Named Scholarships
GPISD Education Foundation Named Scholarships
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Daniel Bazan Jr. Memorial Scholarship - Daniel was the son of long-time Galena Park I.S.D. employees Danny and Orphalinda Bazan. He passed away tragically on January 18, 2007, at 21 years of age. Daniel was an inspiration to all in his far too brief life on this earth. He provided the inspiration for the Bayou Legacy Walk. |
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Maria Argueta Memorial Scholarship (Sam Houston Elementary) - Maria Argueta was a 1996 graduate of Galena Park High School and a homegrown student at MacArthur Elementary. She began her teaching career at Cloverleaf Elementary and ended it at Sam Houston Elementary. She cared deeply for other people and gave her heart to her students. |
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Orville “Jack” Armstrong Scholarship - Jack Armstrong was a 1945 Galena Park High School graduate who earned his law degree from the University of Southern California School of Law in 1956. In 1991 he was nominated by the Governor of California to the bench of the Los Angeles Superior Court as a juvenile court judge and would often send handwritten notes of encouragement to those who appeared before him. In 1993 he was appointed as an associate justice for the California Court of Appeals by then-governor Pete Wilson where he served until his retirement in June 2013. Justice Armstrong had the reputation of an extremely fair and unprejudiced judge. |
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North Shore Middle School James Brown Jr. Memorial Scholarship - James Brown Jr. was a treasured student at North Shore Middle School. He was a football player, an avid reader and the perfect example of a model student. He was loved by his parents, family, teachers, peers, and every life he touched. On September 27, 2006, this young man was taken too soon. His memory lives on in the heart of the school through the James Brown Jr. Memorial Trail that created by an Education Foundation grant and was renovated through LyondellBassell on their annual Global Care Day. He is forever treasured and remembered for living the "Mustang Way." |
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Robert “Bob” Campbell Vocational Scholarship - Bob Campbell served as Director of Maintenance for the district and retired on September 30, 2016, with 33 years of service to GPISD. Bob was dedicated to the District, a great leader and is an even better person. Monies donated to the Robert “Bob” Campbell Scholarship will be allocated to vocational scholarships in the District. |
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Vikas Chaphekar Memorial Scholarship - Vikas Chaphekar came to Galena Park I.S.D. as Chief Accountant on July 17, 1995. He held several titles in the District including Director of Accounting, Director of Budget/Internal Auditor, and Assistant Superintendent for Budget and ultimately CFO/Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Compliance. His career was marked by unparalleled expertise in school district finance and profound dedication to Galena Park ISD. He will forever be remembered for his gentle spirit, supreme integrity, and love for his Galena Park ISD family. |
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Ray L. Cox, Jr. Memorial Scholarship - Ray LaDon Cox, Jr. (1958-2021) was a 1976 honor graduate of Galena Park High School and a member of the National Honor Society. He was Vice President of Hi-Y, President of the Spanish Club, Senior Class Representative, and a member of the Key Club, Math Club, and the Christian Life Club. He played football and baseball and loved reliving special sports moments with his former teammates. He was also a guitarist in the choir’s select “Group.” He received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management from Houston Baptist University in 1981. He served there on the board of trustees for many years, chairing in 2006 and 2016. He was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in 1985. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law in 1988. He established The Cox Law Firm in 1994. He was married to the love of his life, Dr. Barbara Taylor Cox, for over 40 years. Their sons Tyler and Colton are pursuing careers in finance and law. Ray always retained a deep fondness for Galena Park, the place of his roots, and for his wonderful classmates from the Galena Park High School Bicentennial Class of 1976. |
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Ruby Gresham Geography Bee Scholarship - Ruby Gresham began her career in GPISD as a teacher’s aide at Cimarron Elementary. During this time, she decided to go to college to become a teacher. After getting her degree part-time while she worked and held a full-time job and raised three children, she became a full-time teacher at Jacinto City Elementary. She was a strong supporter of Social Studies in the classroom and tough elementary school teacher who had high expectations for her students. On many occasions, she provided more than just an education for her students. She sometimes provided clothing and gifts for students who didn’t seem to have some of their basic needs met. She is missed by many but her influence is still felt. |
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Harper Scholarship for Allied Health Careers - Dr. John Harper grew up in Jacinto Oaks and attended Pyburn Elementary from 1959 to 1965. He went on to attend Woodland Acres Junior High and Galena Park High School, graduating in 1971. During his days in elementary and junior high, he describes himself as an avid “b-string” athlete in all sports. He was a member of a rock and roll band “Jake and the Jokers” beginning in the 7th grade and continuing into high school. During his 3 years at Galena Park High School, he was a cheerleader, sang in the choir, and played in the Stage Band for the Miss GPHS Beauty Pageants. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University in 1975 and his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences-Biochemistry from the University of Texas School of Biomedical Sciences in 1981. He now serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Acelity, a global medical device company headquartered in San Antonio that develops innovative products that transform how surgeons and other physicians treat complex chronic and surgical wounds. In 2012, he chose to fund the Harper Scholarships for Allied Health Careers as a means to give back to his hometown students at Galena Park High School. |
