Hoffman Foundation Scholarship

2006 Scholarship Recipients

Erica Allen, Jack Yates High School – Oklahoma State University

Erica has been a dedicated and exemplary student.  She’s ranked number 5 in her class, with a 4.0 GPA.  She has an ever-increasing thirst for knowledge, as she believes Education is knowledge and the preparation for life.  Her plan is to fulfill her dream of becoming a Sports Attorney by getting a college education, majoring in Political Science, with a minor in Sports Management and on to law school.   
During her high school career, she was involved as a peer mentor and tutor for TAKS and tutoring at Second Corinth Baptist Church’s after school program.  She volunteered her time as a mentor at Kay On-Going Education Center for Pregnant Teens.  She has been actively involved in several clubs and organizations such as sports newspaper editor and advertising manager.  Some awards and honors to her credit are 2005-2006 Princess on the Royal Court, 2 year Captain of the Lionettes Drill Team, Holland Award recipient, Honor roll, Top media/photography student, and sophomore of the year. 
Tracey Moore, Instructional/Special Education Coordinator, says, “Erica has incredible energies and a refreshing idealism; I highly recommend her for any position of work, leadership, education or any other capacity in which she can spread excitement and share her talents with others.                                            

 

Jesus Alonso, Kashmere High School – University Of Texas at Austin

“Knowledge is Power” that is the phrase that Jesus Alonso says his teachers instilled in him since the first grade. It’s also why this young man has been involved in so many different activities. In the 9^th grade he was voted as the best all around male student. He is a UIL gold medal winner in social studies, placed second in the R.O.T.C. cadet challenge and received the most outstanding tenor trophy for his singing skills at the Conrad O. Johnson School of Fine Arts at Kashmere Senior High School.  Jesus is known as a “gentleman” with a compassionate heart, yet mentally and physically tough. Community members also characterize him as a responsible young man with integrity. 
Jesus plans to write a book about his life and how he overcame obstacles and setbacks. He wants to do this because he desires to stimulate passion for education and inspire young people to excel and achieve beyond their imaginations. 
Ranked 7^th academically for the Kashmere High School graduation class of 2006, Jesus plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to obtain a bachelor of journalism, which he says will supply him with the necessary skills and craftsmanship to enter the media workforce.

Nelly Ancer, Reagan High School – University of Texas at Austin

Though Nelly Ancer comes from a single parent family, she and her siblings are first generation college attendees with high ambitions. Both her brother and sister attend the University of Texas at Austin and study law and business respectively.  
As Valedictorian of the 2006 graduating class of John H. Reagan High School, Nelly has been described as always prepared and extremely competent. 
Nelly has served as the Reagan High School Math Club president, National Honor Society Vice President and she placed in numerous mathematics, science and computer science UIL competitions during her high school tenure. For the last two years, she has been recognized as the most outstanding student of the Rice University Summer Calculus Academy. One of her mathematics teachers once said, “Nelly is so easy to teach that, if all my students were like her, I would feel guilty drawing a paycheck.”  
What is most appealing about Nelly is that she takes volunteering and helping others seriously. She always makes herself available to tutor other students. She also serves as a mentor to Thomas, a seven year old who struggles with reading and other social issues. 
Nelly aspires to be a doctor in psychiatry and deal with prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. 

Daniel Balderas, Booker T. Washington High School – Texas A&M University

“He is not one to shy away from a challenge,” says Daniel Balderas’ Pre-AP English Teacher, Ginger Defibaugh. “My parents always taught me, my brothers and sisters to never be afraid to learn new things, no matter how challenging it is…” This is probably why Daniel ranks 11^th in a class of 260 graduating seniors at the Booker T. Washington High School for Engineering Professions, with a 4.1 grade point average. 
He also understands hard work. At the age of 10 he worked along side his father and older brother building and remodeling houses. He remembers coming home with sweaty clothes full of sawdust. He says, “I always helped my father, till this day I still do and I have benefited from helping him.”
Daniel’s work ethic, determination and organizational skills have helped catapult the Booker T. Washington Robotic Team to compete at the national robotics tournament last year in Atlanta, Georgia. His leadership abilities have also led him to be the President of the Mexican American Engineering Society. 
This avid cyclist and varsity baseball player has been described as an exceptional young man who is well grounded and enjoys working with others.
Howard Bruce, a counselor said that “Daniel is gifted in hands-on projects and will be a first class robotics engineer.” Daniel plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in mechanical engineering.

