At the request of the AASD Executive Board, the AASD Scholarship Committee has created a new scholarship in memory of AASD President, Irene B. Hightower, who passed away December 30. This will be an annual scholarship and will be open to any graduating senior student in San Diego Unified School District to apply who meets certain criteria including being the child or stepchild of a parent who is active duty or retired military. As many of you know, Irene grew up as the daughter of a military father and then married Lawrence Hightower who is a retired Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps. She has a special place in her heart for children of military families and was the perfect principal for Hancock Elementary, a school with 100% military population.
At this time, the amount of the scholarship has not been determined as it will be based on the initial donations collected. Irene’s husband, Lawrence Hightower, is extremely supportive of this scholarship and would like this to be the charity to which donations can be made in Irene’s memory.
In remembrance of our beloved colleague and friend, Irene, and to donate to the Irene B. Hightower Scholarship Fund for aspiring teachers, please see the AASD Weekly Update dated January 22, 2026, or contact the AASD Office at 619-295-2118.