oundation This year's Cuero High School Awards Ceremony was filled with proud moments, but one story stood out for its deep roots in community and legacy. Audrey Kremling, a graduating senior, was honored with multiple scholarships from the Cuero ISO Education Foundation, including the prestigious William 'Buster' and Frances R. Gilbreth Future Educator Scholarship.
What made this award especially meaningful was a touching connection revealed in a heartfelt thank-you letter Audrey wrote to the Gilbreth family. In her note, she shared a remarkable piece of family history: her great grandmother-Audrey's namesake-had once taught Buster Gilbreth in Smiley, possibly in the first grade. After moving to Cuero and marrying Raleigh Blackwell, Audrey's great-grandmother continued her career in education, eventually becoming principal at John C. French Elementary.
When Audrey received the Gilbreth scholarship, she was unaware of this family connection. It wasn't until after the ceremony that her grandmother, overcome with emotion, shared how much the award meant to her-and how profoundly it would have touched Audrey's great-grandmother.
Audrey's grandmother recalled the special bond between her mother and Buster Gilbreth, describing how deeply they respected and admired one another. She also fondly remembered her mother never missing a Cuero football game, always cheering with pride for the man Buster had become.
Audrey plans to attend Texas A&M University-SanAntonio, where she will pursue a degree in education and play collegiate softball. Her dream is to return to Cuero to teach and coach high school baseball, continuing her family's legacy of service to education and community.
The Cuero ISO Education Foundation Scholarship Program exists to support students in achieving their educational goals. But when those scholarships also uncover stories of connection, legacy, and love for community, the impact becomes even more profound.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, the Foundation awarded over 30 scholarships this past spring. These gifts continue to shape futures, honor legacies, and strengthen the bonds that make Cuero such a special place to live and learn. Looking ahead to next year, the Education Foundation will be adding more available scholarships, including a new one composed especially for students seeking a vocational or technical career path-further broadening its support to meet the diverse aspirations of Cuero High School graduates.
The Education Foundation is deeply grateful to all who stand beside them in their mission to expand educational opportunities through scholarships. This trust and support make stories likeAudrey's possible.
To learn more about the Cuero ISO Education Foundation Scholarship Program, visit cueroedfoundation. org/how-we-help. You can also stay informed by signing up for our newsletter, which shares scholarship updates and application timelines: cueroedfoundation. org/how-we-help/signup.
