Local residents make largest donation in Frisco Education Foundation history

The Frisco Education Foundation has received a $1 million donation—the largest donation in the history of the foundation.

Longtime Frisco residents Roger and Jody Lawler made the donation, which will establish the Roger Lawler Endowed Honor Scholarship Fund. Interest generated from the endowment will provide college scholarships into perpetuity for graduating Frisco ISD seniors interested in pursuing higher education in the agriculture industry.

"This gift represents a major milestone for the Foundation and we could not be more humbled and honored to pay it forward to the benefit of our youth," FEF Director Allison Miller said in a district press release. "It really means a lot that it comes from a family that has worked the land and been part of the community for so long."

At least one Frisco ISD student will receive the Roger Lawler Endowed Honor Scholarship each year. Recipients of the scholarship must demonstrate financial need, plan to pursue a degree in agricultural science or a related field and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Experience working on a farm or ranch is preferred.

"The goal is to assist those who would not otherwise be able to attend college due to financial hardship in fulfilling their dream of a post high school education," Roger Lawler said.

The Lawlers were formally recognized during a special presentation at the 2014 Scholarship Night at Dr Pepper Arena on May 15.

During the event, the Foundation presented more than 700 scholarships totaling nearly $600,000 to help graduating FISD seniors continue their education.

The awards, including those funded by the Foundation and corporate, community and school groups, were presented to 537 students based on a number of criteria including academic achievement, community involvement, volunteer efforts and more.

Since its inception 15 years ago, the FEF has given out nearly $3.2 million in college scholarships to more than 3,400 graduating seniors.