Hayley Boles, LHWL Scholarship Chair Beth Hanks, Hiba Shareef and Ari Solorio
The Lake Highlands Women’s League presented scholarships Friday to 33 graduating seniors of Lake Highlands High School. As a brief listing of their accomplishments was read, it was clear many had earned distinction in the classroom despite being the first in their family to graduate high school and begin college. Most work 12 or more hours per week at jobs or internships and/or contribute significant time to community service. Several arrived in Lake Highlands speaking little or no English – some from war-torn or poverty-ridden countries. A few brought their babies.
You can see my photos from the post-presentation reception here.
You can read about two recipients in this month’s Advocate Magazine cover story here.
“This is what we have worked for all year long,” said LHWL President Susan Solomon. “When you hear the stories of these students and all the things they have overcome it makes the months of preparation worth it. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed their time and money for these students. We feel so fortunate to be a part of their success story. I know we will be hearing great things about them in the future.”
Suzie Ghidei and Mom with Nardos Tola
They are: Mary Adegbembo, Tarleton State University
Sonia Aikhionbare, Dallas Baptist University
Cynthia Benitez Avila, Richland College
Paola Blas, Stephen F. Austin
Hayley Boles, University of Arkansas
Diana Damian, Texas Women’s University
Alicia Dinger, Texas A&M-Blinn
Yalyn Dominquez-Sanchez, Richland College
Edidiong Edet, Richland College
Enrique Garcia Franco, Neumont University
Rubel Ghebermicael, Texas Tech University
Suzie Ghidei, University of Texas at Dallas
Christopher Guerra, Tarleton State University
Bilkisu Hamidou, Richland College
Brandi Hammonds, Stephen F. Austin
Olivia Kamgang, Texas Women’s University
Ayda Kassim, Texas Women’s University
Durga Khadka, Richland College
Anastasia Kovanova, University of Texas at Dallas
Jesus Medina, University of Texas at Dallas
Anayeli Montiel, Richland College
Judy Mwangi, Tarleton State University
Alexander Moser, University of Texas
Emily Oben, University of North Texas
Holly Prince, Colorado Christian University
Ksanet Seghid, Texas Women’s University
Hiba Shareef, Richland College
Colin Smitham, University of Texas
Ari Solorio, University of North Texas
Nardos Tola, University of Central Arkansas
Raul Velasquez, Jr., University of Texas at Dallas
Hayley Wilhelm, Oklahoma State University, and
Callie Wood, Texas Tech University.
Congratulations, all!
