Kiwanis Club Honors Youth with $14K Scholarships

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Kiwanis Club of The Woodlands Invests $14,000 in Future Leaders from Montgomery County High Schools**

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Kiwanis Club of The Woodlands reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to youth development and community support on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, hosting its annual Outstanding Youth Scholarship Luncheon. Held at the elegant Woodlands Resort, the event celebrated twelve remarkable high school seniors from across greater Montgomery County, collectively awarding them $14,000 in scholarships to aid their college expenses.

The scholarships are a cornerstone of the club’s mission, specifically targeting students from under-resourced schools within Conroe ISD, Splendora ISD, Willis ISD, Shepherd ISD, and Montgomery ISD. This strategic focus ensures that financial barriers are lessened for deserving students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement. Each of the twelve honorees initially received a $1,000 scholarship, with specific donations generously augmenting these awards for select recipients.

Kiwanis Club of The Woodlands President Mike Stafford expressed immense pride in the students during the luncheon. “These young men and women represent the very best of our community – their dedication, perseverance, and vision for the future are truly inspiring,” Stafford stated. “At Kiwanis, our core belief is in ‘serving the children of the world, one child and one community at a time.’ Today, we are not just giving scholarships; we are investing in the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow. We are honored to play a part in helping them achieve their dreams.”

The recognized students, all graduating during the 2023-2024 school year, included:
* **Adrian Vazquez** and **Melanie Martinez** from Conroe High School
* **Jasmine Smith** and **Alexis Ramirez** from Splendora High School
* **Jennifer Flores** and **Nayeli Jimenez** from Willis High School
* **Josue Martinez** and **Emily Smith** from Shepherd High School
* **Evelyn Torres** and **Bryan Flores** from Montgomery High School

Two students received an additional $1,000 scholarship, highlighting their exceptional achievements. **Andrea Morales** from Caney Creek High School was recognized for her outstanding record, and **Alexis Ramirez** from Splendora High School received not only an augmented scholarship but was also the distinguished recipient of the prestigious Bob and Linda Nelson Scholarship, a named award honoring long-time community advocates and Kiwanis supporters.

The scholarship luncheon, expertly chaired by Brian McDonald, showcased the vibrant energy and hope these students bring to the community. “This event is a testament to the power of community coming together to uplift our youth,” McDonald commented. “The smiles on these students’ faces and the gratitude in their words are why we do what we do. It’s a privilege to see the direct impact of our club’s efforts and the generosity of our donors.”

The Kiwanis Club of The Woodlands is part of a global organization dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Through various service projects, fundraising events, and youth programs, the local chapter consistently works to support children’s health, education, and well-being in the greater Montgomery County area. The club actively seeks to identify and support students from districts where educational resources may be more limited, ensuring that financial need does not hinder academic and personal aspirations.

Community members interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of The Woodlands, its programs, or how to get involved, are encouraged to visit their website at [www.woodlands-kiwanis.org](http://www.woodlands-kiwanis.org) or follow them on social media.

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