HOUSTON, Nov 15, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Hard work in the classroom, on the playing field and in their communities has earned recognition for eight Houston area high school student-athletes for their academic and athletic achievements, leadership skills and community service. Reliant is awarding each student a $5,000 scholarship through the Scholarship for Champions - Powering Strong Minds and Bodies program, a partnership between Reliant and the Houston Texans to encourage youth education through sports.
"These students are exceptional. They've worked hard academically and athletically, all while giving back to their communities. We're proud to support such deserving students," said Manny Rodriguez, Reliant Vice President of Sponsorship Marketing and Charitable Giving. "The energy we put into helping our youth -- with everything from school supplies to tutoring and scholarships like these -- puts them one step closer to achieving their educational goals."
"Our mission is to be champions for youth, and we like to see the young people of Houston win in every aspect of their lives," said Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes. "Reliant shares our enthusiasm for supporting education and together we make a real difference in helping these students reach their full potential."
Since the program's inception in 2006, Reliant has awarded 48 scholarships totaling $144,000 to area high school student-athletes.
Students were nominated by their coaches and teachers. The scholarship recipients were selected by Reliant based on their achievements in academics, athletics, leadership, ethics and extra-curricular activities.
Each recipient received a surprise visit from Houston Texans Ambassador J.J. Moses at their school and was presented with a $5,000 check in front of their peers. In addition, scholarship recipients will be invited to participate in a pregame, on-field recognition ceremony at the Dec. 4 Texans home game against the Atlanta Falcons. For more information, visit http://powerzone.myreliantenergy.com/texans/ or www.HoustonTexans.com .
Reliant champions youth education through a variety of programs and activities, including financial contributions, employee volunteer tutoring and other youth sports programs.
2011 Reliant Scholarship for Champions Recipients:
Nadia is a three-year team captain of the Cypress Lakes High School varsity soccer team. She's been named MVP and first team All-District forward for the past three years. She maintains a 3.4 grade point average, takes college level courses and gives back through church and community service projects.
Gabriela is the captain of the swimming and water polo teams at Ross S. Sterling High School. She helped lead both teams to championships. Gabriela holds leadership roles in the Key Club, Student Council, National Honor Society and Students Against Destructive Decisions.
Raul is a starting offensive lineman and the captain of the Galena Park High School varsity football team. He also participates in track and field. He was awarded first team All-District in 2010. He maintains a 4.6 grade point average and is active in the GENTS program, which promotes community service and academic achievement, and the Mathematical Honor Society.
Jordan is the starting center on the varsity soccer team at Klein Collins High School. He has helped lead the team to 10 wins and fourth place in District for the 2011 season. Jordan maintains a 3.9 grade point average and is committed to education and community service.
Aaron is the captain of the Booker T. Washington High School varsity baseball team. He is ranked in the top two percent of his class and is part of the Engineering Magnet Program. Aaron volunteers at the Houston Food Bank and donates time to other programs that help feed the homeless.
Kai is a starting player for the Northbrook High School varsity volleyball team. She is a positive leader on the court and pushes her teammates to succeed. She is an active member of the National Honor Society, Yearbook and Student Council and is a red belt in karate.
Brian is part of the football and track and field teams at Stratford High School. As the starting running back for the football team, he was leading rusher for most yards in the 2010 season. Brian maintains a 3.9 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society and Academy of Finance. He is an Eagle Scout and volunteers for a number of church and school projects.
Rajdeepsingh is a co-captain for the Goose Creek Memorial High School varsity tennis team. He was awarded "Newcomer of the Year" and "Scholar Athlete of the Year" for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. He is vice president of the Key Club, secretary of the National Honor Society and participates in the Go Green Club.
Reliant provides electricity, energy services and smart energy solutions to more than 1.5 million retail customers including homes, businesses, manufacturing facilities, government entities and institutions in Texas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As part of NRG /quotes/zigman/337115 /quotes/nls/nrg NRG -1.17% , Reliant is backed by a Fortune 500 company that is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy. NRG is a pioneer in developing cleaner and smarter energy choices for its customers and its diverse power generating facilities can support over 20 million homes nationwide. For more information about Reliant products and services, visit www.reliant.com .
The Houston Texans began play in 2002 as the 32nd franchise to join the National Football League. The franchise was awarded to team founder, chairman and CEO Robert C. McNair on October 6, 1999. The Texans played their first regular-season game on September 8, 2002 and became the first expansion team in NFL history to win its debut game, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 19-10. The Texans play their home games at Reliant Stadium, where they have sold out every home game in franchise history. In 2011, the Houston Texans were named the ninth-most valuable sports franchise in the world by Forbes magazine with an estimated value of $1.17 billion.
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