Students ‘Share The Dream’ At DFW International Airport’s Scholarship Awards Ceremony

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (April 28, 2006) — A total of twenty-four students got a chance to “Share the Dream” at DFW International Airport, receiving awards from the Airport’s Share the Dream scholarship awards program for their outstanding efforts to overcome life obstacles. Inaugurated in 2004 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of DFW, the scholarship is now in its third year supporting and encouraging students around North Texas to maintain their integrity and use their determination to succeed in school and life. 

“DFW is one of the greatest Airports in the world, and a global transportation hub,” said Jan Collmer, DFW Board Chairman. “Our seven runways not only launch planes on a daily basis, but hopes and dreams with destinations still to be determined. DFW stands as a monument of dreams as the Airport founders sought fit to equip us with an outstanding facility with the ability to grow and expand as opportunities present themselves, just as these students are preparing their runways and running through their pre-flight checklist as they prepare to launch into life.” 

A total for 41 essays were submitted to DFW for review and while all were deemed winners, 24 students received the $200 scholarship. Every student will receive a “Share the Dream” awards medallion, backpack, “Share the Dream” cap, “Share the Dream” picture frame, personalized pen, and a Dream book of inspirations. Since the program’s inception in 2004, the Airport has awarded scholarships to 66 high school students who are striving to be the best they can be. 

“These students join past winners in recognizing their untapped potential,” said Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW. “Looking to explore the world of aviation these students sought out ways that their career plans could be explored at an Airport. A young woman who wants to be a nurse sought out programs throughout the country where nurses provide services to patients at airports. The imaginations and ambitions are great.” 

DFW Public Affairs Department designed the "Share the Dream" program to be unique and to recognize students who have struggled in school and life and made great improvements toward their dreams. Educators nominate students in grades 9 through 12. Each student wrote a brief essay about his or her life and why it is important to stay in school and persevere. A committee of Airport employees selected the recipients. 

Judges based their decisions on the students’ integrity and determination to be the best, students struggling in school but still making improvements, outstanding effort to stay in school. 

“The aviation community is looking for more ‘greats’ out there to take this and other Airports to the next plateau,” said Lillie Biggins, DFW Airport Board Vice Chair. “We need great engineers, mechanics, pilots, ground handling agents, computer programmers, business analysts, public safety professionals in the fields of police, fire, EMS and nurses and doctors along with so much more.” 

The awards’ theme is inspired by the "Share the Dream" sculpture standing at Founders Plaza, presented to the Airport by AMR/American Airlines Foundation to commemorate the Airport's 25th Anniversary. The sculpture, created by artist Dennis Smith, symbolizes the love of flight and the spirit of the original dream that became DFW Airport. It is dedicated to future generations with the hope that it may serve as a reminder that dreams can become reality. Depicting three children, the sculpture has an inscription that reads, "On a warm summer evening, on the open Texas prairie, children play with arms outstretched and dream of soaring among the clouds." 

“What a great thrill it is for me to have a chance to meet these outstanding students,” said Kevin Cox, chief operating officer of DFW. “I work with great professionals every day and I know what great people can dream of. And I know our employees take a lot of pride in reading these essays and giving back to the community.” 

The “Share the Dream” scholarship winners: Kevin Amaya – International Newcomer Academy Maribel Cansino – International Newcomer Academy Juan Duran – Amon Carter Riverside High School Nydia Perez – Amon Carter Riverside High School Takeisha Smith – The Center for New Lives Ashley Campuzano – The Center for New Lives Vi Thuy Nguyen – Success High School Geovanni Barrentti – Success High School Randy Jones – Polytechnic High School Diana Jimenez – Polytechnic High School Inez Pitts – Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center Adrianne Craine – Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center Albert Hernandez – W. H. Adamson High School Juana Hernandez – W. H. Adamson High School Marlon David Rollins – Skyline High School LaShaila Mitchum – Skyline High School Brittany Cardona – Venture School Brittany Williams – Venture School Chase Crawford – Keys Learning Center Rebecca Raz – Keys Learning Center Cristal Taylor – Nimitz High School Randy Phillips – Nimitz High School Salvador Medrano – The Academy of Irving ISD Samuel Lamkin – The Acacemy of Irving ISD