The Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) awarded the 2024 Elizabeth Abrams Memorial Scholarship to Raymond Zhang from Collin County. Zhang, a recent graduate of Plano West Senior High School, will receive a $3,000 one-year scholarship to pursue studies in computer science and business at the University of Texas at Austin.
The Elizabeth Abrams Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Elizabeth "Lizzie" Abrams, a standout student and swimmer at Plano East Senior High School. Lizzie excelled both in the pool and the classroom, serving as captain of the swim team and holding the school record in the 400-yard freestyle relay until 2015. Academically, she completed the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma program and earned the prestigious Academic All-State Award.
Zhang was a dedicated member of the Plano West Swim Team throughout all four years of high school. During his time on the team, he served as captain, fostering a sense of community and teamwork among his fellow swimmers. In 2023, he was a Varsity UIL Swimming District Finalist, and in 2022, he was honored as the Plano West Swim and Dive MVP.
Zhang is also the president and founder of the non-profit organization National Finance Economics Collective, which aims to promote financial equity for all Americans. Through financial workshops and summer camps in South Dallas, Zhang works to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to reach their financial goals. Alongside his community involvement, Zhang excels academically, earning recognition as a National Merit Finalist in 2024.
He plans on using his time at UT Austin to engage “in research with world-class economics professors…to understand exactly what issues our society faces today, and how we work to solve them.”
Now in its tenth year, this scholarship is awarded annually to a senior at Plano East, Plano West, Plano Senior High School or John Paul II High School who is a member of their school’s swim team during their senior year. The CFT selects recipients based on academic achievement, athletic and community involvement and demonstrated leadership skills.
CFT manages over 45 scholarship funds on behalf of individuals, families and businesses to support student education. In 2023, CFT awarded $1.5 million in scholarships to 373 students.
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