Rep. Dwayne Bohac Awards Textbook Scholarships to Local High School Graduates

HOUSTON - Five local high school seniors who demonstrated an interest in serving the public through government were awarded a Dwayne Bohac Textbook Scholarship on Aug. 21 to help them prepare for their first semester of college. This marks the fifth year that high school students in Rep. Bohac’s legislative district have received this unique opportunity.

Jeannette Roman of Northbrook High School, Stephen Becka of Waltrip High School, Kevin Markowski of St. Pius X High School, Karla Valenzuela of Lutheran High North and Ashley Smith of Scarborough High School each received $250 for first-semester textbooks.

“I remember the challenges of my first year in college,” Bohac said. “The costs add up and every bit helps when it comes to covering expenses. A college education is absolutely essential in today’s marketplace, and I’m glad to be able to help in this way.”

A committee of local leaders carefully reviewed applications from students from five high schools. Applicants competed based on SAT and ACT scores, grade point averages and extracurricular activities - especially those that encouraged strong character development and fostered public service. Students were also required to write a 200-word essay completing the thought, “I feel the primary political challenge for my generation is…“. In their essays, students expressed a desire to promote morals and values in society as well as address issues such as immigration, education and terrorism.

Once again, this year’s scholarship recipients revealed impressive credentials. Roman worked on her high school yearbook staff and plans to attend Stephen F. Austin University in Austin. Becka, an Eagle Scout and member of the National Honor Society, will attend Texas A&M University at College Station. As members of the Junior State of America - a non-partisan, political leadership organization - Markowski and Valenzuela will attend the University of Texas at San Antonio and Penn State, respectively. Smith, who was a member of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and of her high school yearbook staff, plans to study at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.

For more information on the scholarship program, please contact your respective high school counselor.