DALLAS– Credit Union of Texas announced that Xavier Almaguer is the recipient of the 2019 William H. Cotton Scholarship. Almaguer is a Chemistry AP teacher in theSchool for the Talented and Gifted at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. He will pursue a Master’s in Education Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M Commerce.
“Each year, we award this $20,000 scholarship to one Dallas Independent School District (DISD) educator or administrator who is looking to pursue a post-baccalaureate degree in the field of education while continuing to serve the DISD community,” said Eric Pointer, president and CEO of CUTX. “Xavier Almaguer personifies what we believe best represents the qualities we look for in the scholarship recipient.”
The scholarship was established by CUTX to honor the legacy of William H. Cotton for his 43 years of dedication and service to DISD and the credit union. He retired as an associate superintendent for DISD and as a board officer for CUTX. “Mr. C”, as he was affectionately known, began his career at DISD in 1957 as a teacher at Colonial Elementary School. After he retired, he served the district in many capacities and garnered numerous awards. He passed away in May of this year at the age of 85.
“My father was the first person in our family to finish high school,” said Almaguer. “I realized early on how important it was to not only have a good education but to also have strong teachers. I always knew I wanted to pursue teaching as a career and am honored to have been selected for this prestigious scholarship.”