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The Coles Crossing Dad’s Club (CC/DC) continues to improve Coles Crossing by awarding scholarships to graduating Seniors that live in Coles Crossing.  This program had donate thousands of dollars and has given back to this community.  The communications team interviewed the Dad’s Club President, The Leader of the Scholarship Team, and a past Judge.  

 

A Tradition of Giving
Rich Henderson, President of the Coles Crossing Dad’s Club, recalls how the scholarship program began: “Shortly after forming the club, we wanted to find a way to give back to the community. Supporting Coles’ residents and the family-focused culture here is at the heart of what we do. Helping graduating seniors pursue higher education just made sense.”

 

What started with a total of $2,000 in scholarship awards has now expanded to at least $10,000 annually. While the club aims to grow this amount, funding remains a challenge, as many deserving students apply each year. The club raises money through community-driven efforts, including fundraising activities like Super Bowl Squares sold via social media.

 

More Than Just Academics
The selection process for scholarship recipients goes beyond GPA. Applicants must be Coles Crossing residents seeking post-secondary education—whether at a four-year university, community college, or trade school. While academic performance is considered, the real focus is on an applicant’s volunteer history and their ability to articulate their experiences in an essay. “We’re not just looking for the best students; we’re looking for the best citizens,” Henderson emphasizes.

 

The Dad's Club Scholarship Team has remarked on how challenging it is to pick winners each year, “These kids are so impressive. We’ve read essays about how students helped their community during Hurricane Harvey and COVID, how they overcame personal hardships, and how they’ve turned tragedy into motivation to serve others. One recipient even battled cancer while staying dedicated to their academics and volunteering. Their stories are inspiring.”

 

Expanding Awareness and Future Growth
Despite the program’s success, one of the biggest challenges remains spreading the word. The club utilizes social media and community publications like The Paper Boy but relies heavily on word-of-mouth. This year, for the first time, they advertised in Crimson Connection, the Cy-Woods High School magazine, to further increase visibility.

Looking ahead, the goal is simple: keep growing. “The bigger we get and the more funds we raise, the more we can give in scholarships,” says Henderson. “We have an amazing group of young people in this community, and we want to do even more to support them.”

 

A Lasting Impact
Daniel Housely, an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and past scholarship judge, understands firsthand the importance of service and giving back. “It’s a humbling honor to represent the Coles Crossing Dad’s Club in supporting the seniors of our community as they pursue their dreams of higher education. Our children are the future, and I’m grateful to pay it forward, just as others once did for me.”

 

As the Coles Crossing Dad’s Club continues its mission, one thing is clear: their impact reaches far beyond the scholarships they provide. They are investing in the future, one student at a time.