Opportunity Rising Foundation Awarded Scholarship & Four Scholars Received Texas NAHRO Scholarships

August 13, 2021 – Opportunity Rising, the education foundation for DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas, awarded 30 North Texas students with college scholarships and four foundation scholars received scholarships from the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (TXNAHRO). The scholarships were announced at the annual Opportunity Rising Scholarship event which was held virtually on August 3, 2021.

This year the Foundation awarded scholarships in the amounts of $1,000 – $4,000 and established the Bill and Lynn Croft Scholarships in recognition of the generous support of Mr. Scott Fawcett in honor of his mother and step-father. Five NAHRO scholarships were awarded to DHA scholars including the Texas NAHRO Jim Hargrove Scholarship and the Southwest NAHRO Philip Miller Scholarship awarded to Trayvion Newton.

The Opportunity Rising Foundation believes that education is a key in helping lift DHA residents and their families toward self-sufficiency. Through generous donations, the foundation provides scholarships, mentorship and learning opportunities to help our scholars achieve their educational and professional goals.

Foundation recipient scholars will be attending the Berea College, Boston University, Collin College, Dallas College, Eastern New Mexico University, Huston-Tillotson University, McMurry University, Lincoln Tech, Ottawa University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern Methodist University, Southern University and A&M College, Texas Lutheran University, Texas Southern University, University of Hartford, University of North Texas at Denton, University of Texas at Arlington and Dallas, and Wichita State University.

“Opportunity Rising Foundation was founded to be the catalyst in our students overcoming adversity to achieve their educational and professional goals,” said Troy Broussard, President and CEO of DHA. “Our foundation scholars have achieved their educational goals and have become attorneys, epidemiologists, entrepreneurs, pharmacists, clinical audiologists, physician assistants, class case managers, registered nurses and educators. When we help our students ignite their passions and pursue lifelong learning, communities rise.”

The foundation has awarded 1,149 high school graduates with more than $1.6 million in scholarships over the last 24 years.

2021 Opportunity Rising Scholarship recipients:

  • Nahomi Abebe, 2021 Graduate of International Leadership of Texas
  • Kemeria Abdulkader Baraso, 2021 Graduate of Lakeview Centennial High School
  • Hela Alimissouri, 2021 Graduate of Plano Sr. High School
  • Jonathan Anderson, 2021 Graduate of Trinity Christian High School
  • Ann Elizabeth Chavez, 2021 Graduate of Uplift Heights Preparatory Secondary
  • Trinity Crider, 2021 Graduate of Lakeview Centennial High School
  • J’Kobe Dorsey, 2021 Graduate of James Madison High School
  • Jamiya Franklin, 2021 Graduate of North Dallas High School
  • Ta’Kerria Gipson, 2021 Graduate of Townview Magnet Center
  • Gabrielle Green, 2021 Graduate of MacArthur High School
  • Nykole Harris, 2021 Graduate of North Forney High School
  • Decoran Jackson, 2021 Graduate of L.G. Pinkston High School
  • K’tor Johnson, 2021 Graduate of L.G. Pinkston High School
  • Nia Johnson, 2021 Graduate of Sachse High School
  • Jermiraha Kennedy, 2021 Graduate of Lincoln High School
  • Maya Lawson, 2021 Graduate of Sachse High School
  • Tayanie Matthews, 2021 Graduate of Desoto High School
  • Davieon Morris, 2021 Graduate of MacArthur High School
  • Jamiya McNeil, 2021 Graduate of Skyline High School
  • Trayvion Newton, 2021 Graduate of Legacy Preparatory Academy
  • Cayla Ng, 2021 Graduate of West Mesquite High School
  • Julia Nguyen, 2021 Graduate of Uplift Heights Preparatory Secondary
  • Kyvion Presley, 2021 Graduate of Cedar Hill High School
  • Elijah Riser, 2021 Graduate of Centennial High School
  • Isaih Rodriguez, 2021 Graduate of Early College High School
  • Tyran Rogers, 2021 Graduate of Seagoville High School
  • Kirsten Spencer, 2021 Graduate of Uplift Hampton Preparatory
  • Devin Williams, 2021 Graduate of Plano East High School
  • Chasity Wright, 2021 Graduate of Harmony School of Innovation
  • Kayla Zeno, 2021 Graduate of Skyline High School

2021 TX NAHRO recipients:

  • Trayvion Newton
  • Isaih Rodriguez
  • Ta’Kerria Gipson
  • Jah’tiaya West

2021 Southwest Regional Council NAHRO

Phillip Miller Scholarship recipient

  • Trayvion Newton

To learn more about the foundation and support its mission, please visit: https://opportunityrisingfoundation.org/.

About DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas (formerly the Dallas Housing Authority)

 

DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas provides quality, affordable housing to low-income families and individuals through the effective and efficient administration of housing assistance programs. The agency aims to create opportunities for program participants to achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence. DHA provides housing opportunities to ~55,000 people through public housing developments and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs. Our mission is to provide affordable quality housing and access to supportive resources across North Texas. DHA is governed by its Board of Commissioners and administers housing programs funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. DHA is an independent, local government entity that is separate from the Dallas City Housing/Community Services department, which is governed by the City of Dallas. For more information about DHA, please visit www.dhantx.com.