Reliant and Houston Texans Surprise Six Local Student-Athletes with $10,000 Scholarships

-Scholarships for Champions program surpasses $550,000 in 16th year, impacting more than 100 Houston-area students-

HOUSTON – April 29, 2021 – Having successfully navigated a school year upended by the pandemic and challenges in their personal lives, all while continuing to excel in both academics and athletics, six Houston-area high school student-athletes were surprised yesterday with $10,000 scholarships from Reliant. In partnership with the Houston Texans, Reliant’s Scholarships for Champions program recognizes deserving college-bound students who have overcome adversity to excel on and off the field, showcasing leadership and integrity in school, sport and community involvement. 

The 2021 scholarship recipients from Houston ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and Pearland ISD participate in baseball, volleyball, football, basketball, track and soccer, with most students playing multiple sports. The student-athletes were secretly nominated by teachers, mentors and coaches to recognize their achievements, including maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA.

“The 2021 Scholarships for Champions students are truly exceptional, and their inspiring stories showcase how determination and hard work have helped make a difference within their schools and communities,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president of Reliant. “One of the many ways we invest in our future generations is by supporting local youth making a difference. It’s an honor to recognize and celebrate these student-athletes as they prepare for college and beyond.”

2021 Scholarship for Champions students include:

• Cayden Adamson, senior at Glenda Dawson High School, has been the catcher for the varsity baseball team for the last three years and has achieved the Dawson Baseball Academic Excellence Award each year. Cayden volunteers as the principal office aide and gives back through the Houston Food Bank, Wreaths Across America, The Beacon Day Shelter for the Homeless, and many other organizations.

• Samone Allen, senior at Jersey Village High School, has maintained an A or A/B honor roll throughout high school and has been a member of the varsity basketball team for the last two years. Outside of school, Samone helps with the Winter Warmup event that Cypress-Fairbanks ISD holds for student athletes and assists with her local church.

• Abigail Casas, senior at Sam Houston Math, Science, Tech, is in the top five percent of her class and plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to study medicine. Abigail competes in track, soccer and volleyball. Outside of school, she’s active in the Go Center Club, Houston Food Bank Drive and Senior Committee.

• Vychelle Ellison, senior at Northside High School, is a captain on the volleyball, basketball and track and field teams. She has a passion for learning about issues of social justice, having participated in a Rice University student seminar on mass incarceration and taken a government course at Houston Community College.

• Kylyn Simmons, senior at Kashmere High School, maintained his honor roll status and earned spots on the basketball, baseball and football teams – even after transferring schools. Outside of school, Kylyn helps his mother with her church’s youth organization and daycare service. At school, Kylyn is a peer tutor for the younger students.

• Jabraylon Vaughn, senior at Jack Yates High School, has been a member of the varsity football team for three years and the varsity basketball team for four years. Although he was injured, he was named captain of both sports his senior year. For the 2020-21 school year, Jabraylon was selected by his peers as “Mr. Yates” and is the “go-to” guy on campus. He is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Reliant’s Scholarships for Champions program, founded in 2005, is surpassing $550,000 in scholarships this year to more than 100 students. Following the surprise check presentations in the Houston Methodist Training Center, students, families and nominators enjoyed field day activities and dinner inside NRG Stadium. Click here for more information about the program.

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Reliant powers, protects and simplifies life by bringing electricity, security and related services to homes and businesses across Texas. Serving customers and the community is at the core of what we do, and the company is recognized nationally for outstanding customer experience. Reliant is part of NRG, a Fortune 500 company that creates value by generating electricity and providing energy solutions to more than 3.5 million residential and commercial customers across the U.S. and Canada. NRG’s competitive residential electricity business, which includes Reliant, is one of the largest in the country. For more information about Reliant, visit reliant.com and connect with Reliant on Facebook at facebook.com/reliantenergy and Twitter or Instagram @reliantenergy. PUCT Certificate #10007.