Two Austin ISD middle school students have been awarded $5,000 college scholarships to help them fulfill their dreams for the future.

The Seedling Foundation today announced two winners of the Rourke College Scholarship for 2008.  Christina Montes and Riley Chandler, eighth students at Dobie and Bedichek middle schools, respectively, have been selected by Dan & Kali P. Rourke to receive a $5,000 scholarship to be awarded upon their graduation from high school.

The scholarships may be used at a two-year or four-year college or university of the students’ choosing.

Kali P. Rourke is President of the Seedling Foundation Board. She and her husband, Dan, established the Rourke College Scholarship to assist students who are involved in the foundation’s programs in reaching their educational goals.

The Seedling Foundation supports public schools by building community. In addition to a mentoring program which serves more than 215 children, it also offers a CAMP or College Admissions Mentoring Program, sponsors children’s theatre productions, and improves campus facilities through landscaping and beautification initiatives. The foundation was established in 1998 as the Travis Community Education Foundation and renamed the Seedling Foundation in 2007.

Austin attorney and philanthropist John C. Blazier is the founder and Vice President of the foundation.

“Mr. and Mrs. Rourke’s College Scholarship will give two extraordinary students a vote of confidence as they complete their eighth grade year and begin high school. Knowing that someone believes in you, believes you have the potential to be whatever you want to be, as long as you are willing to work hard, is greatly motivating,” Sari Waxler, Executive Director of the Seedling Foundation, said.