Scholarship Recipients 2008
Scholarship Recipients 2007
Scholarship Recipients 2006
Scholarship Recipients 2005
Scholarship Recipients 2004
Scholarship Recipients 2003
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Hoffman Foundation Scholarship
2003 Scholarship Recipients
 Maria Arriola
Booker T. Washington High School
Texas Southern University
Maria's academic accomplishments are the National Honor Roll, All American Scholar and a Presidential Academic Achievement Award. Maria has participated in local fire department and Ronald McDonald toy drives as well as being a choir mentor for both elementary and high school students.
Maria says that she is "College Bound" and what a long road she has traveled to reach this new destination in her life. Maria is from Honduras and she came here with family as a young girl leaving behind poverty, family, friends and most importantly her mother. Maria has had to make real life decisions on her own; she has learned that it takes courage, strength and determination to survive.
Maria works after school and on weekends. She now has her own apartment and is very proud at how she has survived. Failure is not in Maria's vocabulary. She set goals for herself and will graduate with a 3.5 GPA; Maria is in the top quarter of her class and will be attending Texas Southern University in September.
 Shari Bihms
Booker T. Washington High School
Howard University
Rev. Bobby Thomas, youth minister of Bella Vista Missionary Baptist Church, has compared Shari to the uniqueness of the Grand Canyon, the Washington Monument, and the Mississippi River. She also believes "If America had one more Shari Bihms, she would be a safer, stronger, and sweeter place." Booker T. Washington is a school within a school. Shari is ranked 16th in the Engineering Program and 2nd in the Regular Education Program in her class of 240 with a 4.0 GPA. A member of the National Honor Society and the Student Council she has been in Honors and AP classes since elementary school. In addition to being the Cheerleading Captain Shari was crowned "Ms. Booker T. Washington" for 2002-2003 by about ninety-five percent of the student body.
Shari is a young lady that has shown the wisdom and skills necessary to maintain a healthy balance between her involvement in extracurricular activities and her commitment to academic excellence. She is a member of Bella Vista Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. C. J. Abraham, Pastor; and is faithfully involved in the Youth Ministry, Step-Team, Youth Choir, Mime Ministry, and serves as a Youth Leader.
 Kareem Burnley
Phillis Wheatley High School
Texas Southern University
Kareem Burnley is a senior at Phillis Wheatley High School. After graduation, he plans to attend Texas Southern University and pursue a degree in Business Management. Kareem is devoted to improving his way of life and has received awards for having the Most Improved Academics and TAAS Success. He has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. His hobbies and interests are basketball, football and exercising. He attended Project Grad and the Work Source. Kareem plans to be an entrepreneur.
 Laquinta Calhoun
Phillis Wheatley High School
Texas Southern University
Laquinta has persevered through many obstacles and challenges in her life. Yet, she has not let them stand in the way of her pursuit of a higher education. Laquinta issued a challenge to herself, to finish high school one semester early so that she could attend Texas Southern University in the spring semester. Mission accomplished. Laquinta believes that teaching is a noble profession and attributes her success to the significant impact that her teachers have made in her life. Therefore, Laquinta has declared Elementary Education as her major.
Laquinta is ranked number 14 in her class of 112. Her special honors include Student Council President, Senior Class Secretary, Honor Roll, Captain of Cheerleading Squad, Vice-President of the Health Occupation for Students of America, and Secretary for Student Leadership. In addition to her academic accomplishments she enjoys reading, writing plays, dancing, singing, and acting.
 Simmie Colson
Booker T. Washington High School
University of Texas at Austin
Simmie Colson is described as a young man who is gifted as well as, talented. He is ranked 24th in his class of 240 with a 3.97 GPA. This engineering student aspires to become a Lawyer or Sports Broadcaster. His determination and leadership skills are a foundation to his career achievements. Simmie is Secretary of the National Honor Society, Secretary of "The Foundation", member of the District H Youth Council, and is a National Achievement Finalist.
Simmie has served diligently in the community by planting trees, tutoring, and working in the Houston Food Bank. Simmie was a member of the basketball team from the 9th - 11th grades. He is now an avid basketball fan.
 Selene De la Rosa
Jefferson Davis Senior High School
Cornell University
Selene De la Rosa is graduating fourth in her class from Jefferson Davis Senior High School with a 4.0 GPA and has been accepted to Cornell University, Grinnell College, and the Engineering School of the University of Texas at Austin. A member of the National Honor Society, Selene has served as Math Club president, Science Club vice president, soccer team goalie and letterman, and has earned an academic letter jacket every year since she was a sophomore.
