A month ago, the Lake Highlands Women’s League announced the winners of their college scholarships, pulling excited students out of class to give them the good news.
Friday, the ladies hosted a ceremony and reception to celebrate with the students’ proud parents, many of whom expressed their gratitude with quiet bows and broken English. The kids went back and forth, mugging for the camera with groups of their buddies and posing for family photos which will hang prominently in their family’s home. Many said they’ll be the first of their relatives to attend college.
You can see my photo slideshow here.
Despite stories of fleeing war-torn countries, immigrating to America alone, overcoming the death of a parent, and surviving disease or abuse, these students have thrived in school, excelled in athletics, led organizations, founded clubs, and made new friends – all while holding after-school jobs and/or doing significant community service.
Amazing!
Receiving 2013 LHWL scholarships were:
Damanta Adhikari, Tarleton State University
Samuel Agabi, Tarleton State University
Jose Barbosa, Oklahoma Baptist University
Brian Boos, University of Texas
Katie Bott, UT
Makayla Burnham, Spellman College
Keshanda Carraby, Texas Women’s College
Erika Carrillo, TWU
Salha Faki, TWU
Lucina Garcia, Stephen F. Austin
Tha Hnem, UTA
Stella HrangLung, TWU
Cynthia Ibarra, Tarleton State
Gennesis Jimenez, UTA
Bhupendra Karki, UTA
Reginald Marshall, Jr., Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Theresa Mendoza, SFA
Misha Montfort-Mills, UTD
Adam Morrissey, UT
Kelsey Munoz, Texas A&M
Diep Ngo, TAMU-Commerce
Laura Leigh Oualline, Texas Tech University
Mason Puckett, Texas State University
Sharon Sequera, TAMU
LaSchastia Stegall, San Angelo State
Hunter Stephan, UTA
Olivia Tawi, Tarleton State
Wayne Taylor, University of North Texas
Natalie Von Sternberg, TAMU
Madison Wieters, University of Arkansas
Hannah Willard, TAMU
Rodger Williams, Oklahoma State, and
Ebenether Wondaferew, Texas Tech.
