A few nights ago, Sarah Dossou had a dream. In it, the Lake Highlands Women’s League posted a photo to announce the winners of their college scholarships. As she approached the blackboard in her classroom to examine the faces, she realized she wasn’t among them. She woke up sobbing with disappointment.

Yesterday, Sarah found out she really will receive an LHWL scholarship, along with 33 other graduating LHHS seniors. “I’m so happy!” Sarah exclaimed. “Am I dreaming again?”

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

“We’re so proud of you, we feel like you’re our own children,” said Anna Dean to the group, called out of class to receive the good news. Anna chaired the Education Committee, who were also on-hand – all smiles – and selected the recipients after examining the applications and interviewing the candidates.

“This is the committee that chose you,” added LHWL President Debbie Johnson, “but all the ladies want to meet you. You will be our guests of honor.” A reception honoring the recipients will be held May 18 at LHFC.

When she first got the note to leave class, Katie Campbell admits she was nervous. “Am I in trouble?” Katie wondered.

That changed pretty quickly. “I can’t wait to tell my mom!” said Katie, who’ll head off to LSU in the fall.

Sheree Noruwa, Stephanie Eyocko and Audrey Osa are in a bible study together. They say earning LHWL scholarships is an answer to prayers.

“I knew it had to be Lake Highlands Women’s League,” said Stephanie Eyocko, destined for OU. “We’ve been praying so hard – we’re in a bible study together.”

Audrey Osa, headed to Baylor, agreed. “This means my plans for an education are secure. My parents will be so grateful and proud.”

“Originally, I prepared for the interview, in hopes of pleasing them,” said Sheree Noruwa, who will study nursing at TWU. “As soon as I left, I was bawling. I knew I’d done well. The women made me feel comfortable. They were tears of joy.”

The 2012 LHWL scholarships will go to: Itohan Aiwerioghene, Max Aman, Andrea Beard, Rodrigo Blas, Emily Borja, Yordi Calix, Katherine Campbell, Keandria Cunningham, Isabel Dominguez, Marilyn Dominguez, London Dority, Sarah Dossou, Iniemem Edet, Stephanie Eyocko, Brinkley Field, Megan Garcia, Madeline Holers, James Iheke, Jonathan Iheke, Jordan Inman, Erin Larson, Paige Moudy, Mesha Muse, Sarah Norris, Sheree Noruwa, Asher Odom, Audrey Osa, Sarah Penny, Kristin Rubin, Juan Sanchez, Janie Tekell, Pelumi Wemida, Amber Wilder and Yoel Zehaie.

Congratulations, all!

Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.