Migrating to this country from Mexico only seven years ago, Selene rapidly progressed from English Second Language [ESL] classes to honors studies. In addition to academics and athletics, Selene has reached out to the community as a Hispanic Forum participant, personal tutor, Thanksgiving Feast volunteer and worker for the 75th Year Anniversary of Jefferson Davis High School.
Selene, a Jefferson Scholars Foundation nominee, will be the first member of her family to complete high school or attend college. Selene tries to provide a good example to her younger sisters, because "even though they don't want to, or even realize they are doing it, they tend to follow in my path." She plans to major in chemical engineering.
 Ashley D. DeMarco
Lamar Senior High School
Texas A & M University
Ashley D. DeMarco, graduating from Mirabeau B. Lamar Senior High School with a 4.0 GPA, has been accepted to Texas A & M University. Ashley, who is a member of the National Honor Society, is recipient of the Academic Excellence Award and the Girl Scout Gold Award for over 100 hours of service. Her other accomplishments include Who's Who Among High School Students Award, Texas Scholar, Young Texas Leaders Award, Magnet Students Academic Excellence Award, Co-captain, freshman basketball team, and Chairman of the Conservative Club's Christmas Toy Drive. Ashley is a member of Arrowhead, Lamar High School's most prestigious academic society. She is also a member of the Key Club, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Waconda Spirit and Service Club. Ashley's extensive list of community service includes volunteering at Green Acres Nursing Home, the Baptist Hospital, Jingle Bell Run, various women's shelters, and local elections. Ashley vows to do whatever it takes to succeed in a college setting. She trusts in the Chinese proverb, "Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
 Eduardo Garcia
Debakey High School for Health Professions
Amherst College
Eduardo Garcia, who will graduate from Debakey High School for Health Professions with a 4.08 GPA, has been accepted to Amherst College. He is the Regional Chapter President of Health Occupation Students of America, Student Council vice president, National Honor Society vice president, Chess Club secretary/treasurer/historian, and Indian Cultural Association parliamentarian. Eduardo is a member of the Speech and Debate Club and Teens for Transplants. He has earned 500 hours of community service with the YMCA, tutoring at Debakey Algebra Camp, serving as a bilingual tutor at Eighth Avenue Elementary School, Debakey High School office worker, Houston International Festival volunteer, Park Place Catholic Church youth worker, Star of Hope, University of Texas House Medics, and the Children's Museum. At this time, Eduardo's college major is undetermined; however, he believes that "as long as I have a passion for learning, whether it is political science, medicine, or biology, I can experience college to its fullest."
 Courtney Giles
Kashmere High School
University of Texas at Austin
Courtney Giles is a senior at Kashmere High School and works part time at Kroger as a cashier. She plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin where she will major in mathematics. Courtney volunteers with the Special Olympics and Time 2 Read Programs. Her hobbies and interest include basketball, volleyball, softball, choir, computer applications and public speaking. She has received the following special awards and honors: Senior Class President, National Honor Roll, Who's Who, Vice President of National Honor Society, Secretary of Future Business Leaders of America and Outstanding Achievements in Computer Technology. Courtney's goal is to become a mathematics teacher and make a vast difference.
 Dan Johnson
Booker T. Washington High School
Stephen F. Austin University
Dan Johnson is a senior at Booker T. Washington High School. After graduation, he plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University where he will major in Pre-Engineering. Dan participates in football, weight lifting, the scientific society and the National Honors Society. Dan also volunteered with "Get Alarmed Houston" and has received numerous awards. His special awards and honors include Who's Who among High School Students, Presidential Award, Texas Scholar, United States Achievement Academy Award and the Honor Roll. Dan is the first in his family to pursue a college education and vows to achieving his goal and becoming a success.
 Tameca Jones
Barbara Jordan High School
Texas Southern University
Being a teen parent, Tameca Jones knows firsthand what it feels like to have the odds stacked against you. That makes her accomplishments including the Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, Outstanding Student and Student of the Month that much more special.
Even with the challenges of school, a child and working Tameca still finds time to help her community by cleaning up around the neighborhood, delivering Christmas gifts to the homeless and singing carols for the elderly.
Tameca's journey has been both upsetting and full of triumph. Triumph will definitely come in the fall as Tameca begins Texas Southern University. Tameca feels that this scholarship and a college education will be her "sunlight" and all she "will have to do us follow the path."
