Vocational Students Get Increased Opportunities Thanks to Memorial Fund

Kelly McGinnis, 1987-2005

Students continue to have increased opportunities today because of the legacy of Kelly McGinnis, whose family started the Kelly McGinnis Memorial Foundation in his honor after his 2005 death.

More than $7,000 was donated last year to support Career Technical Education (CTE) in our district. Dozens of vocational and continuing education programs and their students have benefited. In December, the foundation donated equipment to Madison High's automotive program and other construction technology classes. 

COOKING UP SUCCESS: Scripps Ranch High culinary arts program, one of many aided by foundation

Other recent recipients include Crawford High's Invention & Design Educational Academy (IDEA) automotive program, Scripps Ranch High's culinary arts and management program, and San Diego students participating in Road Trip Nation, an experience in interviewing people about their life paths and the choices that led them into their careers.

The Foundation was established in memory of Kelly McGinnis, a high school student who had experienced frustration and challenges in school due to learning and visual disabilities and neurological delays until finding success in CTE programs with an emphasis on welding and auto mechanics. These courses became the inspiration he needed to continue to tackle his academic classes and graduate in June 2005. Because of his successes in his CTE courses, he was able to secure full-time employment after graduation. He saw his life turn around and was proud of the success he had achieved with CTE's guidance. 

 For more information on the Kelly McGinnis Memorial Foundation, please visit www.thekmmf.com.

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