Emergency-Red-School Closures
School Closures

Due to the forecasted severe weather and unsafe road conditions, all GISD schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, January 9, and Friday, January 10, 2025. All GISD after-school activities scheduled for those days are also canceled. See the Weather Procedures page for more details.

"The best motivation in life is knowing what you're fighting for." - Cat Zingano

When Cat was in her early twenties and attending college, her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. Her declining health was very difficult on Cat’s family, and when she passed in 2005, Cat had a lot to work through, making it difficult to focus on her education. Less than a year later, Cat’s son was born. Raising a newborn and going to school after recently losing her mom, Cat needed help and remains truly grateful for all support and resources that were made available to her. 

After school and finding much success in her early MMA career, Cat suffered another tragic loss. When her husband, who had helped guide her career, died in 2014, it was devastating and a very unexpected adjustment. He was a husband, employer, father and coach. Nothing has been the same for Cat and her son since that loss. They continue to feel the struggle, and the familial change still forces them to make accommodations every day. Just as Cat did after losing her mom, her and her son have no choice but to adapt and move forward.

Grade Level/Age
High school students
Deadline
Category
Need
Award information

$10,000

Eligibility Requirements

The Cat Zingano Overcoming Loss Scholarship will be awarded to a student who is fighting through their own loss of a close family member, legal guardian or loved one, and is in need of financial support for their education as they move forward.