BBB released the names of the eight individuals who earned the Student of Integrity Scholarships, awarded through their BBB SETX Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3).
Since launching the program in 2019, the foundation has awarded 26 students across their large Southeast Texas service area with a total of $65,000 in scholarships. With successful fundraising — notably last year’s 25th anniversary Torch Awards celebration — and continued growth, the foundation was able to increase from the standard six recipients to awarding eight students with $2500 scholarships.
Prior to the Student of Integrity program, BBB Southeast Texas set up an endowment with Lamar University in 1998 that continues to provide scholarships to College of Business students. Additionally, BBB has an endowment started at Lamar State College Port Arthur. With continued support and innovative partnerships, BBB plans to expand on their scholarship programs with further endowments, business sponsored awards and more general scholarships for those with needs in continuing education, professional development certificates and more.
The 2024 BBB Southeast Texas Student of Integrity recipients: Lexi Chaparro, Liberty HS; Matthew Chin, Texas Academy Program; Timothy Iyere, Legacy Christian Academy; Chase Johnson, Port Neches-Groves HS; Emerey Riley, Port Neches-Groves HS; Emma Sanderson, Hardin-Jefferson HS; Lilly Segura, Port Neches-Groves HS; Addison Woolley, Bridge City HS.
“Through the efforts of our Foundation and with the donations from our local businesses, we are able to provide educational funding to many students,” state Darren Erwin, President/CEO of BBB Southeast Texas. “We applaud these students, not only for their current accomplishments, but for their commitment to integrity as they continue their education and enter into their careers.”
Students are chosen based on their ability to effectively communicate and demonstrate character, leadership, and ethical values.
“Through the efforts of our Foundation and with the donations from our local businesses, we are able to provide educational funding to many students,” state Darren Erwin, President/CEO of BBB Southeast Texas. “We applaud these students, not only for their current accomplishments, but for their commitment to integrity as they continue their education and enter into their careers.”
Through her high school years, Lexi Chaparro served as a drum major, in Student Council, Leo Club, Business Professionals of America, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and more. She held numerous leadership positions. Lexi said her favorite part was being able to participate in extracurricular activities. She credits her volunteer work for teaching her the importance of community and respect. Lexi plans to attend the University of Houston to pursue a degree in business administration, accounting or finance.
Matthew is a student at the Texas Academy Program and Lamar University. The rigorous program has enabled him to graduate from high school with over 60 college credits. Active in many organizations, he also serves in many leadership roles such as: President of the Texas Academy Student Government Associate, Vice President of Events of the Financial Management Association, Co-Founder & President of the LU Badminton Club, a Supporting Officer of the Asian Business Student Association and as a peer mentor. Matthew states that his volunteer work experience have taught him the significance of compassion, effective communication, the need for adaptability and continuous learning. He will attend the University of Houston to major in accounting and finance.
As a student at Legacy Christian Academy, Timothy participated in a variety of programs and clubs such as the Interact Club, Top Teens of America, National Honor Society, Student Council, Junior Leadership Beaumont Program with the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, Phalanx of Luke, National Thespian Society, Triumph Church and Varsity soccer and tennis. Timothy has said that through is leadership roles he’s learned that it’s not all about positions and titles, but more about the positive impact you create. Timothy has several opportunities available, including possibly attending Duke in the fall. He plans to pursue a major in biology under a pre-med track.
Chase attended Port Neches-Groves HS where he participated in many different clubs, groups and volunteer efforts. He participated as one of the St. Elizabeth Retreat Team members, a group leader for TRIBE to help freshmen students adjust, Student Council, football, baseball, National Honor Society, Cove Crest Church camp, peer tutoring, Buddy Walk, Lector at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, volunteered at the Shorkey Center, as well as many additional service projects. Chase has said that his hunger for knowledge and inner drive pushes him to excel in coursework and to typically thrive in classroom discussions. He plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin where he will study for a degree in business.
