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Johnny Solis III was one of two LBJ High School seniors to be awarded a higher education scholarship from the Johnson City Community Education Foundation in 2007, the first year the organization conferred scholarship opportunities. Johnny recently completed his sophomore year at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, where he is once again on the Dean’s List and has been very active in a variety of educational activities.

“Being at Georgetown, in the heart of national politics, is quite an experience,” Johnny explained. “I am involved in numerous activities that further enhance the excellent education offered at Georgetown University. In January, I camped out with friends, in freezing cold weather, to stake out our viewing area for President Obama’s historic inauguration. I was also able to attend a dinner honoring President Bush for his commitment to funding a variety of health and services programs for the people of Africa. I am honored to be able to be here, and I thank the Johnson City community for providing me with the hometown fundamentals that are my solid foundation for life.”

Johnny has used his hometown fundamentals to achieve academic goals while pursuing extra-scholastic experiences, including being a journalist for the Georgetown campus newspaper The Hoya, and serving as a senator in the University’s student government.

“I am proud to be a student at such a prestigious university,” he said. “The courses and professors are demanding, pushing me to work hard and be the best I can be. I believe in challenging myself to always do better and to use every experience and opportunity to pursue my dreams.”

Johnny has always been dedicated to pursuing his dreams of higher education and community involvement.

“I remember waking up early in the morning and racing to school,” Johnny said. “I would sit with Mr. Hamm to get a better grasp of calculus, a very difficult subject. He was an excellent mentor. I learned so much from him. Our discussions would turn from calculus to national and world politics. I spent many early mornings and late afternoons pushing myself to learn as much possible. I know that I couldn’t be pursuing my dreams at Georgetown University with people like Mr. Hamm, my family, and the wonderful people of Johnson City who encouraged me and pushed me to excel in life. I am so proud to be a graduate from LBJ High School.”

David Hamm recently commented on the JCCEF investment in Johnny’s education. “To start with Johnny Solis is a very special young man. I feel that scholarship money for our very best is an investment in our future. We must give those who have the ability to reform our society the means they need to prepare themselves for that task. The Johnson City Community Education Foundation has done an outstanding job in selecting the right people to receive that aid.”

Johnny has set lofty goals for himself and is dedicated to successfully achieving each objective. This summer, he will work as an intern with the Teach for America program, teaching English to inner city students in Houston. He wants to impart his love of education while being a positive mentor for inner city youth.

“I believe that education is the great equalizer. It is a gift from God that enables each of us to make our mark in life and help society progress,” Johnny said. “I want to help inspire young people to get a good education and pursue their dreams, as I am doing.”

Johnny plans to graduate from Georgetown University in a few years, teach for a period of time, and eventually attain a law degree. His goal is to use the combination of legal and educational experiences to fight for better educational opportunities here in his home state of Texas.

Johnny encourages Johnson City high school students to position themselves now for consideration in the 2010 JCCEF scholarship awards.

“Giving your best efforts in everything you do, from academics to church activities to community service projects, enables each person to be the best human being possible,” Johnny said. “The Johnson City Community Education Foundation is not just handing out money for college. With the support of the community, the Foundation is helping us students to achieve our goals, our dreams. Be ambitious! Dream big and always reach for the stars!”

Donations to the Johnson City Community Education are always welcome. Make checks payable to JCCEF and send them to the Foundation at PO Box 1248, Johnson City TX 78636. JCCEF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by Federal law.