Gaskin-Cole

The four-year tuition scholarship, created by the Landsmans in 1993, is awarded annually to a deserving high school senior who needs financial assistance to attend UTSA, has maintained a grade point average of at least 2.0, and has demonstrated outstanding community service and traits.

Not only does Gaskin-Cole excel in her rigorous academic coursework for the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program, she also performs well in the community.

For the past several years, Gaskin-Cole has proven to be a tireless teen volunteer. She made it a priority to serve the Red Cross at Brooke Army Medical Center; the Salvation Army Angel Tree project, providing gifts to children whose parents are in prison; the Ronald McDonald House, and the Converse Animal Shelter.

“Volunteering is about the lives you can change, and in turn how those lives can change you,” Gaskin-Cole said.

Working on elementary school fundraisers, playing piano for senior citizens at a nursing home, and collecting and delivering food to local families for Thanksgiving help round out Gaskin-Cole’s commitment to others.

“A few hours of your time can make a world of difference in someone’s life. Volunteering is necessary because it can change lives in an instant,” Gaskin-Cole said about her volunteer spirit.

In addition to volunteer work, Gaskin-Cole serves on the Judson Student Council, plays in the band, and is a member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies. She is also a role model to her three younger siblings.

Kathy Huth, Judson IB program coordinator, said, “Gabriella is a talented young woman: her self-effacing demeanor, serious approach to her education, and ability to interact with others are qualities that will make her successful.”

The Richard and Martha Landsman UTSA/Community Service Scholarship will be presented to Gaskin-Cole June 25 at United Way’s annual Night of a Thousand Stars Volunteer of the Year Awards dinner held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. This recognition event is San Antonio’s largest, honoring hundreds of local volunteers for their commitment to community service.