Our Lady of the Rosary School Alum Donates $1,000 to Begin Scholarship Fund

By Melanie Taplin

(OLR) School Principal Gloria Galarsa received a $1,000 donation from alum Dr. Rod Ballelos ('97) to establish "In Darkness, Light — the Dr. R. Ballelos Scholarship Fund."

Dr. Ballelos presented the check to Principal Galarsa on Sunday, June 24, 2012, at where for $5 a plate, patrons could enjoy a full breakfast of eggs, pancakes, bacon and sausage along with coffee, milk and juice.

When asked about his motivation to help the school, Dr. Ballelos, an Emergency Room Doctor in Las Vegas, said he has such fond memories of OLR, "It is such a tight knit community.  I still keep in touch with people I went to grade school with and try to come home every year for Midnight Mass. I wanted to do something more."

The idea for "In Darkness, Light", which Ballelos established in memoriam to his grandmother Luz Del Rosario, evolved from his motivation to give back to OLR School.  Ballelos has kept in touch with a former classmate Alex Herrera through social media and originally asked if the school could use a donation of some P.E. Equipment.  Herrera, who is the 6th & 7th grade teacher had a better idea — start a scholarship fund to benefit students who need tuition assistance. Says Ballelos happily, "And all I really wanted to do was donate some kickballs."

To donate to Our Lady of the Rosary School, visit their website at www.olrschool.org.