-Scholarships
for Champions program surpasses $550,000 in 16th year, impacting more
than 100 Houston-area students-
HOUSTON
– April 29, 2021 – Having
successfully navigated a school year upended by the pandemic and challenges in
their personal lives, all while continuing to excel in both academics and athletics, six Houston-area high school student-athletes were surprised
yesterday with $10,000 scholarships from Reliant. In partnership with the
Houston Texans, Reliant’s Scholarships for Champions program recognizes deserving
college-bound students who have overcome adversity to excel on and off the
field, showcasing leadership and integrity in school, sport and community
involvement.
The
2021 scholarship recipients from Houston ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and
Pearland ISD participate in baseball, volleyball, football, basketball, track
and soccer, with most students playing multiple sports. The student-athletes were
secretly nominated by teachers, mentors and coaches to recognize their
achievements, including maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA.
“The
2021 Scholarships for Champions students are truly exceptional, and their
inspiring stories showcase how determination and hard work have helped make a
difference within their schools and communities,” said Elizabeth Killinger,
president of Reliant. “One of the many ways we invest in our future generations
is by supporting local youth making a difference. It’s an honor to recognize
and celebrate these student-athletes as they prepare for college and beyond.”
2021
Scholarship for Champions students include:
- Cayden Adamson, senior at Glenda Dawson High School, has been the
catcher for the varsity baseball team for the last three years and has achieved
the Dawson Baseball Academic Excellence Award each year. Cayden volunteers as
the principal office aide and gives back through the Houston Food Bank, Wreaths
Across America, The Beacon Day Shelter for the Homeless, and many other
organizations.
- Samone Allen, senior at Jersey Village High School, has maintained an A
or A/B honor roll throughout high school and has been a member of the varsity
basketball team for the last two years. Outside of school, Samone helps with
the Winter Warmup event that Cypress-Fairbanks ISD holds for student athletes and
assists with her local church.
- Abigail Casas, senior at Sam Houston Math, Science, Tech, is in the top five
percent of her class and plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to
study medicine. Abigail competes in track, soccer and volleyball. Outside of
school, she’s active in the Go Center Club, Houston Food Bank Drive and Senior
Committee.
- Vychelle Ellison, senior at Northside High School, is a captain on the
volleyball, basketball and track and field teams. She has a passion for
learning about issues of social justice, having participated in a Rice
University student seminar on mass incarceration and taken a government course
at Houston Community College.
- Kylyn Simmons, senior at Kashmere High School, maintained his
honor roll status and earned spots on the basketball, baseball and football
teams – even after transferring schools. Outside of school, Kylyn helps his
mother with her church’s youth organization and daycare service. At school,
Kylyn is a peer tutor for the younger students.
- Jabraylon Vaughn, senior at Jack Yates High School, has been a member
of the varsity football team for three years and the varsity basketball team
for four years. Although he was injured, he was named captain of both sports
his senior year. For the 2020-21 school year, Jabraylon was selected by his
peers as “Mr. Yates” and is the “go-to” guy on campus. He is also a member of
the National Honor Society.
Reliant’s
Scholarships for Champions program, founded in 2005, is surpassing $550,000 in
scholarships this year to more than 100 students. Following the surprise check
presentations in the Houston Methodist Training Center, students, families and
nominators enjoyed field day activities and dinner inside NRG Stadium. Click here for more information about the
program.
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About Reliant, an NRG company
Reliant
powers, protects and simplifies life by bringing electricity, security and
related services to homes and businesses across Texas. Serving customers and
the community is at the core of what we do, and the company is recognized
nationally for outstanding customer experience. Reliant is part of NRG, a
Fortune 500 company that creates value by generating electricity and providing
energy solutions to more than 3.5 million residential and commercial customers
across the U.S. and Canada. NRG’s competitive residential electricity business,
which includes Reliant, is one of the largest in the country. For more
information about Reliant, visit reliant.com and connect
with Reliant on Facebook at facebook.com/reliantenergy and Twitter or
Instagram @reliantenergy. PUCT Certificate #10007.