Donovan Boson, Kashmere High School – Hampton or University of Miami

Donovan Boson desires not only to be the first in his family to attend a four year college, but he also want to attend the South Texas School of Law and become an attorney. With experience as a summer intern with the law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges and with a 3.65 grade point average, he is certainly on his way. 
In addition to being an exceptional scholar, Donovan is a gifted athlete who earned all-district honors in football. He also participates in tennis, track and field. 
His ability to lead has been demonstrated as the Kashmere High School Student Council Vice President, where he spearheaded various efforts such as adopting a foster school, collecting items for hurricane Katrina evacuees and most recently helping with the school blood drive campaign. Donovan also represents Kashmere High School on the Superintendents Student Ad Hoc Advisory Committee.  
With a desire to receive his undergraduate degree in political science, Donovan says, “by the age of 42 I plan on being some sort of political figure. Helping others is my passion.”

Mery Chan, Sam Houston High School, University of Texas, Austin

Mery Chan came to the United States just 3 years ago from Columbia. Spanish is her first language, but she is also fluent in Cantonese and English. She graduated number 5 out of 517 from Sam Houston High School with a 4.11 grade point average. 
Her parents taught her valuate the importance of education in her life. Mery responded by excelling in all her college preparatory courses and serving as a member of the National Honor Society since 2003. In the 2005-2006 school year, she served as President of the National Honor Society. 
With as strong drive to accomplish her educational goals through effort and discipline, Mery is described as a soft-spoken, well-mannered young lady who is respected and liked by the students and faculty at Sam Houston High School. She enjoys poetry, reading and helping others. Her volunteer efforts include working at the Houston Food Bank, assisting in school sponsored events and at her church St. Charles Borromeo.

Kimily Edmond, Kashmere High School – Texas State University, San Marcos

Internally driven in academics, sports and life, Kimily Edmond is known in her community as a hard worker who is determined to succeed. With a 3.9 grade point average, a pleasant demeanor, positive attitude and ability to lead, she has served as a role model for many underclassmen at Kashmere High School. 
Her status of Vice President of the National Honors Society, captain of the girl’s volleyball, basketball, softball and golf teams have lead her be selected to represent Kashmere High School on the Superintendent’s Student Ad Hoc Advisory Committee. 
 In the community Kimily volunteers at the Julia C. Hester House, attending to the needs of senior citizens and preschool students. She also volunteers at the Houston Food Bank.
Kimily enjoys playing chess, which she calls an “intriguing brain development game,” and the piano, which she says is a “heavenly instrument for soothing the soul.”
As the 2006 Kashmere High School Salutatorian, Kimily will enter the McCoy College of Business Administration at Texas State University in San Marcos.

Victoria Garceau, Spring High School – Sam Houston State University

Charyl L. Linderman, Senior Banking Center Manager at Amegy Bank of Texas admits that one day she may be reporting to Victoria Garceau. This is probably because Victoria maintains a 3.6 grade point average, serves as president of the Business Professionals of America Club at Spring High School, baby-sits, and teaches children bible lessons at the Champion Forest Baptist Church. All while working 30 hours a week as a bank teller since 2004. 
Referred to lovingly as “Tori” by her friends, Victoria is know to be an energetic, outgoing, and hard working young lady with a sense of humor. This middle child of a single parent has been saving her money for a college education since she was 16. “Education is a very important part of a person’s life, if we waste it, we are only hurting ourselves,” says Victoria who, like Barbara Jean Hoffman, encourages students of all ages to continue their education.

