The life of a student athlete is busy, packed with classes, practices
and games. But for nine Houston-area students, finding time to juggle
their athletic and academic responsibilities while serving as community
leaders earned them a $5,000 scholarship through Reliant’s ninth annual Scholarship
for Champions program.
Created from a partnership between Reliant and the Houston Texans, the
Scholarship for Champions award celebrates each athlete’s academic
performance, values and dedication to his or her community and sports
team. All of the winners play on varsity teams while maintaining a
minimum 3.0 grade point average and plan to pursue a college degree.
“These student athletes are simply amazing. Their stories are inspiring
and demonstrate how courage, hard work and perseverance have laid the
foundation for them to become leaders and make a difference in their
communities,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president of NRG Retail and
Reliant. “These scholarship winners represent the next generation of
leaders. It’s truly a privilege and an honor to recognize them and give
back to the various communities Reliant serves.”
A judging panel with representatives from Reliant selected the winners,
who were surprised at their schools and recognized during a special
on-field ceremony at the Texans game on Nov. 24th.
“These Scholarship for Champions winners set a great example for others
to follow, both on and off the field. This program allows us to both
honor their achievement and help them further their educational goals,”
said Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes. “Our partnership with
Reliant to recognize these student athletes is a celebration of the
talent, tenacity and strength that each of them has demonstrated, and we
look forward to seeing them realize their full potential as leaders.”
The winning students are:
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Chirac Hitimana of Davis High School – Chirac plays on his high
school varsity soccer team. He has faced many challenges in his life
but has remained determined to move forward. Whether on or off the
field, Chirac is a great team player, partnering with his teammates –
to develop their skills, score goals or cheer them on from the side
lines.
-
Jaron Dillard of North Forest High School – Jaron plays varsity
football. He is a leader on his school’s campus and excels both in the
classroom and on the field. He consistently demonstrates his maturity
and intelligence in his daily dealings with his teammates, classmates
and teachers. Additionally, Jaron is active in his community and
church.
-
Emily Burns of Waller High School – Emily is the catcher on her
softball team. According to her coach, “Emily is a young lady who
never quits, and she is truly an admired young lady with so much
heart, dedication, fire and fight to achieve her goals.” Additionally,
Emily started working at the age of 16 to pay for select ball so she
could continue improving her skills outside of her school sport.
-
Tyler Twardowski of Waller High School – Tyler has played
football and baseball throughout his life. During his senior year of
high school, he experienced several debilitating injuries that he has
learned to accept through courage and faith. Tyler now wants to become
a physical therapist so he can help others navigate through
experiences similar to his.
-
Joshua Cooper of Summer Creek High School – Joshua is the
varsity track and field captain at his school. His strength and
confidence have been a beacon of light for the rest of his teammates.
He is constantly giving them positive advice and encouragement to do
their best, not only in the realm of athletics, but also in their
academics.
-
Victoria Meza of Clear Creek High School – By participating in
her school’s wrestling program, Victoria has made a dramatic
transformation in her health. Not only is she the wrestling captain at
her school, she is a band section leader, Girl Scout, and honor
student.
-
Keith Woodruff of Stratford High School – Keith plays on the
varsity golf team. At age eleven, Keith became legally blind and deaf.
In spite of his disabilities, Keith has succeeded in overcoming any
obstacles thrown his way.
-
Sarah Redding of Friendswood High School – Sarah is captain of
her school’s varsity volleyball team and can always be counted on to
put her team first. She is also involved in other activities for
church and is a volunteer at a youth camp.
Since its inception in 2005, the “Scholarship for Champions” program has
awarded more than $325,000 to 65 students from the Houston area. For
more information about the program, visit http://scholarship.myreliantenergy.com/.
About Reliant, an NRG company
Reliant provides electricity, smart energy solutions, and energy
services to business and residential customers across Texas. Reliant is
part of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG), a Fortune 250 company that is at
the forefront of changing how people think about, buy and use energy.
Backed by a diverse portfolio of about 100 power generating facilities
that can support over 46 million homes nationwide, NRG’s retail
businesses serve almost 3 million customers in 10 states and the
District of Columbia, and including Reliant, would collectively comprise
Texas’ largest retail energy provider. For more information about
Reliant products and services, please visit www.reliant.com.
Connect with Reliant on Facebook at www.facebook.com/reliantenergy
and on Twitter @reliantenergy. PUCT Certificate #10007
Copyright Business Wire 2014