Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) and Phenomenal Partners recently held their 29th annual Service and Academic Excellence Luncheon honoring the following 2018 scholarship recipients: Oluwatobi Elizabeth Ayorinde – Travis High School, College: undecided, Major: Biology; Forche Elise Bridges – Hightower High School, College: Baylor, Major: Film and Digital Media; Peace Yingilayeofori Jaja – Hightower High School, College: University of North Texas, Major: Public Health; Tyra La Trice James – Austin High School, College: Xavier University, Major: Biology Pre-Med; William Edmon Johnson – Hightower High School, College: Baylor, University of North Texas or University of Texas at Dallas, Major: Biology Pre-Med; Zaria Na’shae Laddie - Hightower High School, FBISD, College: Sam Houston State University, Major: Mass Communications/Film and Broadcasting; Chiamako Stephanie Nwosu - Hightower High School, College: University of Texas at Dallas, Major: Healthcare Studies; Ojiugo Chelsea Opara - Hightower High School, College: University of Texas at Dallas, Major: Healthcare Studies; Kevin Kyle Taylor-Jarrell – Stafford High School, College: Hampton University or Southern University, Major: Finance, Minor: Accounting; and Kahleab Alexander Hill, Stafford High School, College: University of Southern Mississippi, Major: Marketing.

A limited number of annual and competitive scholarships are awarded in March and July based on SSLW community service, academic excellence, leadership, and funds raised.

Mose Austin not only emceed the event but also designed and printed the trifold programs. Scholar­ships chair Marve­lyn Harris welcomed and introduced recipients, their families and partners. Mable Scott Austin shared the SSLW history, purpose, mission, programs and projects. Elise Leaks Harmon reviewed the scholarships’ process and updates and distributed hard copies of the required bursar’s form. June Peggs donated framed scholarship certificates. Mose Austin and Marvelyn Harris presented each recipient their certificate and tote bag, whose contents were generously donated by Amazing Smiles, Dr. Margaret J. Allen, Belinda Allen, Joel and Elise Harmon, and Mose and Mable Austin.

Scholarships’ Committee members are Marvelyn Harris, chair; Elise Leaks Harmon and June Peggs, co-chairs; and Mose and Mable Austin, founder and president. One hundred percent of officers and programs’ chairs are partners.

Continuing scholarships applications from former recipients are accepted June 1-July 15 only. First-time and continuing recipients must submit via U. S. Mail annually by July 15 their official documentation of acceptance and enrollment as full-time students and the completion of the SSLW bursar’s form. Detailed scholarship requirements are listed on sslw.org/scholarships. Six to eight continuing scholarships are estimated to be awarded July 31. SSLW offers special thanks to Jackie Hidalgo, College Career Readiness Advisor, Hightower High School.

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WILLOWRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS RE-OPENING CEREMONY AND OPEN HOUSE

To celebrate the return to their newly renovated campus, Willowridge High School students and staff hosted a Re-Opening Ceremony and Open House on March 22. The ceremony coincided with the school’s Spring Open House, and gave participants an opportunity to see how the campus has been renovated following the mold remediation and restoration process. The event included student performances, viewing of a WHS mini documentary, special presentations, exhibits and campus tours.