Seven Dallas-area high school seniors were awarded a combined $65,191 toward their college education today at the 2011 Mayor’s Chesapeake Energy Scholarship Award Luncheon, held at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) created the $3.75 million scholarship with an initial $2.5 million contribution. The remaining $1.25 million donation was raised in a challenge match by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth for scholarship programs in both cities. Four years later, 55 students in Dallas and Fort Worth independent school districts have already been awarded four-year renewable scholarships.

“These students have demonstrated the talent and ambition necessary to thrive in a higher education setting,” said Kimberly Britton, community relations director for Chesapeake. “They were leaders both inside and outside the classroom in high school, combining academic superiority with extracurricular excellence. Chesapeake is extremely proud to support these students as they move on to some of the nation’s most prestigious universities.”

The students are judged on their academic and extracurricular performance. Each student must graduate with at least a 3.0 GPA from a Dallas ISD high school. Additionally, a university or vocational school must accept each student for the fall. Award recipients are eligible for up to $20,000 annually for up to four years. The goal of the fund is to provide a debt-free education for minority students (African-American, Hispanic-American, Native American, Asian-American and women) as defined by the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency.

“Through the generosity of Chesapeake Energy and other sponsors, this scholarship has allowed us to make a difference in the lives of deserving and dedicated Dallas-area students over the past few years,” said former Dallas mayor Tom Leppert. “It’s always gratifying when high achievers are rewarded for their efforts.”

Chesapeake asked The Dallas Foundation and Community Foundation of North Texas, based in Fort Worth, to hold and administer the scholarship programs. Each foundation selected a scholarship committee, including one representative each from DFW International Airport Board and Chesapeake, in addition to other representatives from each community. Scholarship distributions are made to qualified educational institutions for the scholarship recipients.

“The rising costs of tuition necessitate an even greater commitment on our part to invest in talented students whose continued education is threatened by a lack of financial resources,” said Mary Jalonick, president of The Dallas Foundation. “Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that investing in these children is one of the best decisions we can make.”

Education is Freedom, a Dallas-based nonprofit, works with students who are dedicated to succeeding despite the barriers to higher education.

“We work with these students day in and day out,” said Marcia Page, president and CEO of Education is Freedom. “It’s so nice to see all of their hard work recognized through this scholarship program. After all, access to higher education is the core belief on which Education is Freedom was founded, and it is our goal to support these students in every way possible.”

Scholarship Recipients:

·         Ms. Diamond Cleaver is in the top 10 percent of her class at James Madison High School. She is president of her senior class and a member of National Honor Society and JROTC. Diamond will attend the University of Houston this fall and will pursue a degree in psychology.

·         Ms. Chi Do is the salutatorian at Skyline High School. She is active in numerous academic clubs, including National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Chi plans to attend the University of Texas at Dallas and has a career goal of becoming an osteopathic physician.

·         Mr. Jonathan Fluker is in the top 10 percent of his class at North Dallas High School. He is captain of the varsity soccer team and has participated in numerous volunteer events through the Volunteer Center of North Texas and the Mayor’s Intern Fellows program. Jonathan will attend the University of Texas at Dallas this fall and major in business.

·         Ms. Leticia Hernandez is ranked third in her class at Thomas Jefferson High School. She is a member of numerous clubs and organizations, including the Thomas Jefferson High School Pride and Spirit Band and the National Beta Club. Leticia will attend the University of North Texas this fall and will pursue a career in electrical engineering.

·         Ms. Vivian Linares is ranked fourth in her class at James Madison High School. She is an active member of Student Council and JROTC. Vivian plans to attend Texas Woman’s University in the fall and will major in nursing and social work.

·         Ms. Victoria Robinson is in the top 10 percent of her class at W.T. White High School. She is active in numerous academic clubs, including the LEAN Mentoring Program and National Honor Society. Victoria will be attending Texas State University this fall and has a career goal of becoming an anesthesiologist.

·         Mr. Alex Watson is the valedictorian at Justin F. Kimball High School. He is actively involved in his community and is a member of his school’s tennis team. He will be attending the University of Texas at Austin this fall to study pharmacy and business management.