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CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Two local students were honored Wednesday night with scholarships from the Gaby & Tad Humpal Foundation. It was the first event of its kind hosted by the nonprofit, which is devoted to helping families heal after the loss of a loved one.
The foundation was created to help families navigate grief with compassion, offering financial assistance as well as emotional support and a sense of community.
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The scholarships are a key part of that mission, aimed at helping students move forward with strength, resilience, and hope. The recipients were recognized not only for their academic goals, but also for their determination to overcome personal loss and build a brighter future.
For Scott Humpal, moments of giving in remembrance like this help his family continue through the healing process.
“This keeps our loved ones in the forefront, where we remember them, other people remember them, and we can try to do some good in their memory,” Humpal said. “I’ve been blessed with a lot of things. There’s been some bad things that have happened in my life, but a lot of good. And this just gives the family a way to give back,” he added.
From that generosity, a new chapter begins for the two scholarship recipients. Both young women expressed deep gratitude for the honor.
“It’s a true blessing from God, and Dr. Humpal and his family and everyone who helped out. I’m super thankful for this opportunity,” Regan Buckner shared.
“It feels like a real blessing. I feel very proud because I know my mom would be so proud of me. I’m just very grateful to everyone who made this possible,” Bella Garza echoed.
And perhaps the most heartwarming part: both students are staying right here in the Coastal Bend. They’re headed to Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, continuing their education while investing that potential right back into our community.
The Gaby & Tad Humpal Foundation encourages other students who have experienced loss to apply for future scholarships.
Applications and more information are available on the foundation’s official website: www.humpalfoundation.org
The foundation hopes to continue growing this effort, offering support, connection, and the reminder that no one walks through grief alone.