The death of junior Chris Saiz is making an impact in more than one way. After the student died in a car accident, his parents decided that the best way to honor Chris would be to continue his spirit. through the Point the Way Foundation.
“This foundation was created in memory of Chris to honor his pursuit excellence and academic achievement,” Chris’s father Michael Saiz said. “This effort resulted in forming a foundation to award deserving young men and women financial assistance towards higher education.”
The foundation awards scholarships to students in the Houston area who are successful in academics and need financial aid to go to college. Scholarships range from $1,000 up to $2,500 and one or two will be awarded this year.
“They’re looking for someone who is well-rounded educationally and socially,” testing coordinator Jennifer Ashman-Porter said.
Criteria for applicants includes being a senior planning to attend college in the coming fall and to have a minimum B average in academics overall. Other factors include leadership, community service and activities such as church groups, environmental or school sponsored projects.
“The foundation consists of seven board members, several board members who live in the Cinco Ranch community,” Saiz said. “We would like to be a well-established 501 organization which can generate multiple scholarships to deserving students within the greater Houston Metroplex.”
The winners of this year’s scholarship will be announced sometime in May and for more information, check the foundation’s website at www.pointheway.org. The organization is also holding a Senior Showcase fundraiser on April 14. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. and will display top senior basketball players from local high schools.participating in a dunk and three-point shooting contest in between games.
“We are excited to be able to encourage, recognize and reward those graduating senior basketball players from our area that epitomize everything that Chris stood for,” Showcase Director Dirk Minniefield said.
