The price of university tuition -- like fuel -- is increasing. But two alumni of Hanford High School will have some financial aid as they finish up the academic requirements necessary to pursue their dreams of teaching.

The Kings County Retired Teachers Association awarded on Monday $1,000 scholarships each to Carolyn Nunes and Stacey Silva; both of Hanford High's Class of 2005. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants had to be well into their collegiate studies, in pursuit of a teaching career, have a 2.5 minimum grade point average, write an essay explaining their experiences and goals, express their financial needs and submit three letters of recommendation, said association Chairperson Mildred Williams.

Silva attends California State University, Fresno and will earn her bachelor's degree in liberal studies in December -- after two years of attending West Hills College and three semesters at Fresno State. In January, Silva will begin the teaching credential program.

Both of the scholarship recipients plan to remain in the Valley and to teach elementary school.

"It's something different happening everyday," Nunes said of students in the elementary grades.

Nunes found that out when she began working as a yard and instructional aide at Armona Elementary School in February 2007, while attending West Hills College. Nunes will earn her bachelor's degree in May 2009, and finish the teaching credential program in December 2010.

Of receiving the Kings County Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Nunes said, "It feels wonderful."

"I was so excited," Nunes said. "I really needed that, especially since I found out tuition was going up."

The reporter can be reached at 583-2424.

(June 10, 2008)