Paving the way to a brighter future.
Growth Through Education
Important Announcement
The Anna High School Scholarship Foundation Transitions to the Anna ISD Education Foundation, Expanding Support for Local Students and Educators
Anna, Texas – The Anna High School Scholarship Foundation, a cornerstone of support for Anna High School students since 2001, is transitioning to the Anna ISD Education Foundation (AEF). This move unites two impactful organizations under a shared vision of fostering educational excellence and expanding opportunities for Anna Independent School District students and educators.
Founded by Jim Rountree and his siblings to honor their mother, Mary Birka Rountree, the Anna High School Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $158,000 in scholarships, empowering countless students to pursue higher education. With multi-year scholarships and a commitment to both academic merit and financial need, the Foundation has ensured that more than 80% of its recipients either graduate or continue progress toward their degrees.
This transition marks a new chapter, aligning the Foundation’s mission with the Anna ISD Education Foundation’s dedication to educational excellence. The AEF, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is committed to inspiring life-long learners by empowering educators and strengthening community engagement. Through programs like grants for classroom initiatives, district-wide support for curriculum development, and endowment management for scholarships and grants, AEF plays a vital role in advancing education across the district.
By combining resources and a shared passion for education, the transition will carry forward the work of the Anna High School Scholarship Foundation while expanding its reach to benefit educators and the community as a whole. The Foundation’s mission of fostering ‘Growth Through Education’ will continue to thrive, supported by the AEF’s established infrastructure and community involvement.
To donors, alumni, and supporters, continued engagement and contributions will remain essential in inspiring futures, empowering educators, and strengthening the community.
For more information about this transition or ways to support the Anna ISD Education Foundation, please visit www.annaisd.org/departments/education-foundation.
About the Anna High School Scholarship Foundation
Since 2001, the Anna High School Scholarship Foundation has provided scholarships to Anna High School graduates, awarding over $158,000 to date. The Foundation’s mission of ‘Growth Through Education’ has supported countless students in achieving their educational goals through the generosity of donors and the vision of its founder, Jim Rountree.
About the Anna ISD Education Foundation
The Anna ISD Education Foundation (AEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing and investing in educational excellence in the Anna Independent School District. Through grants, endowments, and community engagement, AEF supports innovative programming and academic achievement for all AISD students.
The Anna High School Scholarship Foundation was established in 2001 and our initial scholarship of $400 was awarded to a 2002 Anna graduate. We are operated by a group of professional individuals who donate their time and talents to guide us in our objective. In 2003, we were granted a full tax exemption by the IRS as a public charity in a 501(c)(3) exempt organization.
The Foundation awarded four $1,500 scholarships to 2017 Anna graduates. We also awarded $21,000 to ten previous graduates that qualified for another year of support. Each of the previous winners are required to meet the guidelines established by the Foundation.
We could not have achieved this financial assistance for these Anna students without the support from our DONORS. We would love to add your name to our donor list as a participant in assisting the current and future Anna graduates Currently, over 80% of our scholarship recipients either have graduated with their post-secondary degree or they are still working to reach this goal.
The Greater Anna Chamber of Commerce awarded The Foundation the Non-Profit of the Year award in 2009.
Our Vision
Founded by Jim Rountree
In 2001, my father, Jim Rountree, and his 4 siblings created the Anna High School Scholarship Foundation in honor of my grandmother, Mary Birka Rountree. My grandmother was a single parent of 5 children in the 1950s, who through hard work and determination was able to influence and provide for each child the opportunity to go to college. It was her inspiration that led to the success of my dad and my aunts and uncles.
The foundation started with the idea of awarding students for not only their academic efforts but also their need for support to be able to go to college. In 2001, we awarded one $400 scholarship. As of today, we have awarded over $158,000 in scholarships. It was important to my dad that it was not just a one-year scholarship, but something that the recipient could earn for up to 4 years if their grades were above a 3.0 each year.
With the passing of my father in July 2020, I am so very proud to carry on his legacy with the support of Dr. Jeff Ludlow, my daughter, Allison Gaughan, members of the community, and donors. I know we have made a difference in so many students’ lives and I look forward to continuing the tradition. Thank you so much for your support.
- Marilee Rountree Gaughan
With the support from generous donors like you we are able to help Anna students continue their education every year.
Unlike many scholarships, the Foundation is able to renew each student’s scholarship annually for up to four years as long as they remain an active full-time student with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
anna.scholarships01@gmail.com
Phone
(214)-886-6900