$40,000 Awarded To Help Student Athletes Reach Educational Goals
Eight Houston-area high school students were awarded $5,000 scholarships through Reliant Energy's Scholarship for Champions – Powering Strong Minds and Bodies program.
"The youth of today will become the leaders of tomorrow," said Reliant Energy President Jason Few. "We recognize the importance of education in helping students realize their potential. We are especially proud of the Scholarship for Champions students because they demonstrate hard work and leadership on the athletic field, in the classroom and in the community."
"The Houston Texans are proud to once again partner with Reliant Energy in the Scholarship for Champions Program. It's important for young people to be rewarded and recognized for excellence not only on the field, but off the field as well," said Risa Hall, Houston Texans Community Relations Manager.
The Scholarship for Champions recipients were selected based on academics, athletics, leadership, ethics and extra-curricular activities. Students were nominated by their coaches and teachers, and then chosen by Reliant Energy.
The recipients are: | ||||
| Â | Â | Â | ||
Amy Brewer, Goose Creek | Jonathan Puffer, James E. Taylor | |||
Grace Liu, Kempner | Kristen Holyfield, Houston Christian | |||
Erika Chin, Cinco Ranch | Marvin Espinoza, Morton Ranch | |||
Johnathan Fisher, Katy | Taylor Boston, C.E. King | |||
| Â | ||||
Each recipient received a surprise visit from Houston Texans Ambassador J.J. Moses at his or her school this fall and was presented with a $5,000 check in front of their classmates. In addition, scholarship recipients were given the opportunity to participate in a pre-game, on-field presentation at a Texans home game.
Since the inception of the Scholarship for Champions program in 2006, 32 Houston-area high school student athletes have been awarded scholarships.
Youth education through sports is an area of emphasis for Reliant Energy. The company sponsors scholarships through both the Scholarship for Champions program and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston through the Reliant Energy Power Blast program.
2009 Reliant Energy Scholarship for Champions Recipients
Amy Brewer
Amy is a varsity letterman and two-season most valuable player for the Goose Creek Memorial tennis team. Involved in numerous school activities, she is presently serving her second term as the student body secretary to the Student Council and is president of the Interact Club, a member of the National Honor Society and the spirit chair for the Key Club. Amy is also active in her community - she participated in the cleanup following Hurricane Rita and volunteered several hours a week for an after school program at a local elementary school.
Erika Chin
Erika is a three-year starting letterman for the Cinco Ranch High School volleyball team and was chosen as the offensive player of the year in 2008. She is also very involved in her community, raising funds for the Susan B. Komen Walk for the Cure, teaching Sunday school at her church, and volunteering for both the Katy Pioneer Day Charity Fair and school garage sale.
Grace Liu
Grace is member of the Kempner High School varsity volleyball and swim teams. She was the secretary of her class in 2008-2009 and now serves as the senior class president. Grace also coaches swim and volleyball teams and volunteers at the Fort Bend County libraries, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and works for the prevention of juvenile diabetes.
Jonathan Fisher
Jonathan is a First Team All District starting linebacker and team captain for Katy High School football team and a member of the varsity track team. He serves as a DARE role model, PEER mentor, peer assistance leader and is in the National Honor Society. Jonathan coaches young athletes at football camps and volunteers at both the Cinco Ranch Alzheimer's Care Center and at Brookwood, a home for adults with functional disabilities.
Jonathan Puffer
Jonathan is a two year varsity letterman on the James E. Taylor football team and also participates in track and field. He was selected by his coaches and peers to represent the football team on the Leadership Council. In addition, he mentors younger student athletes, serves as a peer assistance leader, is a member of the National Honor Society and acts as the student bible leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Kristen Holyfield
Kristen is a varsity letterman and team captain of the Houston Christian High School volleyball team and for the past two years she has served on the Athletic Leadership Council. Her volunteer activities include building homes for Habitat for Humanity, volunteering at a local elementary school, serving as team race organizer and participant in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and organizing donations for the Houston Food Bank and Goodwill Industries.
Marvin Espinoza
Marvin is the team captain for the Morton Ranch varsity cross country team and is a member of the varsity track and field team. His extra-curricular activities include membership in the National Honor Society and participation in the UIL Social Studies competition. Marvin is also an active volunteer with the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Goodwill Industries.
Taylor Boston
Taylor is captain of C.E. King High School's varsity track team and a co-captain of the varsity volleyball team. She is an officer of her class and an active member of the Future Business Leaders of America, the National Honor Society and serves as the club officer for Mademoiselles Service and Social Club. She is active in her community, donating blood, delivering holiday food baskets, working at local women and children's shelters and collecting and donating clothing, toys and school supplies to various non-profit organizations.
About the Houston Texans Foundation
The Houston Texans Foundation was established in November 2001 as an integral part of the Houston Texans' vision to be the most community-connected professional sports team in the world. It is committed to improving the lives of the next generation of Texans by utilizing strategic resources in order to make a measurable community impact among Houston's youth. The Houston Texans Foundation has partnered with the YMCA to build the Houston Texans YMCA, the first ever YMCA center named after a professional sports team. Through this exciting new partnership the Houston Texans Foundation will be able to continue to administer programs that promote leadership, integrity and character.
About Reliant Energy
Reliant Energy provides electricity and energy services to more than 1.6 million retail customers—including homes, small and large businesses, manufacturing facilities, government entities and institutions across Texas. As part of NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG), Reliant Energy is backed by one of the nation's largest power producers. NRG owns and operates more than 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity, including more than 11,000 megawatts of capacity in Texas. For more information about Reliant Energy products and services, visit www.reliant.com.
Contacts:
Reliant Energy
Pat Hammond, 713-497-7723