Chad Green, Booker T. Washington High School – Morehouse College & Quincy College

“Chad Green is more interested in learning than taking the easier path through less demanding courses,” says one of his teachers at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Engineering Professions. Chad declares, “There is no room for failure” at the rigorous college preparatory school with a strong emphasis on math, science, computers and engineering.
Chad has determined that he is going to be part of the solution regarding the plight of black men in the United States. He plans to go to college, gain more knowledge and come back to the community to educate future generations. He says he wants to go to college not only to get established in the world, but also to help those who are willing to learn.
With many community service affiliations, Chad’s most notable is as a Mickey Leland Kibbutzim Ambassador to Israel where he helps teach children while representing the United States. Chad also volunteers with the First Tee of Houston, an organization designed to help make a positive impact to the lives of young people by providing educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. 
Chad plans to major in either engineering or accounting and will attend college at either Quincy University or Morehouse College.

Sharon Ibarra, Spring Woods High School – Prairie View A&M University

Ten Spring Woods High School teachers chose Sharon Ibarra as the “Student of the Term” for at least one semester during her high school tenure. That says a lot for a student who knew very little English when she first came to this country.
Sharon Ibarra wants to demonstrate that, if given the opportunity, she can achieve countless things. As a first generation college attendee in her family, Sharon understands the opportunity of a quality education. She says “Nothing can stop me now, I have set a goal for myself and will not rest and ruin the advantage of having a higher education for own good, and the good of my family.”
As Vice President of the Amigos Latino Americanos de Spring Woods High School Club, Sharon assists in registering adults for English classes. She also helps teach after school language acquisition classes to newly arrived students. She is a member with the Peer Mentoring Program, the Katrina Cause and with a 3.94 grade point average; Sharon is a National Honor Society member.

Kevin Jackson, Kashmere High School – University of North Texas

As the sectional leader of his High School Marching Band, First Trombonist in the Jazz Band and the ability to play the piano, tuba and trumpet, Kevin Jackson has been described as having a “God given talent” for music. He is well known for his melodious skills at the Conrad O. Johnson School of Fine Arts at Kashmere High School.
Former teachers and supervisors also describe Kevin as being a helpful, courteous and a respectful young man. He says his family taught him to be mindful of his heritage and respect other cultural backgrounds. This is why Kevin has worked in the community as an employee for the Y.O.U.R.S. (Youth Organization Unified to Reach the Stars) Summer Camp where he mentored less fortunate children for the past three summers.
Kevin is graduating from Kashmere High School with a 3.7 grade point average and plans to major in Radio-Television-Film Broadcasting at the nationally acclaimed University of North Texas School of Broadcasting.

Samuel J. Legette, Lamar High School – University of Texas at San Antonio

Maintaining a 3.4 grade point average is pretty good when you have to hold down two jobs in order to help provide for your family. This is because Samuel Legette understands that education opens doors for many people. He also understands that it doesn’t stop there. That’s why he is very active at his church, St. Marks United Methodist Church and is the president of the Lamar High School Choir. 
Recognized in 2006 as a “Who’s Who” among American High School Students, Samuel has been described as a hardworking and dedicated young man who does not give up.  His involvement as treasurer of the Lamar High School Student Council and participation on the Superintendents Student Ad Hoc Committee proves that he is truly a leader in the making.
His two jobs as lead salesman at Circuit City and cashier at Best Buy, will serve him well as he pursues an information systems major with a minor in accounting at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Katrina Lewis, Barbara Jordan High School – University of North Texas

Katrina is described as possessing all of the characteristics necessary to be successful - extremely intelligent, hardworking, dedicated and trustworthy.  She has maintained good grades, earning her a place in the National Honor Society.  A distinguishing quality that Katrina has, is her determination to be the first of her siblings to not only graduate from high school,  but to also get a college education; a chance for a better life and make a difference in her community. 
Katrina has been recognized as Student of the Month and Health Science Technology Student of the Month.  She’s been honored and awarded for Perfect Attendance, Distinguished Achievement Program, Academic Achievement, Principal’s Award for Academics and JROTC Good Conduct Award. 
Commitment to her community has been evidenced by her volunteer service with the school blood drive, Ben Taub Hospital, HIV/AIDS Peer Educator for American Red Cross, Hurricane Katrina, and Peer Tutor for TAKS Test.
Katrina enjoys writing short drama narratives and creating music lyrics.