 Johnny Lam
Bellaire Senior High School
University of Texas at Austin
Johnny Lam, who will graduate from Bellaire Senior High School with a 3.36 GPA, has been accepted to the University of Texas at Austin. A member of the Bellaire Debate Team, Johnny was selected for the 2002 American Legion Boys State and is Bellaire High School's representative on the City/Council/District Committee. Johnny took first place in the Robotics Competition, placed in the top 25% in Scholastic Writing Competition poetry division, and was a three year participant in the Kinkaid Engineering Math Science Institute. An avid table tennis player, Johnny is treasurer of the Ping Pong Club and is the Taekwondo Sparring Champion. "I know that college is a serious place for dedicated workers, and I believe that I am very well prepared to tackle whatever college can throw at me and pursue my dream career as a computer programmer."
 Sofia Meza
Cesar Chavez Senior High School
Texas A & M University
Sofia Meza has been accepted to Texas A & M University and will attend the University of Houston, Downtown, where she will pursue a business degree. Graduating from Cesar Chavez Senior High School with a 4.19 GPA, Sofia is an "All A" Honor Roll student, Who's Who among High School Students, and recipient of the US of A Mathematics Award. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Teen Court, Shell Youth Training Academy and was elected Sergeant at Arms for both the Junior and Senior Class Committee. Her community service includes the Shell Beach Clean Up, AIDS Walk, Mayor's Youth Council, Trick or Treat for UNICEF, City-Wide Annual Big Feast of Sharing, and translator for the Houston Symphony box office workers. In her personal life, Sofia reaches out to friends and family by tutoring them in math or just listening with her heart to those in need of comforting. She credits her parents for teaching her the importance of an education. "A "C" on my report card was never acceptable. I know what I want to do with my life, and I'm not going to let my financial burden stop me from getting he education I deserve."
 Lamar Moss
Debakey High School for Health Professions
Grinnell College
Lamar Dante Moss, graduation from Debakey High School for Health Professions with a 4.40 GPA, has been accepted to Grinnell and Dartmouth College. Lamar won the Principal's Award for outstanding academic achievement and leadership, is National Beta Club vice president, Black Student Union secretary and is a National Achievement Scholar finalist. Lamar believes in giving back to the community and has served as a volunteer during the holidays, providing food and clothing to the homeless. He has also served as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and at numerous local hospitals. He aspires to become a physician, because he sees "medicine as a means of disseminating knowledge as well as prolonging the priceless gift of life."
 Patricia Onyejekwe
Kashmere Senior High School
Southern University
Patricia Onyejekwe has worked very hard to maintain her honors academic schedule and 3.59 GPA while also being very active in school organizations and extra-curricular activities. Her accomplishments include Who's Who Among High School Students, National Scholars Program, National Honor Roll, District and City Track Medalist, Sophomore Class President, Junior and Senior Class Historian, Drill Squad Co-Commandant, Students Taking Action Not Drugs - Treasurer and Marjorette-Treasurer.
Patricia has not stopped with just being active at Kashmere Senior High School, she has also been very active in her community by participating in the Twenty-First Century Program at Key Middle School. In this program, she tutors a group of at risk students in her neighborhood and loves it.
In the fall, Patricia will attend Southern University where she is determined to receive her degree in Political Science with a minor in Business and Education which will be the first step in achieving her ultimate goal of attending Law School and becoming a Corporate Sports and Entertainment Attorney. Patricia views this scholarship as a "notch in the key to opening the doors to a better way of life".
 Majre Shepherd
Barbara Jordan High School
University of Houston
Focused, determined, disciplined but considerate these are words that Majre Shepherd's mother uses to describe her daughter. It is these qualities that have helped Majre to achieve the following accomplishments: Who's Who Among American High School Students, National Honor Society, National Merit Award, Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance and Dean's List.
Majre's mother has another reason to be proud of her daughter. For the past year Majre has volunteered as a secretary at her mother's Lupus self help group - the Gulf Coast Chapter Lupus Foundation's "Northeast Loop Group".
In the fall, Majre will fulfill a lifelong dream to attend the University of Houston - Main Campus and study Psychology. She would like to one day earn a Doctorate degree and open a practice in her neighborhood. Majre views this scholarship as a way to be an example to others to show "that it is never too late to live your dreams".
