H-E-B’s Scott McClelland Delivers Keynote at AEF Donor Breakfast

The Aldine Education Foundation (AEF) held its second annual Donor Breakfast on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the Hilton North Houston Hotel.

During the event, AEF co-presidents Seth Sharr and Terry Williams looked back at the accomplishments of the first year of the Foundation, while audience members heard testimonials from Aldine ISD students and teachers who received AEF scholarships and grants during the Foundation’s first year.

AISD Board Member Merlin Griggs and Scott McClelland, president of H-E-B Houston.

In addition, Scott McClelland, president of H-E-B Houston and a local TV personality, delivered the keynote address, while Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg spoke on the importance of AEF and provided an overview of the school district.

McClelland, a strong proponent of education, said it’s imperative that the public education system provides the necessary tools to assist them in becoming successful in the future.

“It all starts with education,” he said, as he cited economic and demographic data about Houston and its young population. “If we don’t look at how we can educate all of our students, we can’t move forward.”

McClelland added that he and his counterparts in the business community are looking for prospective employees who are career ready when they either leave high school or college. He added it’s important that students have access to technology, be problem solvers and have strong math skills.

“We are also looking for good communicators, and people with ethics, integrity and respect for others.”
He said organizations such as the AEF are important and should be supported by their community.

“All of you here are difference makers by being involved,” he said. “You have gotten off to a wonderful start, but a lot more needs to be done. We (H-E-B) are big fans of Aldine ISD.”

Also during the breakfast, audience members heard from Aldine ISD graduates Herbert Ash, Gabrielle Miller and Ramon Madden who shared their stories of what receiving an AEF scholarship meant to them. All three said that without AEF’s support, they would not have been able to attend college.

In addition, AISD teachers Michaelann Kelley, an art teacher at Eisenhower High School, and Cathy Roach, a physical education teacher at MacArthur Ninth Grade School, thanked the AEF for providing grants to help fund their programs at their respective schools. They also described the programs they instituted thanks to receiving AEF grants, and how the grants helped students learn the skills they will need for success beyond high school.