SAC Receives Gift from Rey Feo Foundation to Fund First Responder Scholarships

The Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation has awarded $50,000 to fund scholarships for students enrolling in first responder programs at San Antonio College.

The announcement was made during a news conference held on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at SAC.

The gift will be split into two equal donations to pay for scholarships to be given in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. SAC students enrolling in law enforcement, firefighting, or in the Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic programs will be able to apply for the scholarships.

The scholarship gift was extended to SAC after members of the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation, including Chairman Johnny Gabriel and Chris Leos, visited the First Responders Academy.

“We were inspired,” Gabriel said. “We saw students training in ways that directly impact the safety and well-being of our community. We met future firefighters, and police officers – young men and women who have chosen careers of service and sacrifice.”

“Our mission has always been to put students first by providing the education, training, and support they need to succeed,” said SAC President Dr. Francisco Solis. “The First Responders Academy embodies this mission. Every day, we prepare the next generation of firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and law enforcement officers who will protect our community, often in its most critical moments.”

Currently, Texas is facing a shortage of first responders. SAC is addressing this need by holding classes at its new First Responders Academy, which opened its doors in December 2023.

The First Responders Academy serves a trio of programs at SAC: The Law Enforcement Academy and the Regional Fire Academy share space and resources in the new building. The EMT/Paramedic program offers some courses at the academy but continues to be based on SAC's main campus.

Recently, the law enforcement program began offering full-time classes. Students can now enroll in a program and receive a Level I certificate in six months. 

SAC has graduated two cohorts of cadets who enrolled in the full-time program.

After graduation, SAC cadets have an above 90% success rate in successfully passing their state licensing on their first try. Several classes have had a 100% pass rate.  

During the news conference, Fabian Castillo, who serves as Rey Feo LXXVI, spoke about the organization’s mission to invest in the community’s future through education.

“Every dollar we give is an investment in someone’s potential – someone who will go on to serve, lead, and give back,” said Castillo.

Established in 1984, the Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation continues to support education through community leadership and fundraising efforts. Its mission is to provide financial assistance to students pursuing higher education while upholding the traditions of the Rey Feo, La Reina de la Feria de las Flores, and La Reina Linda programs.

–SAC–