Gustavus Adolphus College sophomore Ashley Gibbs has been named a Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation Scholarship recipient for 2007-08 and 2008-09.
The Phillips Scholars Program recognizes and rewards Minnesota private college students who strive to make life better for those with unmet needs. Students from 16 eligible private colleges and universities are invited to apply for one of six $14,000 awards given annually.
Gibbs, a Richfield native, will be developing a kindergarten readiness program for Latino children in the Richfield school district. According to Gibbs, the program will help prepare four- and-five-year-olds for the challenges that lie ahead of them in the public school system.
“I want to shine a light on the Latino population because it’s something that I’m really passionate about,” Gibbs said. “A lot of those students need extra help and I think it’s important to give it to them.”
Gibbs is the seventh Gustavus student in the past seven years and eighth in the 11-year history of the program to be named a Phillips Scholar. Previous recipients include Sara Imholte (2001), Noah Johnson (2002), Linda Lee (2003), Zong Xiong (2004), Ma Lee Vang (2005), and Nhung Le (2006).
Gibbs and this year’s five other Phillips Scholars will be recognized at a luncheon Friday, April 20 at Macalester College in St. Paul.
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