Nerissa Lopez, Jefferson Davis High School – University of Houston-Downtown

Nerissa is graduating from Jefferson Davis High School with the eager anticipation of going on college.  She believes attending college will give her the opportunity to be successful.  A remarkable and dedicated student, she is in the top half of her class.  She states that she has a passion for helping people and she has participated in numerous community activities including Special Olympics, Walk for Success and teaching bible school camp at The Holy Name Catholic Church. 
Dancing is what Nerissa enjoys as she was on the Pantherette Dance Squad for 4 years, serving as secretary and Lt. Colonel.  Her responsibility and hard work led the Pantherettes to numerous awards, namely the Super Sweepstakes Marching Auxiliaries.
Nerissa exhibits perseverance, confidence, intelligence and good character; all qualities necessary in accomplishing her main goal in life…. to earn a college degree.

Eboney Milligan, Kashmere High School – Lamar University

Eboney is graduating from Kashmere High School, maintaining academic excellence with a 3.5 GPA and ranked 8^th in her class.  During her time at Kashmere, she was actively involved in several school activities such as the school choir, drama club, student council, Future Business Leaders of America, Peacemakers, Ramette Drill Team and Miss Kashmere 1^st Runner-Up. 
Some of her special honors include Who’s Who Among American High School Students, National Honor Roll, Who’s Who Among Texas High School Students, All Around Female Student, Most Outstanding Female Student and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Honor Society.  She has also served her community with the Girls and Boys Club, Tutoring, Honor Society Recycling and Community Clean-Up. 
She is described as being intelligent, reliable, outgoing personable and creative.  She has dreams and aspirations of helping people, by attending college and majoring in Psychology.  “I want to be somebody.  It is my time to prove to the world what I can do”, says Eboney.  

Jose Perez, Jefferson Davis High School – Texas A&M University

Jose is graduating from Jefferson Davis High School as the salutatorian, 2^nd in his class, with a 4.2 GPA.  His exceptional talent is Math, receiving a perfect score on the TAKS Test.  A successful career in the field of Aerospace Engineering is where Jose’s ambition lies; however, it goes on from there, as he states, his life is extremely encouraged with the love of art and music, which is why he will also consider them as career goals. 
 Jose has triumphed over the difficult obstacle of learning the English language, coming from Mexico as a young boy.   With his confidence and strong sense of self-motivation, his academic contributions are numerous, including Vice President of the Honor Society, Parliamentarian of the Texas Association of Future Educators, 1^st Place Winner of Science Bowl competition, and honorable mention in UIL competitions (Number Sense, History Fair and Historical Events). 
Jose will be the first in his family to go to college and obtain a degree.  He wants a college education so he will not have to struggle and suffer the trouble his parents did.  His other goals in life are to discover new ideas to improve our world and have a special role in the community.  

Jesse Ramos, Jefferson Davis High School – Sam Houston State University

Jesse is graduating Magna Cum Laude with honors, 3.2 GPA and in the top 25% of his class.  Some awards and honors to his credit are 2005 State Individual Champion, Cadet of the Year, HISD Outstanding Leadership Award, Student of the Week, English Student of the Year and Outstanding Cadet Command Sergeant Major. 
Jesse wants to major in criminal justice and education, and would like to serve in the Unites States Marine Corps.  He wants to get a college education so that he can bring honor to his family name and become something more than what he ever imagined.  Jesse also wants to become apart of the Houston Police Department to help his community rid itself of anything that would diminish its reputation. 
Jesse is said to exude charisma, confidence, ambition and extreme discipline; he also enjoys the heat of debate, yet will concede the point when he deems it educationally necessary; critical qualities for aspiring to higher education.

Rodolfo Reyes, Jefferson Davis High School – University of Houston

Rodolfo is graduating with a 3.78 GPA, top 5% of his class and is a member of the National Honor Society.  During his high school years, he has been involved in many school events.  To name a few, he serves as President of Texas Association of Future Educators and Interact, Vice President of the Math Club, and member of the Speech and Swim teams.  He was also selected by the principal to be a student representative on the Shared Decision-Making Committee. 
Dedication to his community has earned him the National Community Development Youth Award.  His involvement includes Herman Hospital and Houston Children’s Museum volunteer and served as a mentor to students at Ketelsen Elementary.  
Rodolfo is described as a well-rounded student who loves others, enjoys life and has high personal and career goals.  He wants to pursue degrees in hotel management and landscape architecture.  He is confident that a college education will open the doors to the restaurant and hotel he dreams of having one day.             

