meierhofer rutledgeWhen Adam Meierhofer addressed the fidgety teens and proud parents at the Exchange Club’s Scholarship Breakfast Friday, he was wearing two hats. Adam serves on the Richardson ISD School Board, meaning he’ll soon be on stage to hand diplomas to the graduating seniors honored that morning. Adam is also an Exchange Club member, so he knew how hard it was to raise every dollar.

You can see my photo slideshow of the day here.

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“There is pride and unmatched support in this community for our schools,” Adam told the assembled group, which included RISD Superintendent Dr. Kay Waggoner, LHHS’ Principal Peggy Dillon, College and Career Center Director Dr. Brenda Prine and Head Counselor Pam Mitchell. “In fact, most of us chose to live here because of our fantastic school reputation. We appreciate the many inspiring teachers and coaches that engage our students and help them reach their greatest potential. The neighborhood should be proud -and don’t try to balance this out next year, Dr. Waggoner,” he said with a laugh, “about half of the 20 STAR teacher recipients in the last few years have come from the Lake Highlands community.

“To date, the Lake Highlands Exchange Club has provided over $1.6 million to LHHS seniors,” Adam continued. A total of 57 scholarships totaling $124,000 were presented Friday.

blog“We know that these students that maintain a level of accomplishment in our School of Champions will be well-prepared to compete with America’s other finest students in universities around the country,” added Adam. “However, our honorees this morning have done more.

“They have succeeded in other ventures, including sports, music and theatre. They have given back through service to their church with their neighbors and their friends. Some have even helped financially support their family, which speaks so much to their strong character.”

Erick Luck, on hand to present the Luck Family Scholarships, agreed.

“Each of these students is ready. This morning we celebrate their efforts, with literally boffo results so far.”

“To each of the students,” continued Eric, “I want to encourage you to stick to developing your abilities and your thoughtfulness. Listen to your advisors and the advice you have had so far. It is working for you.”

You can read the stories of recipients Bhupendra Karki and Hannah Willard, featured in the cover story of this month’s Advocate magazine, here.

Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients:

Herb & Frances Walne Memorial Scholarships

Siobhan Kelley

Isabel Pask

Exchange Club of LH Academic Scholarships

Katie Bott

Lindsay Brunkenhoefer

Kenton Cozart

Dallas Crotty

Austin Curnutt

Brittany DiPaolo

Meg Garcia

Berkley Johnson

Kyle Kennedy

Hannah Lewis

Colleen Livingston

Blake Lueder

Jourdan Marsh

Luke Mason

Adam Morrissey

Ruthie Rutledge

Emily Siegers

Jack Stewart

Carolyn Thomas

Elisabeth Wall

Luck Family Foundation & David Tick Scholarships

Damanta Adhikari

Misgana Aschalew

Erika Carillo

Lucina Garcia

Tha Hnem

Stella Hranglung

Cynthia Ibarra

Bhupendra Karki

Theresa Mendoza

Misha Montfort-Mills

Kelsey Munoz

Diep Ngo

Hannah Willard

Bob Potts Working Student Scholarships

Jose Barbosa

Meagan Chapman

Tha Hnem

Data Jo Potts Memorial Scholarships

Damanta Adhikari

Emily Barrows

Keshanda Carraby

Meg Garcia

Theresa Mendoza

Madison Wieters

Potts Family Achievement Scholarship

Julia Swanner

Jason Oglesby Memorial Scholarships

Akhrysta Anderson

Austin Newberry

Diep Ngo

Melinda Ann Lee Memorial Scholarship

Allison Combs

Jeff Kane Memorial Scholarships

Diana Sharber

Malcolm Whorton

Exchange Club Board of Directors Scholarships

Connor Campbell

Ford Flusche

Cynthia Ibarra

Bhupendra Karki

Logan Lee

Rob Morgan