Whether it be Japanese lessons for a elementary school student, a medical mission trip to Honduras or a student wanting to take a robotics class, the Parkway Alumni Association (PAA) gave away $23,700 in grants to 200 students in 2016 through a program called Granting Dreams. Anyone in grade K-12 can apply, and could be awarded up to $250.

Senior Conner Brunig was a grant recipient in 2016. Brunig is the principal violist of the symphonic orchestra at school, and a principal violist at the St. Charles Community Youth Orchestra. His drive for music led him to apply for the money.

“Last year I applied for a grant for a trip to Europe for my music. I was the only principal violist on the trip with the Missouri Ambassadors of Music,” Brunig said. “I went to the U.K., France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Liechtenstein. I think my favorite experience was the time I spent in Switzerland. Even though it was one of the smaller countries that I visited, it was the most memorable, with the Swiss Alps and incredible food.”

Brunig’s found the application process to be simple, since he knew what he wanted to apply for specifically.

“I talked about my dream to become a musician, and how this could greatly help me,” Brunig said. “An experience like this was something I wouldn’t be able to do anywhere else.”

Junior Eryka Jones applied during her sophomore year. At this time last year she and other students in the area, traveled to take college tours. She used the money she received to pay for the trip.

“There were kids from all over St. Louis, anybody could go on the tour. We went to Mississippi Valley, Texas Southern, Texas Prairie View A&M and Langston University,” Jones said. “It was really cool to see that these schools are out there, that they are opportunities that I have.”

The Granting Dreams program is unique for every applicant and should focus on the students dream and where they wish to gain experience.

“It’s a good opportunity. You can take this money and you can shadow professionals, like if you want to be a physical therapist, shadow a physical therapist or a doctor,” Jones said. “There’s so much money in the world, let’s make use of it while we still can.”

Dream grants must involve experiential learning, skill development or personal growth and should focus on educational and personal opportunities.

“When students meet success in one area of their lives, the thrill of accomplishment carries over into other areas and becomes a motivating factor in their education,” chairperson of the Granting Dreams committee Mimi Holder said. “Students need to dream and we need to listen to their dreams.”