Bryan Smart, Booker T. Washington High School – Howard University

During Bryan’s high school years he has proven to be successful, while taking on the rigorous and demanding curriculum of The High School for Engineering Professions.  This is an academically accelerated magnet program, through which he has maintained a 3.5 GPA and a member of the National Honor Society. 
Bryan is described as a well-rounded young man and extremely active in school.   His busy schedule includes section leader for the band, member of the National Society of Black Engineers and Debate team and President of GENTS, a campus social club.  At his church he has demonstrated leadership as President of the Youth Department and Youth Council Board.  Always willing to extend a helping hand, Bryan has volunteered at the Houston Food Bank and SEARCH Homeless Shelter and organized a tutoring program.  
Bryan is looking forward to graduating from high school, so that he can attend Howard University, an institution he has always admired and respected.  His future plans are to major in pre-medicine, become a medical doctor and help his community by opening a healthcare clinic.

Crystal Stewart, Booker T. Washington High School – Prairie View A&M University

Crystal sees a college education as the beginning of her journey to success.  She will be the first in her family to pursue higher education.  At a young age she experienced some life changing struggles, forcing her to take on more responsibility than normal.   During her high school tenure, she took care of her disabled grandmother’s needs, maintained their household, worked as a manager at Astroworld after school, all while maintaining excellent attendance and good grades. 
Crystal is described as being triumphant in the face of adversity, determined, diligent and a positive influence among her peers.  Her ambition and academic achievements have earned her place on the National Honor Roll, she’s received an award for Perfect Attendance and recognized as “Who’s Who Among High School Students”.  As a participant in several school activities, she formed the Ladies of Essence Organization, which teaches the importance of sisterhood and how to give back to the community.  
A college education is very important to Crystal and her grandmother is much of her inspiration for going to college.  Crystal aspires to be a nurse and make a difference in the world.

Lance Wade, Debakey High School For Health Professions – University of Oklahoma

The choice to further his education came easy to Lance.  He believes a college education will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to make a profound difference in our society.  Quality healthcare is a deep concern for Lance, as he plans to pursue a career in Health Service Administration. 
His uncompromising passion for the health of children and the elderly is evidenced by his community service, such as, Muscular Dystrophy, The Houston Food Bank, the Children’s Museum, and the American Red Cross, which have earned him a Community Service Award.  Lance was President of Health Occupations Students of America, member of Medical Explorer, Black Student Union and President’s Club.  His honors include Outstanding Leadership and Health Science Awards. 
Lance is respected by teachers, administrators and peers.  Described as being hardworking and persistent, he welcomes a challenge.  He enjoys playing sports, reading and watching the History channel.

Arnecia Walker, Kashmere High School – Prairie View A&M University

Arnecia is graduating with a 3.9 GPA and as Kashmere’s Class of 2006 Valedictorian.  Among her many accomplishments while at Kashmere are The Martin Luther King, Jr. Chapter President of the National Honor Society; Majorette Captain, and member of the National Achievers Society.  She was also recognized as Who’s Who Among Texas High School Students, honored among her peers as Miss Kashmere and recipient of The Young American Award. 
In addition, Arnecia volunteered in the community at Harris County Health Department, the Hospital District and the Health Fair.  During the summer she worked at Astroworld.  She enjoys dancing, art and shopping.  She is described as a motivated young lady, who is dedicated, passionate and a pleasure to work with. 
 Arnecia has a dream to become a successful entrepreneur.  Therefore, she believes her education must not stop at the high school level, but continue on through college receiving her bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees.  This drive for success that Arnecia possesses is due to her mother instilling in her the value a college education.    

