9
Feb, 2017
Uni establishes Violetta Ponce Scholarship Fund
[Posted Feb. 9, 2017] The untimely passing of another member of the Uni family has resulted in the creation of a new scholarship at Uni: the Violeta Ponce Scholarship. Assistant Principal Dan Blank explained the background and asked for your help:
“This past school year the Uni High community lost a beloved faculty member and friend when English teacher Violeta (Ponce) Pacheco (1975-2016) suffered a sudden, fatal heart attack. She was only 40 years old.
“Her death saddened many of us because this former department chair and gifted coordinator had just completed her request for a disability leave. During these last eight years, we witnessed her brave, cancer battle. Throughout this time, she had a short leave, but she worked through her treatment.
“Despite her struggles, Violeta’s main concerns were always about the school, the department, and her students. She always tried to find the humor in life and was there giving support and comfort to her students, friends and family despite her own struggles.
“This woman of great character and formidable strength leaves behind her loving husband Patrick, dedicated parents and a devoted sister.
“Violeta began her teaching career at Uni, and from the beginning she possessed that ‘Warrior/Wildcat’ spirit being an involved figure at games, planning events as a member of the social committee, and as the 2006 class sponsor. Because of her pride in being an educator and her love of Uni, the faculty and staff would like to honor her memory by creating a scholarship in her name for a student who hopes to pursue a career in education.
“We hope you can help us achieve our goal. Contributions to the Violeta Ponce Scholarship can be made to the UHEF or sent directly to University High School Ponce Scholarship. Thank you.”
To contribute, simply go to the Donate Now section of the UHEF Web site, make your donation and enter “Violeta Ponce Scholarship Fund” in the Comments section. Thank you for your generosity.