The proceeds from the medal are going towards scholarships for East Central students pursuing careers in the health profession.
SAN ANTONIO — Fiesta is known as being the party with a purpose, and fiesta medals are a tradition.
This year, a medal was created with the purpose of honoring the memory and legacy of former East Central ISD teacher, Whitney Weddel.
Weddel was killed by an alleged drunk driver.
Whitney’s mother Monique Presas says everyday since Whitney’s passing has been a struggle, but continues turning her pain into a positive for others.
“She’s been robbed of her life, we’ve been robbed of her and it’s very difficult facing every day.”
On Feb. 8, 2024 at 4:30 a.m. Monique Presas says her world was turned upside down, after Whitney was hit head on by Giovanna Blangiardo, who deputies say was intoxicated and driving the wrong way.
“The fact that she was killed the way she was by a drunk driver, could have been completely avoided, and it’s just heartbreaking, heart wrenching,” said Presas.
Since Whitney’s death, she has been remembered for he passion for he students as an educator, and her love for the nursing profession.
“She adored and loved being a teacher to these students, that were possibly going to follow her footsteps and be nurses,” said Presas.
To remember and honor Whitney’s legacy, The Whitney Presas Weddel Scholarship Fund was created.
Last year,a friend of Whitney’s donated proceeds from their fiesta medal to the scholarship fund. So this year, a medal was created for Whitney, with proceeds going to scholarships, 200 medals sold out in just 2 days.
“I think people love the story behind it. They resonate with Whitney’s story and they’re jumped on the bandwagon, because this is how we keep her legacy, and her memory of her alive,” said Presas.
This year’s two scholarships will be given out to two East Central students going into careers in the health profession.
Presas says she wants the medals to continue to be a Fiesta tradition.
“She would be overwhelmed, and over the moon. She would be so proud, that this is something that would help her students,” said Presas.
Presas has also been outspoken against the dangers of drunk driving, and with Fiesta upon us, hopes everyone will be responsible.
“It’s no reason for you to get behind the wheel drunk and drive, because you could really destroy someone’s life, just like ours was destroyed,” said Presas.
While Whitney’s medal is sold out, you can still donate to her scholarship fund, by clicking here.