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James B. Havard Memorial Scholarship - James Havard served on the Galena Park I.S.D. Board of Trustees from 1966 until 1994, served on the State UIL Executive Board, served one term as Mayor of Galena Park and was the owner of Havard Welding Supply Company for 44 years. He cared deeply about his community and his school district. James B. Havard Elementary was named in his honor. Evidence of his contributions to our district is on display throughout our campuses and facilities. |
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Christy Hughes Memorial Scholarship (Tice Elementary) - Christy Hughes began her teaching career at Tice Elementary in 2000. Her teaching career was dedicated to Pre-Kindergarten. She loved her students with all her heart and made sure they knew it. Every day when her students would leave, she would tell them, “I love you.” Tice’s Christy Hughes Memorial Scholarship will be given to a North Shore Senior who attended Tice and exemplifies a love for all. |
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Fran Keal Memorial Scholarship (MacArthur Elementary) - Fran Keal was the principal of MacArthur Elementary from 1986 to 2006. In her time at MacArthur, she built a foundation of excellence for the love of children that still holds true today. She was always full of joy and had a bright smile for those around her. She believed that children deserved a quality education from caring teachers. She was a big advocate for literacy. She enjoyed having the students read to her. She was a servant leader for MacArthur and the community. |
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Minnie Keller Memorial Scholarship - Minnie Keller worked in the educational field as a teacher for numerous years. Educating the youth was truly what Mrs. Keller enjoyed. |
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Loyce Manahan Memorial Scholarship (Pyburn Elementary) - Loyce Manahan worked in the field of Elementary Education for 44 years. Her passions included teaching science, spending time with family and friends, studying the Bible and teaching Sunday school. She also earned Galena Park I.S.D. Teacher of the Year recognition. Most importantly, Loyce made a difference in countless children’s lives and enjoyed making learning fun for her students through hands-on science lessons. |
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Mario Martinez Memorial Scholarship (Green Valley Elementary) - Mario Martinez served as an assistant principal at Green Valley, Havard, and North Shore Elementary during his time in GPISD. During his fight with cancer, Mr. Martinez made a point to come to school and work as much as he could, continuing to put the education of students first, even above his own health. |
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Marlene Richeson Nursing Scholarship - Marlene Richeson has dedicated her life to nursing. She taught nursing for over 30 years at both Texas Woman’s University and the University of Southern Mississippi. She taught both graduate and Nurse Practitioner classes. After retiring, she moved to the Houston area and was a school nurse. She now enjoys her 2 children, 5 grandchildren, 2 dogs, and going to the beach. She is the mother of Associate Superintendent Elizabeth Lalor. This scholarship in her name is awarded to students who are majoring in nursing. |
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Johnnie and Kay Rountree Memorial Scholarship - Johnnie Rountree served on the Galena Park I.S.D. School Board for 35 years. He was proud of his Galena Park roots and spent his adult life giving back to the community and school district he loved. In 1997, he was awarded School Board Trustee of the Year by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association. After his retirement, he served the district as Director of the Galena Park I.S.D. Education Foundation for six years. Kay was an amazing wife and mother. Her love of family was boundless. |
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Desmond “Cat” Tyler Memorial Scholarship - Desmond Tyler, affectionately known by his family as “Cat”, was an exceptional young man. He was a hard worker and a wonderful provider for his beloved wife and son. His life exemplified service to others, always helping whenever and wherever needed. Cat believed education was the foundation upon which success, in any field or vocation, was possible. His work ethic and desire to constantly better himself caused him to earn an Electrician Certification and later become Foreman. His sudden passing has left quite a void in the lives of his family and friends. In honor of his memory, Cat’s family would like to provide financial assistance primarily to students pursuing a certification or Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Technology, and secondarily, to students pursuing a certification or Associate of Applied Science Degree in Instrumentation. |
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Kenneth Wallace Leadership Scholarship - Kenneth Wallace, retired Deputy Superintendent for Educational Support and School Administration, created this scholarship to support student leaders at North Shore Senior High School. |
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Terry Wisdom Memorial Scholarship - Terry Wisdom was a long-time resident of the community and a 1966 graduate of Galena Park High School. |
Additionally, we would also like to acknowledge the following campuses for creating, awarding, and donating to our deserving students either through campus or named memorial scholarships.
- Cloverleaf Elementary
- Havard Elementary (James B. Havard)
- MacArthur Elementary (Fran Keal)
- Normandy Crossing Elementary
- North Shore Elementary
- Purple Sage Elementary
- Pyburn Elementary (Loyce Manahan)
- Sam Houston Elementary (Maria Argueta)
- Woodland Acres Elementary (Daniel Bazan Jr.)
- Cobb Sixth Grade Campus
- Cunningham Middle School
- Galena Park Middle School
- North Shore Middle School (James Brown Jr.)
- Woodland Acres Middle School
- Galena Park High School
- North Shore Senior High 9th Grade Center (Kenneth Wallace)
- North Shore Senior High 10th Grade Center (Kenneth Wallace and Cat Tyler)
- North Shore Senior High (Kenneth Wallace)
- Zotz Education Center