HISD student-athletes awarded scholarships through Houston Texans program

For nearly two decades, Reliant Energy has partnered with the Houston Texans to annually recognize and honor six high school student-athletes for excellent community service and exemplary academic and athletic performances.

This year, Oscar Mance from Lamar High School, Ilyana Flores from Northside High School, and Ashley Vazquez from East Early College High School were recognized by the Scholarship for Champions program and awarded $10,000 each in scholarships for their outstanding leadership and dedication in academics, athletics, and the community.

“It’s such an honor to receive this award,” said Vazquez. “Coming from a family that has a lot of hardships with finances, it’s an accomplishment to know that my family won’t have to pay so much for my education.”

Since 2005, the program has celebrated and rewarded a diverse group of student-athletes by assisting with their higher education costs. With more than $600,000 awarded, the program has helped support more than 100 greater Houston area student-athletes.

“I was super surprised that I was selected, but grateful because not too many people get an opportunity like this,” said Mance. “I want to thank my Coach, Coach VanDusen, for nominating me for the scholarship. It really means a lot.”

The three seniors also received customized Houston Texans jerseys with their last names printed on the back along with Houston Texans lockers.

“It feels kind of crazy because it’s such a big scholarship,” said Flores. “I knew there would be a lot more candidates, so actually winning feels amazing.”  

To be eligible for the Scholarship for Champions program, candidates must be nominated by a coach, teacher, or school administrator, be a full-time high school senior in the Houston area planning to pursue a college degree, participate in a varsity sport for two or more years, and demonstrate high scholastic achievement. According to the scholarship guidelines, nominations are reviewed by judges and scored on a scale of 1-10 based on the information submitted.

To learn more information about the program, click here.