Tuesday, April 05, 2005 in Omaha World-Herald
Philanthropist John Walton was greeted Tuesday morning by the smiling faces of children he is helping.
“Good morning, Mr. Walton,” 14 second-graders said together. “Welcome to Assumption/Guadalupe School.”
Walton, who founded the Children’s Scholarship Fund six years ago, visited the school’s campus near 22nd and Q Streets because nearly half of the students get money from the fund.
Since 1999, nearly $ 6 million in tuition assistance has been awarded to 1,685 students at 79 schools in the Omaha area. The average scholarship this year is $ 958.
More than half of the money has been raised locally, said Judy Tamisiea, executive director of the Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha. That is matched by the national organization.
About 90 percent of the scholarships are given to students attending Catholic grade schools within the Archdiocese of Omaha, Tamisiea said. The other 10 percent is split between other religious and nonreligious private schools.
Walton visited several classrooms, listening to kids read and sing a song in English and Spanish. He also talked to parents about the scholarship program.
Jackie Buchta, second-grade teacher at Assumption/ Guadalupe and mother of two students, said it would be a struggle without the fund’s help.
“Not only would our families be in trouble, but our school would be in trouble. We would have lost a lot of students without this.”
Walton humbly accepted her praise, but said it was the parents who deserved recognition.
“I know all of you here are making sacrifices to make this work,” said Walton, a Wal-Mart heir. “You are the folks that deserve the credit and respect for doing this for your kids.”
In addition to receiving scholarships for next year, six students were recognized at a luncheon Tuesday for leadership, spirit and perseverance.
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