 Janelle Singleton
Booker T. Washington High School
Prairie View A & M University
A sampling of Janelle's accomplishments include being on the National Honor Roll; Texas Scholar; Young Entrepreneurs Aspiring in Houston - President; 4-H Club Vice President; National Society of Black Engineers - Engineering Banquet Organizer; Mademoiselle's Dean; Key Club International - Parliamentarian.
Janelle has also demonstrated her community involvement by participating in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk, City Wide Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday feasts. This year she participated in installing much-needed fire alarms in neighborhood homes around her school.
Janelle fully understands the importance of a higher education. She believes in setting both short and long-term goals. One of her goals is to become a Mechanical Engineer and will attend Prairie View A & M University in September.
 Minerva A. Stewart
James Madison High School
University of Oklahoma
Minerva A. Stewart is graduating from James Madison Senior High School with a 4.93 GPA and has been accepted to the University of Oklahoma where she plans to major in Biochemical Engineering - Premed. A member of the National Honor Roll and recipient of the Einstein Award, Minerva has a perfect attendance record. Her many honors and awards include Who's Who Among American High School Students, First Place Winner of the District's History Fair, Second Place Winner of the Regional History Fair, and Junior Class President. She is ranked number one in UIL's Regional and State Solo and Ensemble and serves as Band President and Choir Section Leader. A Salvation Army volunteer, Minerva has also served her community as a Vacation Bible School worker, Top Notch Day Care volunteer, and she participates in her church's youth group. In addition to music, Minerva loves math and science. "I have always wanted to become a doctor. I love to help people. I believe that you should always find something that comes natural to you and something that you like when you are choosing a career."
 José Vasquez, Jr.
High School for Law Enforcement
University of Houston
José Vasquez, Jr. will graduate from the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice with a 3.55 GPA and has been accepted to the University of Houston. A member of the National Honor Society, José serves as its Student Council Representative. He is also Student Council Homeroom Representative, a member of the YMCA Youth and Government Committee, the National Hispanics Institute, Senior Class Treasurer, Altar Server Team Leader at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, and is a Star of Hope Center volunteer. José has received awards for the Houston PREP 1st and 2nd Year Completion, Academic Excellence in Algebra, Physics, and Engineering; 1st place in the School Division Science Fair; and was named Gulf Coast Texas Alliance for Minority Engineers Competition's Outstanding Student in Algebra 1, Algebra 2, BCIS, Pre-Calculus, and Administrative Procedures. He enjoys intramural sports, music, reading, volunteering, and designing houses and buildings. After earning a bachelor's degree in business management and minor in architecture, José hopes to "start my own business, designing and constructing buildings. I would be fulfilling my childhood dream."
 Té Arryl Villarreal
Kashmere High School
Sam Houston State University
Té Arryl is described by her Dean of Instructions as left-brained. She excels in mathematics and science and selected physics and economics as her favorite courses. There is no wonder she has elected Pre-Med in her pursuit of becoming a Pediatrician. Té Arryl has special honors and award that include Who's Who Among American High School Students, National Talent Search, National Honor Roll, Senior Class Secretary, Concert Choir Secretary, and Students Taking Actions Not Drugs (S.T.A.N.D.) Secretary. In recognition of her leadership capabilities Té Arryl was selected to participate in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's Leadership Development Program.
Té Arryl is active in her church where she serves as Youth Secretary and spends many hours volunteering with Houston ISD's Project Reconnect, and City-Wide Clothing, Toy and Food Drives.
 Le Zhang
Westside Senior High School
Harvard University
Le Zhang, graduating from Westside Senior High School with a 4.53 GPA, has been accepted to Harvard University. Le is an AP Scholar, National Merit Scholar, Senior Class vice president, Interact Club president, Video Yearbook Club co-president, and National Honor Society parliamentarian. Le is recipient of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Award, Wellesley Book Award for Leadership in School and Community, Asian Culture Club Emcee, and soloist dancer with the J&L Oriental Dance Troupe.
She has won gold medals in the National Latin Exam, Fairfield District History Day Fair, Connecticut State History Day Fair, and earned a Degree of Distinction from the National Forensics League. Le was one of 27 young women selected world-wide to attend the prestigious summer program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Women's Technology Program. Her work experience includes Miss Chinatown Houston 2002-2003 in the Chinatown Scholarship Pageant.
She has served her community by helping with the Special Olympics, shelving books in the Houston Public Library, and preparing food for the homeless. "My father came to the United States with $500 stored in his left shoe and determination in his heart. He succeeded in his mission in securing a college education, and it has made all the difference." Le plans to become a physician.
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