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Shanta Strong Swim Fund

Swim Lesson Scholarship program created to memorialize a head lifeguard, Shanta Hanish who was tragically taken from us during the summer of 2019.

Olympic Pool

 

Shanta Hanish was one of our young leaders that stood out from day one. You could tell by the way she always had a smile…that she was someone who cared…someone who loved…and someone who would do anything to help a friend. She also had a contagious passion for teaching. She fully understood that teaching someone to swim would provide them with not only an athletic skill but also skills that could save a life. Teaching swimming lessons sparked a passion in Shanta that led her to go to college to work toward a degree in education. During her freshman year in college, Shanta became a head lifeguard and shortly after was certified as a lifeguard instructor through the American Red Cross…reinforcing her passion for teaching. Considering all of this, the highland pool staff came up with an idea to help Shanta leave her legacy, spread her passion for teaching, and help promote learning in the water.

In partnership with the One ABQ fund, we have set up an account called the Shanta Strong Swim Fund. Every donation to the Shanta Strong Swim Fund will provide swimming lesson scholarships for children living in the highland community as well as other children in need throughout the City of Albuquerque.

 How to donate:

Please send donations to:

One Albuquerque Fund, PO Box 25125, Albuquerque, NM 87125

Please indicate in the memo section of the check or send a note that says it is for the Shanta Strong Swim Fund

*Every donation over $50.00 will receive a Shanta Strong T-shirt (please indicate shirt size if making qualified donation)

For families wishing to apply for the Swim Lesson Scholarship, please submit you free or reduced lunch letter along with a cover letter explaining the need for free swimming lessons to [email protected].

Donate Online

For donations online please type "for the Shanta Strong Swim Fund" in the "Specify donation" box.

Apply to Receive a Scholarship

Application(English)   Application(Español)

To qualify for the Shanta Strong Swim Fund Scholarship, your child must qualify for the Free Lunch Program through their school or New Mexico EBT. Approval letter from school or award letter from NM EBT must accompany your application. Please email application to [email protected], or mail or hand deliver to Aquatics Division: 1801 4th St NW Albuquerque NM, 87102.