Artrecia Walker, Kashmere High School – University of Texas at Austin

Artrecia understands that a college education provides the tools and knowledge needed to participate and be productive in today’s world.  Education is very important to her, evidenced by the rank of 3^rd in her graduating class, with a 3.8 GPA.  Her desire for higher learning comes from the values that her mother instilled in her.   She plans to attend University of Texas and major in Nursing. 
While at Kashmere, Artrecia demonstrated on many levels her leadership qualities.  She has served as President and Historian of the Student Council, Senior Class President, National Honor Society Secretary and ADHOC School Representative.  Her versatility is shown as a member of the Yearbook staff, Math Club, Theater Arts (Best Actress for 3 years) and Future Business Leaders of America.  She’s been recognized as Who’s Who Among High School Students, won 1^st place in HISD Science Fair, and 2^nd place in HISD Regional History Fair.   
Her involvement extends to the community as she has volunteered at the Acres Homes Health Center, during the summers of 2003 and 2004, Reach-Out-To-Drop-Out Neighborhood Walk and Neighborhood Clean-Up.  Artrecia’s interests include reading, writing, computers and public speaking. 

Crystal Williams, Booker T. Washington High School – Texas A&M University

Crystal is a remarkable young woman.  She currently holds jobs as a cashier at Kroger, a Way of the Champions karate teacher and works with the Houston Rockets.  Her involvement in school activities and organizations is certainly commendable as she serves as the Activity Coordinator for the National Society of Black Engineers; she’s the Dean of Pledges for the Mademoiselles social service club; Captain of the girls’ soccer team; Captain of the Mademoiselles Step Dance Team and Captain of the Baby Ocean of Soul Flag Corp.  She has also devoted many hours of community service with the Houston Food Bank, the Breast Cancer Walk-a-thon and Adopt-a-Family.  Crystal has also received special recognition, such as the National English Merit and the All American Scholar awards.  
Crystal believes that a college education is imperative.  She has shown great leadership skills and proven her ability to balance school, work, family, church and community.  As an energetic and enthusiastic person she enjoys teaching karate and playing soccer.  Designing anything is her passion and she plans to pursue a career as an interior designer.   

Albany Willis, Lamar High School – University of Texas at Austin

Albany sets very high standards for herself.  She believes that in order to be the best you can be, you must challenge yourself.  Every effort has been made on her part to go beyond the standard, as the list of her many achievements is astounding.  With a 4.45 GPA, she’s on the National Honor Roll; she’s won the AP Scholar and The Wellesley College Book Awards; she’s been recognized as Outstanding Student in English II, AP English III, Pre-AP Chemistry, Pre-AP Spanish II, and Vanguard World Geography.  She’s served as President of Ladies of Distinction, National Honor Roll Society Vice President and National Achievement Scholarship Program Participant.  She’s also been named one of Who’s Who Among American High School Students.
Her community involvement includes Trees for Houston, Star of Hope, the Houston Food Bank and the Riverside General Hospital.  As a people person, she enjoys traveling, reading and writing poetry.  She finds the miracle of childbirth to be fascinating and plans to become an obstetrician/gynecologist.  She is said to be a well-rounded individual, academically and socially.  Full of charisma, character and intellect, she will be an asset to the world of medicine.

Jennifer Wise, Booker T. Washington High School – Smith College

Ranked 2^nd in her graduating class, with a 4.6 GPA and a perfect score on the PSAT in October 2004, Jennifer is an extraordinary student.  She has excelled in the rigorous magnet college preparatory program specializing in Pre-AP and AP math, science, and computer courses.  Some of accomplishments include Treasurer of the National Honor Society and the Engineering Society for Asian Americans.  She has placed numerous times in the UIL; active in the Math Club and the Science and Engineering Club.   She helped organize and operate the Engineering Camp for Middle School students; volunteers her time with the school’s Freshman Orientation Program and the Houston Public Library during the summer, as she is an avid reader. 
A college education will help Jennifer expand her horizons in her interest in Mathematics and how it relates to the precision of the human mind.  Her success in high school is due to her curiosity and intellectual drive.  She is conscientious and enthusiastic about learning. 
Jennifer plans to attend Smith College and major in mathematics and theater.