public Accountant and join one of the “Big Four” accounting firms.
• Ella Rod, El Campo High School:
Ella will pursue a degree in Biochemistry at Texas A&M University with plans to transition to medical school upon completion of her Bachelor of Science degree.
• Peyton Green, Ganado High School:
Peyton will study Biology and Microbiology at Texas A&M University, with the ambition to become a Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
• Celeste Ramirez, Ganado High School:
Celeste has chosen to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Texas in San Antonio, aiming to gain practical experience through internships and broaden her horizons through study abroad opportunities.
• Joshua Carrasco, Ganado High School:
Joshua is enrolled at Texas State Technical College to study Electrical Power and Controls. Inspired by his love for problem-solving, he aspires to become a journeyman or lineman or have a career in instrumentation.
• Kate Garrett, Louise High School:
Kate will pursue a degree in Agricultural Business with a minor in Spanish at Texas A&M University. She is eager to promote the importance of agriculture and facilitate the journey of produce from farm to table.
• Maizee Strelec, Louise High School:
Maizee will study Plant and Environmental Soil Science at Texas A&M University, with plans to become an agronomist or crop advisor.
• Allyson Lucio, Tidehaven High School:
Allyson plans to pursue a Marketing degree as part of the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, with a Pre-Law track, aspiring to become a prosecutor to ensure our judicial system is fair and effective.
The Young Family Foundation remains committed to sharing success with local communities, primarily through scholarships and grants. We applaud the achievements of our scholarship recipients and look forward to their future contributions to their fields of study and our community.
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About The Young Family Foundation
The Young Family Foundation is the nonprofit organization founded by the owning family of YK Communications. The organization’s mission is to share success with local communities by way of scholarships and grants. More information about the company can be found at www.youngfamilyfoundation.com.
About YK Communications
YK Communications offers various broadband internet, voice, and security services for residential and business customers across South Texas. More information about the company can be found at www.ykc.com.
Local non-profit awards grants in Ganado, Louise, Danevang, Markham, and El Campo
Each year, the Young Family Foundation accepts grant applications and carefully selects recipients for community grants. The Young Family Foundation is pleased to recognize the 2022 recipients:
Community of Ganado
Ganado High School Band – $4,800
Ganado High School Ag Mechanics – $2,500
Community of Louise
Louise High School Band – $1,800
Louise ISD Foundation Board – $4,900
Community of Danevang
Danish Heritage Preservation Society – $1,000
Community of Markham
Markham Volunteer Fire Department – $5,000
Community of El Campo
El Campo Medical Foundation – $10,000
City of El Campo Kid Fish – $1,500
Boarding for Rescues Animal Welfare – $2,000
Boy Scouts of America Cub Scout Pack 196 – $3,000
First United Methodist Church Child Care Service – $3,000
The Young Family Foundation encourages local organizations to submit a grant application now to be considered for 2023 grants. For more information and the grant application, visit: www.youngfamilyfoundation.com.
About The Young Family Foundation
The Young Family Foundation is the non-profit organization founded by the owning family of YK Communications. The organization’s mission is to share success with local communities by way of scholarships and grants.
Contact
Khloe Parks, Coordinator
The Young Family Foundation
Phone: 361-771-4109
E-mail: admin@youngfamilyfoundation.com
Website: http://www.youngfamilyfoundation.com
The Young Family Foundation recently awarded six scholarships to 2022 graduates from Ganado, Louise, and El Campo High Schools. This makes 122 scholarships since the Foundation was established in 2000. The Young Family Foundation’s focus is to foster the benefits of higher education. Each of the 2022 scholarship recipients will receive $2,000 per semester for 8 consecutive semesters (a total of $16,000), helping them obtain a college degree and achieve their individual career goals.
The 2022 scholarships recipients are:
Haley Tupa, El Campo High School
Haley will be attending Wharton County Junior College to finish her basic courses and then transfer to Texas A&M University where she plans to major in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Journalism. Haley expressed that through the many school clubs that she was a part of, she found that writing comes naturally, and she is able to express her thoughts in words and share those with people around her.
Kate Smith, Ganado High School
Kate will pursue a degree in Kinesiology with a concertation in Applied Exercise Physiology at Texas A&M University. After she obtains her Bachelor’s degree, she plans to attend Physical Therapy school to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Kate wants to be able to aid individuals through rehabilitation.
Joshua Fowler, Ganado High School
Joshua will be studying Finance and Business as part of the May’s Business School at Texas A&M University. Joshua wants to obtain his securities license after graduation to become an investor/stockbroker. He wants to ultimately help small-town, rural workers create wealth.
Cameryn Webernick, Ganado High School
Cameryn will pursue a degree in Psychology at Texas A&M University to become a physiologist. She wants to help anyone with any phycological problems that people are facing in our world. Cameryn decided to become a physiologist in the hopes to help and create a happier and healthier society.
Ana Garrett, Louise High School
Ana will be attending Texas A&M University to study Economics. Her interest in Economics sparked because of her high school Economics class and her interest in business and finance. After college, she plans on pursuing a career in the business industry.
Savannah Morton, Louise High School
Savannah is undecided as to which school she will attend, but she has been accepted at Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, and Houston Baptist University. She will be studying Social Work and Criminal Justice. Savannah wants to give a voice to people who do not necessarily have one and help transition people back into their normal lives.
