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by Mike Pueppke
One of the most successful programs at the McKinney Education Foundation is the MEF Advisors program. Supported by donations from businesses and individuals, this program places advisors in each McKinney high school to work closely with the counselor’s office. The MEF Advisors help graduates pick the right college, streamline their applications, and find funding such as grants, student aid, and scholarships. In the last four years, the advisors have helped graduates find and receive over $15 million in monies for college. The MEF Advisors are Trisha Williams (McKinney North High School), Cindy Monogue (McKinney High School), and Ashley Walton (Boyd High School).
Cindy and Ashley joined the MEF team this year, and I recently got to talk with them about why they wanted to be a part of MEF and the foundation's mission to support and encourage McKinney graduates to receive a higher education.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves and what you were doing before you came to MEF?
Cindy: Well, I grew up in Michigan, and moved to Texas to attend Baylor. After Baylor, I worked at American Airlines before becoming a stay-at-home mom for the last fifteen years. I also worked in the counselors offices in Boyd and MNHS, which is where I heard about MEF.
Ashley: I’m from Conroe, Texas, and I went to TCU, where I got my degree in advertising and PR. After college, I assisted several school districts and education foundations across Texas with their fundraising efforts, and that’s how I met Darrell [Slabaugh, MEF Executive Director] and became interested in working for MEF.
Why did you want to become an MEF Advisor?
Cindy: When I worked at the counselor’s office, I thought it looked like a fun job because it involves working with and helping students. Also, I’m a mother of three—my oldest daughter is in college and I have two daughters at Boyd—so I know from experience how hard the scholarship process can be without guidance.
Ashley: I was attracted to MEF because the foundation is progressive and unique. It is one of the only major education foundations in Texas that focuses strongly on scholarships. On a more personal note, I wanted to work as an advisor so that I could get to know students and see them go from point “A” to Point “B”, so to speak.
Part of your job as an MEF Advisor is to hold events to inform parents and students about the college application and funding process. Why is this so important?
Cindy: It’s important for parents and students to know their options, and many of them don't before they come see us. These events also help parents and students to get on the same page concerning their college choices and expectations.
Ashley: Both parents and students need to be well prepared for college and what better way than to have as much information as possible? Hopefully being more prepared for college and financial aid applications helps the family make the best decision about the student's college choice.
If there was anything you could say to McKinney graduates and their parents, what would it be?
Cindy: We’re here to help. Come in and see us any time with any questions you have. That’s what we’re here for.
Ashley: That’s right; take advantage of this opportunity, because this program is unique. Not every school district has a program like this. Come in and see us.
If you are a student or parent and would like to make an appointment to see an MEF Advisor, contact them using the information below.
Contact an MEF Advisor:
Trisha Williams
pawilliams@mckinneyisd.net
McKinney North High School, E - 109
469-742-4363 Phone
Cindy Monogue
cmonogue@mckinneyisd.net
McKinney High School, A - 122
469-742-5724 Phone
Ashley Walton
awalton@mckinneyisd.net
Boyd High School, A - 121
469-424-5431
Phone
