The Groesbeck Education Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, has recently been organized and established by a group of community leaders and volunteers.  Its mission is to "enrich the educational opportunities for the students in the schools of Groesbeck, Texas, and to generate private support for student scholarships and priority projects identified by the Groesbeck Independent School District for which tax dollars are not available."  The Groesbeck Education Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation operating independently with its own board of directors dedicated to supporting excellence in education.  All contributions by individuals or groups stay in Groesbeck ISD. Since the foundation is a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization, your contribution is eligible for the maximum allowable Federal tax deduction.  The Groesbeck Education Foundation has been developed to accept pledges and donations, which will make a difference for students in the way of college scholarships and in GISD classrooms by funding projects not possible in the normal budget process.  Individuals may make a donation of any amount in honor or in memory of a loved one or friend.  Many donors may choose to make a donation in lieu of a gift to recognize birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions.  Notification will be sent to your honoree to announce the gift.  Your gift will be recognized both publicly and privately.  More importantly, it will provide a strong incentive for others to follow your lead.  The Board of Directors for the Groesbeck Education Foundation are Dalyn Ash, Teresa Battrick, Ginger Fritz, Emilio Gallegos, Colleen Longbotham, Harold Ramm,, Glynis Rosas, Mike Russell, Bill David Sadler, Scott Wilson, and Darla Wurtz.  For more information on how you can make donations to the Groesbeck Education Foundation, contact Teresa Battrick at 254-729-4136.

You can send your donation(s) to:

Groesbeck Education Foundation
c/o Teresa Battrick, Secretary/Treasurer
1202 N. Ellis Street
Groesbeck, Texas 76642

Please include the following information:

1. Name of person or people donation is made in honor of or memory of

2. Name of the person making the donation or on behalf of

3. Address of both parties (a card will be sent to the person making the donation and the person or relatives of the person donation was made) 

Mrs. Gloredia Odessa Tipps-Phillips "There Goes My Schoolteacher" Scholarship

Mrs. Phillips was destined to be a teacher. Her father, Christopher Columbus Tipps, saw her love and aptitude for learning from a very young age, and with teaching being one of the most highly respected professions to be held among African-Americans at the time, he would proudly say, “There goes my schoolteacher,” as Mrs. Phillips would head off to school each day. In her thirty- four (34) years of teaching, Mrs. Phillips made an undeniable and indelible impact on every single student she encountered – students from every race, socioeconomic status, level of learning, and all walks of life. The Tipps-Phillips Family, to this day, holds a very high regard for teachers and the impact they make in the lives of us all. As such, this scholarship is for high school seniors who have decided that they will pursue the path of becoming a teacher.

Mr. Joe Louis and Mrs. Gloredia Odessa Phillips “Be Extraordinary” Scholarship

Joe and Gloredia Phillips, or Joe and Glo as they were often called, were undeniable pillars of the Groesbeck community for many decades. A 5th grade teacher for 34 years, it was said that Mrs. Phillips often told her students that “you aren’t going anywhere to be ordinary” and that she expected them to “be extraordinary” in everything that they did. Though she came from less than ordinary circumstances, with a very poor and humble upbringing, there was nothing ordinary about the way that she pushed herself to be at the top of her high school and college graduating classes and to be one of the very best educators to ever grace the profession, all while being a dedicated mother of six and constantly volunteering her time to serve her church and community.

Likewise, Joe, who was born and raised in Groesbeck, served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War and the Berlin Crisis after graduating from high school. He then completed his degree at Paul Quinn College and taught history and coached for 13 years, after which he retired from education to work for many more years with Limestone County Road and Bridge. Joe’s incredible work ethic in each of these capacities was only outdone by the work, passion, and effort he put into raising his family, working his family farm, serving and leading in his church, as well as by the more than two decades he served on the Limestone Medical Center Hospital Board.

Joe and Glo made it their life’s purpose not to take for granted the opportunities that their parents and ancestors had given them, always striving to be their very best in their respective professions, while giving their best to support community organizations and activities, Groesbeck ISD events and initiatives, and the many charitable and philanthropic efforts of their church families. We can all seek to be extraordinary like Joe and Glo no matter where we’ve come from and no matter what or who we choose to be in this world. The Be Extraordinary Scholarship is for students pursuing an extraordinary future of any kind – whether through agricultural, college/university, entrepreneurial, military, tech, theological, trade, vocational, or workforce paths. If you have a vision and plan for excellence for whatever that path may be, this scholarship is for you.

Mrs. Gloredia Odessa Tipps Phillips “Purpose in Peace” Scholarship

Mrs. Phillips was famous for greeting her students and members of the community with the two-finger peace sign. This sign was used for and symbolic of many different things. It was a way for her to say hello to anyone she came across. It was her way to ask for quiet and respect for herself or others speaking. It reflected how she approached conflict and disagreements throughout her life, particularly in moments where others reverted to escalating conflict through hateful rhetoric, violence, alienation or mistreatment of others. Mrs. Phillips’ embodiment and pursuit of peace was not passive though; she was actively involved in a number of organizations which sought to promote enlightened, connected, compassionate, and peaceful communities. The Purpose in Peace scholarship is for students who are seeking to make the world a better place for all through their own contributions to and personifications of peace in their lives and the lives of others.

Joe Alewine and Bill Smith Memorial Scholarship
This memorial is designed to provide scholarships to students to further their education.  Generous donors have made the Joe Alewine and Bill Smith Memorial Scholarship possible.  Thank you for your support!

Bradley J. Swick Memorial Scholarship
This memorial is designed to provide scholarships to students to further their education.  Generous donors have continued to make the Bradley J. Swick Memorial Scholarship possible.  Thank you for your support!