A first-generation college graduate, now a civil engineer, gets involved with The Foundation's scholarship program
I was energized and inspired by the incredible accomplishments, work ethic, and attitudes of these young men and women. They not only got amazing grades but they all participated in so many other activities that benefited their school and/or community.
When Kim Hanagan heard that The McConnell Foundation had a new scholarship program, she was determined to get involved. Because she's a first-generation college graduate, and knowing that her two sons – Logan, a sophomore at Shasta High School and Noah, a freshman at Shasta High – had many friends whose parents were not college graduates, she knew her involvement could bring a unique personal perspective.
Kim participated as a reader of applications, then as a panel interviewer, both for the Scholars scholarship. "The interviews were done over two very long days on a weekend. It was rigorous and very much a team effort with the other panel members.
I was energized and inspired by the incredible accomplishments, work ethic, and attitudes of these young men and women. They not only got amazing grades but they all participated in so many other activities that benefited their school and/or community.
I didn't expect it to affect me in such an emotional way. It was very difficult to decide who wouldn't receive such a significant scholarship, but on the other hand so exciting to participate in such an amazing program."
She found participating very gratifying, knowing that she was helping to invest in these young people, who would in turn invest in their communities. "It made me feel very proud to live in this community that provides so many opportunities to high school kids. There are a lot of teens participating in very healthy, positive activities. It made me worry less about my kids becoming teens knowing there were so many great role models ahead of them. It really was quite inspiring to get to know these young adults."