OUR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

The Dominique Cares Scholarship Committee is pleased to inform you that we will award scholarships to qualified high school seniors.

This year’s scholarship is named in the honor of Darleene Bonner.

The purpose of the scholarship is to recognize students for their academic and civic achievements.

This one-time non-renewable award (‘minimum’ $500.00) will be awarded to three (3) students. In essence, each of the three (3) winners will receive a minimum of $500.00.

If you are interested in applying or know someone who would be, please download the following application.

2023 Scholarship Recipient: Zachary Dunlap
This incredible student has earned 3.3 GPA during his senior year of High school.
Zachary consistently has defied the odds as he has a disability.

While attending Allen High School has Zachary participated in a Life Skill program as a student aide and peer tutor, supporting students with special needs. He has experience and participated hands on activities in the teaching process with students. He was a role model in the adapted physical education setting.
He also volunteers in the community with Dominique Cares, Special Skills Academy, Scottish Rite Orthopedic Research and Plano Sports Authority.

Zachary is deserving of this scholarship because of he has overcome many obstacles on his journey. He was diagnosed with ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. But he never gave up. Zachary will accomplished amazing things. He has such a big heart. He will be attending Collin College and majoring in Special Education. 

2023 Scholarship Recipient: Aiden Benson

This awesome student has earned 3.0 GPA during his senior year of High school.
Aiden consistently exhibits a positive outlook and shares his enthusiasm with his peers. He goes above and beyond in the classroom. He has distinguished himself as a leader.

While attending Rock Hill High School Aiden has volunteered in Theatre Lab as an assistant and he also volunteers as an Usher at his church.

Aiden is deserving of this scholarship because of his dedication, commitment and workmanship. Aiden has a bright future. He will be attending Texas Tech and majoring in construction engineering. 

2020 Scholarship Recipient: Nazhir Carter

This exceptional young man has defied all odds academically, earning a 3.2 GPA during his senior year with a diagnosis of Auditory Processing Disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Nazhir was able to exceed expectations outside of the classroom as well, exhibiting leadership in various extracurricular activities such as being a track athlete, marching band (as a percussionist and drumline member), and serving in his church and the community.

While attending The Colony High School, Nazhir served as an ambassador for LISD Kindness. Living with autism has never defined him as a person; instead, it has become the vehicle that pushes him to do his very best. He plans to continue his dream-turned-reality career this fall by majoring in mass communication with a minor in music.

Nazhir is deserving of this scholarship because of his commitment and dedication to serving those who need someone to believe in them. The Dominique Cares Foundation is thrilled about this young man, and we are looking forward to witnessing the great journey in store for Nazhir Carter.

2018 Scholarship Recipient: Natalie Salazar

The Dominique Cares Foundation would like to introduce Natalie Salazar. Natalie is a recipient of the 2018 Dominique Cares Scholarship Award in honor of Marcia Packard.

This remarkable young woman has not only excelled academically; she has also made an impact in her community. Natalie dedicated her time and service as a volunteer in the Plano Independent School District. She served in classrooms ranging from pre-kindergarten classes at Panther Preschool all the way to adult transitioning classes within the district. Natalie also spent her summer at H.E.R.O.E.S., which is a camp for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

During her senior year, Natalie volunteered in multiple capacities at Plano East High. She served as the Vice President and co-founder of “Panther Buddies,” which is an organization that focuses on creating fun opportunities for individuals with special needs. Natalie was also part of the Special Olympics and Plano ISD’s P.A.L. Program.

We are pleased to award Natalie Salazar the 2018 Scholarship Award. Her dedication to individuals with special needs and her passion for education put her in a class all her own. We are excited about what the future holds for Natalie Salazar.

2017 Scholarship Recipient: Lauren Upton

Lauren is a recipient of the 2017 Willie and Letha Spencer Scholarship.

This exceptional young woman excelled academically, earning her a 4.05 G.P.A. during her senior year. Lauren was able to exceed expectations outside of the classroom as well, exhibiting leadership in various extracurricular activities such as the Special Olympics, Coventry Reserve, “Best Buddies,” and “Partners PE."

While attending Plano East High School, Lauren’s work in “Partner’s P.E.” ultimately transformed her into an advocate for Special Opportunities individuals. Serving in this capacity since the sixth grade, Lauren has truly learned the value of being a voice for those who go unheard. She plans to continue her advocacy this fall by majoring in special education at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Lauren is deserving of this scholarship because of her dedication to serving those who need someone to believe in them. The Dominique Cares Foundation is thrilled about this young woman, and we are looking forward to witnessing the sensational journey in store for Lauren Upton.

2017 Scholarship Recipient: Tae Sung

Tae Sung is a recipient of the 2017 Willie and Letha Spencer Scholarship.

This outstanding young man excelled academically, which earned him the opportunity to become an International Baccalaureate Candidate. To become a candidate for the International Baccalaureate, students must be well-rounded in all areas, including creativity, action, and service.

While Tae Sung’s grades were second to none, it was his work as an advocate for special needs students that truly set him apart. His desire to serve the special needs population led him to start a “Best Buddies” chapter at Plano East High School. Although he was diligent in promoting this club, his genuine bond with Special Opportunities students made the greatest impact.

Tae Sung is deserving of this scholarship not only because of his academic success but also because of his strong desire to serve those who are too often overlooked. The Dominique Cares Foundation is excited about this young man, and we look forward to the bright future that awaits Tae Sung Kim.

2016 Scholarship Recipient: Danielle Springer

The Dominique Cares Foundation is proud to give a success report for the 2016 Yvonne Wright Willis Scholarship recipient, Danielle Springer.

Danielle Springer is currently in her third year at San Francisco State University. As an advocate for individuals with disabilities, Danielle is majoring in communicative disorders with a minor in special education. After graduation, Danielle intends to pursue a career as a speech pathologist.

Her desire to serve individuals with special needs began while taking care of her older sister, who has a rare genetic disability. The service to her sister sparked a fire in Danielle that still burns today. Danielle was deserving of this award not only because of her academic prowess but also because of her dedication to serving those in need of a true servant leader.