“You Get a Scholarship, and You Get a Scholarship, and You Get a Scholarship!” at Linda Lorelle Scholarship’s “Paying it Forward” Legacy Gala

“You Get a Scholarship, and You Get a Scholarship, and You Get a Scholarship!” at Linda Lorelle Scholarship’s “Paying it Forward” Legacy Gala

Ten high school finalists were surprised on stage at Royal Sonesta for the annual Linda Lorelle Scholarship Gala, where the scholars, each holding a pennant of the college they hoped to attend, were greeted with thunderous applause as it was announced that each of them would receive a $10,000 scholarship.

Former television news anchor and media personality Linda Lorelle and husband Lou Gregory founded the organization in 1991. Over thirty-two years later, 383 scholarships have been granted and $4.7 million has been gifted to the award recipients. Many of those past scholars, in attendance at the gala, have become teachers, lawyers, journalists, engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs, entertainers and more. With their legacy firmly intact, Linda and Lou passed the baton to their daughter Lindsey Gregory and Board President Carlos Lewis as the next generation’s leaders received the organization’s mantle.

Channel 2 Meterologist Khambrel Marshall served as the evening’s emcee and began the program by inviting Reverend Mary Gracely to give the invocation. Honorary Chairs Philamena & Arthur Baird, Debbie & Roger Clemens, Tissy & Rusty Hardin, Eileen & Kase Lawal and Laura Moore & Don Sanders, Chairpersons Winell & Doug Herron, Edna Meyer-Nelson and Adam Newar & Amy Rozzell cheered from the audience and some from their home, as over $310,000 was added to the evening’s total. Supporters Bev Taylor and Dick Hendee were honored for their longtime dedication. A surprise visit from Shawna Thomas, Executive Producer of CBS Mornings and former scholar recipient, flew in from New York to attend the gala and give heartfelt remarks to the crowd of 380.

Hometown auctioneer extraordinaire Johnny “Bravo” Holloway then took the stage to handle the appeal and live auction of items such as a great Houston Texans package donated by new head coach DeMeco Ryans, a behind-the-scenes visit to CBS Mornings in New York with Shawna, an electric bike donated by Porsche River Oaks and a trip to the exclusive Mexico resort, Vidanta.

Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund 2.0 in new hands, more scholars on the horizon, and unbridled hope for the future, concluded the night with a standing ovation and excitement of things to come as they continue to Pay It Forward!

Socially present (not previously mentioned):  Jody Merritt, Lauren Anderson, Stephanie Tsuru, Tissy and Rusty Hardin, Dr. Mae Jemison, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Sandra Porter, Frann Lichtenstein, Jamila Ryans, Maria Moncada Alaoui and Omar Alaoui, Michael Hoctor, Stan Marek, Bill Baldwin and Fady Armanious, Frances Castaneda Dyess and John Dyess, Sharon Owens, Dr. Melanie Johnson, Lindsay Buck, Larry Buck, Karene Hendee and T.H. Sheikha/Tamador AL-Thani