In the time she spent at Port Neches-Groves HS, Emerey worked at the Sno Cone Factory, was a counselor for Port Neches Summer Recreation, mentored during PN-G’s Girl’s soccer camp, girls basketball camp, volunteered for the Alzheimer’s Walk, worked at the PN-G Little Dribblers Basketball, played Varsity Soccer and Basketball for all 4 years, National Honor Society, Theater Tech and served on the Association of Indian Athletics. Emerey credited her various experiences in helping her learn that leadership and integrity are about guiding others to be the best version of themselves and always being willing to learn more. She plans to attend Lamar University to pursue her degree in Secondary English Education.
Emma is in the top 10 of her graduating class of Hardin-Jefferson HS. While in high school, she was a Drum Major, Band Squad Leader, Peer Assistance Leadership, National Honor Society, Student Council and Praise Church Kids Leader. She’s obtained several band achievements in Quartet, Marching and Twirling and academically awarded in UIL writing and journalism. Emma believes that service is not just action but putting passion and heart into work while making a difference in those around you and community at large. She plans to pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy where she hopes to have an impact on the lives of children in the community.
While a student at PN-G HS, Lilly was involved in many activities and organizations, including being a St. Elizabeth Youth Retreat team member, Indian Press Club, Student Council, Spanish Club, Key Club, National Honors Society, and Interact Club. She has assisted the Veterans Service Project, food drives, petsgiving, Trunk or Treat and served as a TRIBE Group Leader. She is graduating in the Top 10 percent. Lilly commits to showing compassion in all aspects of her life. She believes that through compassion, we all have the power to break down barriers that will lead to a kinder society. Lilly has been accepted into the Animal Sciences program at Texas A&M University where she plans to receive her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.
Addison is the Salutatorian of the Bridge City HS Class of 2024. While a student she was a STEM Bus Leader, Drum Major, Math UIL Captain, involved in Student Council and Spanish Club. Addison has received numerous accolades for her academics including both the Engineering and Math Excellence Awards. Addison values her time spent with these organizations as she claims they have had an impact on her outlook and the importance of outreach, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. She plans to pursue her master’s in public administration with her focus on becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
Awardees and guests were invited to participate in a special BBB Board of Directors luncheon and presentation in May at the MCM Elegante. Those that contributed directly to our Scholarship fund in 2023 were also invited to join us in recognizing the honorees.
Thank you to these Scholarship Sponsors: Dragon Industrial Wrap, Mr. & Mrs. Don Shaver, Howell Furniture, Ashley Homestores, Southeast Texas Business Referral Group, Cat5 Power Solutions, Sieben Equipment Services, JAV Industrial Servies, American Air Systems, G&G Enterprises, Function4, Texas Materials Group Gulf Coast, and A1 Peterson Plumbing.
“We (BBB Education Foundation) strive to impact the next generation of leaders by providing funding through scholarships, grants, and university endowments,” Erwin said.
“We look forward to building on the foundation we’ve already laid thanks, in part, to the hundreds of supporters we’ve had since the beginning but specifically to those that have stepped in and stepped up these most recent years,” stated Candace Carver-Brooks, Director, Education Foundation. She continued, “They helped us to not only expand programming through funding, but encourage us to continue to grow and adapt and overall better the Education Foundation.”
BBB’s Education Foundation will host the 26th annual Torch Awards: Celebration of Excellence on Thursday, June 6th at the Beaumont Civic Center at 6pm. BBB will be honoring local leadership, entrepreneurs and businesses operating with integrity. The night will feature dinner, entertainment, and silent and live auctions. Proceeds from the event help fund the scholarship program.
Torch 2024 is sponsored in part by: First State Bank of Texas, Mason Construction LLC, J Solutions Inc, A.G.Y Enterprises, Coastal Industrial Services, H.B Neild Construction, RT Technical Solutions, Tubal-Cain Industries, Coastal Roofing Specialists Inc, Function4, Entergy, Howell Furniture, Beaumont Emergency Hospital, Bolton Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, Lamar Institute of Technology, Universal Coin and Bullion.
Individual tickets are $100 with table sponsorships at $850. Tickets and registration at bbb.org/local/0845/tae-event. More on Student of Integrity: bbb.org/local/0845/setx-student-scholarships
The BBB Education Foundation is a 501 c (3) nonprofit of BBB Serving Southeast Texas. The purpose of the foundation is to strengthen community trust through education programs that empower businesses and consumers, provide character development for future leaders, and to promote ethical business practices.