K | K Enrichment Foundation

Texas A&M University First-Gen Scholarship

The first two scholarships are devoted to our alma mater – Texas A&M University. With both of us being first-generation Aggies, our ties to the university and the leadership roles we held provided a deep perspective and appreciation into the gift that is attending Texas A&M. Wanting to give kids who come from Hill County and aspire to attend TAMU this same opportunity was a core motivator for the creation of the K | K Enrichment Foundation.
We are proud of our school on the Brazos and look to create a pipeline of Legacy and First-Generation Aggies for generations to come.

Texas A&M University Legacy Scholarship

The first two scholarships are devoted to our alma mater – Texas A&M University. Both of us being first-generation Aggies, our ties to the university and the leadership roles we held provided a deep perspective and appreciation into the gift that is attending Texas A&M. Wanting to give kids who come from Hill County and aspire to attend TAMU this same opportunity was a core motivator for the creation of the K | K Enrichment Foundation. We are proud of our school on the Brazos and look to create a pipeline of Legacy and First-Generation Aggies for generations to come.

Leadership In Agriculture Scholarship

While we were both involved in FFA throughout our years in Hill County, this scholarship in particular is a passion-point for Jace Kolar stemming from his experience as an officer in Area 8, a Texas FFA Foundation Intern, and a livestock exhibitor for a decade.
“We believe in the future of agriculture,” and aim to support our next generation of agriculturalists in their educational endeavors.

Donna French: Women In Industry Scholarship

After working for Central Texas Iron Works from 1972-1978, being accepted into the Texas A&M University Engineering program as one of the first females accepted as an engineering student in 1976, and then owning her own successful architecture company in Central Texas in the 1980’s — Jace’s grandmother, Donna French, shifted her focus to education earning her Bachelor’s in English and Math as well as working towards a Master’s in English.
While Donna enjoyed her years of education at schools like Penelope High School and Hillsboro High School (head of the math department), she still holds a passion for trade careers and programs.
The K | K Enrichment Foundation aims to support young women in their educational pursuits and believes that it is necessary to create more seats at the table for women in both education and the workforce.

Agnes Marak: Selfless Service Scholarship

Growing up in Abbott, Texas, Zach’s grandmother, Agnes Marak, developed a passion for serving others from a very young age. Whether it was helping students as a Teacher’s Aide for 32 years at Abbott I.S.D., teaching CCD at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, or volunteering at the West Rest Haven Nursing Home, Agnes has always put other’s needs before her own. “She truly is someone I look up to and model my life after. Her passion for helping others and leaving the world a better place is unlike anything I have ever seen. I hope that one day I can become half the person she is.”

DJ Beseda Memorial Scholarship

D.J. Beseda, endearingly known to many as “Gigi,” spent her life working as an educator and coach, was passionate about forming young lives and had a radical desire to improve the public education system. She found her fulfillment in special education, where her tenderness was most apparent, working with many students diagnosed with dyslexia, autism, and other learning disabilities. This scholarship is for those students in Hill County with the same motivation; those with the passion to embrace the public school system and call forth the best in students who have been overlooked.

Patrick and Wilma (Rejcek) Kallus

The Patrick & Wilma (Rejcek) Kallus: Honoring Family Roots with a Focus on the Future Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Penelope High School. Patrick and Wilma were both graduates from Penelope High School. Patrick Kallus, Class of 1947, played basketball for Coach R. E. McAfee. Wilma Rejcek Kallus, Class of 1951, also played basketball and was part of the annual staff who prepared the first yearbook for Penelope High School in 1950. Debbie, oldest daughter of Patrick and Wilma Kallus, and husband, Bill, wanted a way to honor her parents and give back to the local community where they grew up. Penelope holds a special place in the Dunn and Kallus families’ hearts, so as soon as Debbie and Bill found out about the formation of the K | K Enrichment Foundation, they reached out about fully funding their own scholarship for students in Penelope.