Jackie Carranza, Santiago Castellanos and Norma Ramirez are the first students to be awarded with the inaugural Jerry McCracken Scholarships. Each recipient was chosen from one of the three schools that comprise the Manual High School complex, including Leadership Academy, Millennium Quest High School and the Arts and Cultural Studies High School.

The scholarship is open to high school sophomores seeking to expand their knowledge in the areas of music, exploration, international study, service programs and concentrated writing workshops.

“I know that learning to speak English fluently will create many opportunities for me in this country,” said Castellanos, from the Arts and Cultural Studies High School. Castellanos, who speaks little English, will use his scholarship to take intensive English courses in order to graduate as soon as possible.

Jackie Carranza, a Millennium Quest High School student, plans to travel to Japan to expand her knowledge of the Japanese culture. Norma Ramirez, from the Arts and Cultural Studies High School, will take private clarinet lessons to bring her closer to her dream of becoming a professional clarinet player.

The scholarship program was created to honor the late McCracken, a teacher at Manual High School, who encouraged his students to explore the world beyond their doorsteps and think outside of the box. The Jerry McCracken Scholarship Fund operates under the umbrella of the non-profit Friends of Manual organization, which was established to support the students at Manual High School.

For more information about the Jerry McCracken Scholarship Fund or for donation information, please contact GG Johnston at 303-623-3366.