VFW 4008 Post Donates $25,000 for BEEF Senior Scholarships
It was a great start to Wednesday morning for Belton ISD and the Belton Educational Enrichment Foundation (BEEF) when the Henry T. Waskow VFW Post 4008 presented a $25,000 check for scholarships for Belton New Tech High School @ Waskow (BNTHS@W) graduating seniors.
The VFW’s endowment will allow BEEF to award a New Tech student with a $1000 scholarship annually for over the next two decades.
“We are incredibly excited and grateful about the donation,” said BEEF Board President Allyn Testroet. “These scholarships are very important for our kids because secondary education keeps getting more expensive. This donation really will last for a generation.”
Incoming BNTHS@W principal Jennisty Thomason praised Post 4008’s efforts to create a sustainable financial resource for students. “We have a close tie with the VFW because of our work always honoring the legacy of our namesake, Henry T. Waskow,” Thomason said. “We’re very excited that they’re contributing to our students in such a big way, and continue to give to them.”
Gary Leofsky, Post 4008’s Commander, has a personal connection to New Tech, as his stepdaughter graduated last month. Leofsky said he’s proud his organization has continued providing funds to Belton High School and has now expanded to New Tech.
“It’s a great honor to be giving this to Belton New Tech High School @Waskow, not only because it’s a part of our post but because it’s a fantastic school,” Leofsky said. “Every month we get letters from student organizations and other places asking for donations, and I don’t think ever once have we turned down anyone. It’s great to give back not only to veterans but to our children and our community”
In speaking about the VFW’s dedication to community service, Thomason noted, “I love the thought that knowing the $25,000 will be awarded in a $1000 scholarship annually. It just goes to show how committed our community is to our school because our school is definitely committed to our community.”
“The VFW Post 4008 does so much good for this community,” said former BEEF member, and a previous BISD School Board Trustee, Jay Taggart. “I can’t say enough about how much this organization does every day, every month, every year raising money and making sure it goes to good use making our community better.”
Thanks to community members who play Bingo at the VFW’s weekly games, Post 4008 has been able to provide these donations as well as funds for several groups including veterans and youth organizations.