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About The Young Family Foundation
The Young Family Foundation is the nonprofit organization founded by the owning family of YK Communications. The organization’s mission is to share success with local communities by way of scholarships and grants. More information about the company can be found at www.youngfamilyfoundation.com.
About YK Communications
YK Communications offers various broadband internet, voice, and security services for residential and business customers across South Texas. More information about the company can be found at http://www.ykc.com.
Contact
Russell Kacer, President
YK Communications
Phone: 361-771-3334 x 111
E-mail: russell@ykc.com
The Young Family Foundation Announces 2021 Grant Recipients
Local non-profit awards grants in Ganado, Louise, Danevang, Markham, and El Campo
Each year, the Young Family Foundation accepts grant applications and carefully selects recipients for community grants. The Young Family Foundation is pleased to announce the 2021 recipients:
Community of Ganado
- Ganado High School – One Act Play – $5,000
- Ganado Volunteer Fire Department – $1,500
- Ganado Secondary School – Family and Consumer Sciences Department – $750
- Ganado Secondary School – Physical Education Classes – $750
- Ganado Christian Youth Fellowship – $1,000
- Prosperity Baptist Church – $2,000
Community of Louise
- Louise Beautification, Inc. – $4,800
Community of Danevang
- Danevang Volunteer Fire Department – $1,500
Community of Markham
- Tidehaven High School Band – $1,973.62
- Markham Volunteer Fire Department – $5,000
Community of El Campo
- El Campo Medical Foundation – $10,000
- City of El Campo EMS – $2,800
- Wharton County Stray Pet Outreach Team (SPOT) – $1,500
- Boys & Girls Club of El Campo – $1,200
- Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church – After School Activities Program – $2,500
The Young Family Foundation encourages local organizations to submit a grant application now to be considered for 2022 grants. For more information and the grant application, visit
www.youngfamilyfoundation.com.
About The Young Family Foundation
The Young Family Foundation is the non-profit organization founded by the owning family of YK Communications. The organization’s mission is to share success with local communities by way of scholarships and grants.
Contact
Khloe Parks, Coordinator
The Young Family Foundation
Phone: 361-771-4109
E-mail: khloe@ykc.com
Website: http://www.youngfamilyfoundation.com
The Young Family Foundation (YFF) proudly announces their 2021 YFF Scholarship recipients. These six students reside in the YK Communications broadband Internet and voice service area and recently graduated from high school. Each plan to attend an accredited college or vocational school located in the state of Texas. We congratulate them on their accomplishments and wish them much success as they continue their education.
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- Juan Carlos Huerta, Jr., Louise High School (Academic Scholarship), Avery Lewis, Louise High School (Vocational Scholarship)
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- Juan Carlos Huerta, Jr., Louise High School (Academic Scholarship)
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- Avery Lewis, Louise High School (Vocational Scholarship)
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- Makensie Till, El Campo High School (Academic Scholarship)
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- Darrell (Mack) Cihal, Ganado High School (Academic Scholarship)
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- Madison Shelton, Ganado High School (Academic Scholarship)
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- William (Trace) Roznovsky, Ganado High School (Vocational Scholarship)
The 2021 scholarships recipients are:
Juan Carlos Huerta, Jr., Louise High School (Academic Scholarship)
Juan will be attending Blinn College where he has auditioned for their music program. He then plans to transfer to Sam Houston State University where he wants to major in Engineering and also join their band program to play in the marching band.
Avery Lewis, Louise High School (Vocational Scholarship)
Avery will pursue an Associate’s degree at Wharton County Junior college in Nursing. She where she will attend the LVN to RN Program in the hopes to become a Registered Nurse.
Madison Shelton, Ganado High School (Academic Scholarship)
Madison has come from a long line of sports aficionados and has played sports since she was three years old. Because of this, she will be attending Texas A&M University to become an athletic trainer so she can stay around what she loves; sports.
Darrell (Mack) Cihal, Ganado High School (Academic Scholarship)
Mack will be attending Sam Houston State University to study Agricultural Engineering with a minor in Plant and Soil science. Mack is pursuing this career in the hopes to work for a seed company or a farm machinery manufacturer because he has been exposed to farming and agriculture his entire life.
William (Trace) Roznovsky, Ganado High School (Vocational Scholarship)
Trace will be attending the University of Houston-Victoria to study Process Technology. He is pursing this degree plan so he can become a Chemical Operator at a local plastics manufacturing plant, and he can stay close to his family.
Makensie Till, El Campo High School (Academic Scholarship)
Makensie will pursue a major in Poultry at Texas A&M University. She then hopes of getting into the Veterinary School at Texas A&M or Texas Tech University to earn her Doctorate of Vet Medicine so she can return to her home county and own her own veterinary practice.
Academic Scholarships include $2,000 per semester for up to 8 semesters and Vocational Scholarships include $1,000 per semester for up to 6 semesters. The Young Family Foundation congratulates these worthy recipients and looks forward to seeing them blossom and mature into the leaders of tomorrow.
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About The Young Family Foundation
The Young Family Foundation is the nonprofit organization founded by the owning family of YK Communications. The organization’s mission is to share success with local communities by way of scholarships and grants. More information about the company can be found at www.youngfamilyfoundation.com.
About YK Communications
YK Communications offers various broadband internet, voice, and security services for residential and business customers across South Texas. More information about the company can be found at http://www.ykc.com.
Contact
Russell Kacer, President
YK Communications
Phone: 361-771-3334 x 111
E-mail: russell@ykc.com
