Rose Petals and Apples Scholarship Fund

A Fund of

Rose Petals and Apples Scholarship Fund: Honoring the Legacy of Rosella Tellez Madrid

The Rose Petals and Apples Scholarship Fund is dedicated to empowering single mothers who aspire to become educators, celebrating the life of a remarkable woman who embodied resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Rosella Tellez Madrid was more than a teacher; she was a beacon of hope and strength for her community. Her journey began as a devoted stay-at-home wife and mother, teaching her own three children and instilling in them the values of generosity and community care. She often gave what she could—clothing, school supplies, and love—to those who needed it most.

In her mid-thirties, Rosella made the courageous decision to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. She earned her degree from UTEP and began her career at Scotsdale Elementary as a 5th-grade teacher. By the age of 38, facing the challenges of single motherhood, she set her sights even higher, returning to school to pursue a Master’s in Education at NMSU.

While pursuing her Master's degree, Rosella faced a devastating diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), with a prognosis of only 2-5 years to live. Yet, her determination was unshakable. In May 1999, Rosella achieved her goal, walking across the graduation stage with a cane, a powerful testament to her resilience and drive.

Though her career was cut short by illness, Rosella’s impact endures. She spent her remaining years surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love, learning, and community service that continues to inspire.

On the 20th anniversary of her passing, the Rose Petals and Apples Scholarship Fund is launched in Rosella’s memory. This fund honors her life by supporting single mothers who, like her, are pursuing their dreams of becoming educators despite life’s challenges.

Through this scholarship, we celebrate Rosella’s indomitable spirit and encourage other single mothers to follow in her footsteps, knowing that their perseverance and dedication can create lasting change for themselves, their families, and their communities.

To every woman who carries the weight of dreams and challenges alike - may Rosella’s story remind you that you are capable of greatness, and your journey can inspire generations to come.