From military roots to academic resilience — Ash is turning discipline into a lifelong pursuit of education and purpose

Raised in a military household, Ash Stone witnessed his parents sacrifice to support their family—his father deployed to Afghanistan during his childhood and his mother staying home to care for him and his siblings. Financial struggles became more visible in high school, reinforcing Ash’s drive to succeed and find opportunities that would ease the burden on his family.

When introduced to the Alamo Colleges system in high school, Ash saw a path forward. He is currently pursuing an associate degree in biology at San Antonio College, where he has been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa and participates in honors courses. He credits SAC for providing not only an excellent education, but also a strong sense of belonging. “The smiles I see on campus and the support from my professors made me feel at home,” Ash shares. “I used to worry I wouldn’t fit in, but I’ve grown into this community.”

"This scholarship helps me carry years of hard work across the finish line. It relieves the financial pressure on my family and allows me to focus on what matters—my education and my future."

Ash is a Semmes Foundation Scholarship recipient, a passionate student and aspiring wildlife biologist with a deep commitment to education, service, and personal growth. A former student-athlete, Ash developed strong time management skills early on—balancing academic goals with athletic and personal responsibilities. These skills, paired with his experience in customer service, have helped him build confidence, improve communication, and fully engage in his college experience.

Though introverted at times, Ash continues to push past self-doubt and use every opportunity to express himself—whether it’s through school involvement, videography, or volunteering alongside his mother at their local church. His love of storytelling and creativity shines through the music videos he creates from archived footage, a hobby that grounds him and connects him to his community’s history.

Receiving the Semmes Foundation Scholarship is a turning point for Ash. “It’s a blessing,” he says. Now in his second year, Ash is preparing to transfer to Texas State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, and later, a master’s in Zoology. His dream is to conduct research, protect wildlife, and one day work in Yellowstone National Park, studying and caring for the animals he feels called to protect.