Garret Reger knew he was going to have to maintain excellent grades while working two jobs and playing football to make his college dreams a reality. “Not working was never an option for me, but I don’t mind it,” Garret shared.
At the suggestion of one of his teachers, Garret applied for the Valero Alamo Bowl’s scholarship program last fall as a Brennan High School senior.
Despite finishing at the top of his class academically, he was not chosen as one of 76 scholarship recipients from 65 area schools to share nearly $600,000 as part of the Valero Alamo Bowl Student-Athlete program.
Three weeks before starting his freshman year at UTSA, the Valero Alamo Bowl let him know one of the winners had received an appointment to the Naval Academy so that scholarship would be awarded to one of the alternates.
Between his work at PetSmart and a local pool, Garret agreed to meet the selection committee where he was surprised with a $7,500 scholarship.
Because of his outstanding academic success, Garret’s first two years of college are already paid for; however, this Valero Alamo Bowl scholarship is helping him to pay for books and cover numerous fees. To make funds go even further, Garret is choosing to live at home.
“There is so much stress in starting college, for parents and students who are trying to make sure they have enough money to cover everything. This $7,500 is a huge boost and makes the experience and process so much more enjoyable for all of us. Thank you to the Valero Alamo Bowl. I wasn’t expecting to get this scholarship so this surprise is something I’m extremely grateful for.”
This year, the Valero Alamo Bowl will again choose at least one scholarship winner from every participating San Antonio area public and established private school. Winners will be recognized at a luncheon courtesy of H-E-B on December 13th and then on the field during the first half of the Valero Alamo Bowl on December 28.
Garret noted, “I didn’t realize how many people actually won scholarships. It’s an incredible amount of money that helps so many students throughout all of San Antonio.”
While Garret missed out on last year’s field recognition, his college career is off to a great start and he will be the Valero Alamo Bowl’s guest for this year’s game.
For information on the Valero Alamo Bowl scholarships, visit www.alamobowl.com/scholarships.