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Quail Valley Garden Club provides assistance for college students majoring in garden related fields. Our clubs purpose is to promote fields that support gardening through increased knowledge and professional expertise. Students in Texas colleges completing their sophomore year or graduate students with close ties to Texas may apply if they are majoring in Horticulture, Landscape design, Ecology, Forestry or a closely related field.
We also provide scholarships for Elkins High School Seniors who are college bound and in the upper 1/3 of the class. Its purpose is to support deserving students in our neighborhood go to college. Elkins contact: Narietha Carter-McClain CCR Advisor narietha.cartermccla@fortbendisd.com or 281-634-9033
In March of each year, the Quail Valley Garden Club has open admission for Scholarship application for all graduating seniors at Elkins High School who are in the upper 1/3 of their class, for students applying for 2-year or 4-year technical programs and to any students who are currently studying horticulture, landscape design, ecology, forestry or a closely related field at either Texas A&M or Stephen F. Austin University.
This small team of club members have a daunting task of making their determinations of eligible students. They will ultimately award scholarships to four (4) students – ideally to three (3) Elkin’s students and one (1) to a deserving college student.
In addition to high academic achievement, particular attention is paid to those applicants who would be a “First in Family” – seniors whose parents, or grandparents never attended college.
The Scholarship Program is funded solely by QVGC’s fund-raising activities, programs and events like this Spring Plant Sale and Raffle, the infamous Back Yard Tour and the annual Caladium Bulb sales. Monetary donations are sometimes received, and always gratefully accepted.
Kiel Nguyen
Kiel Nguyen, an outstanding graduate of Elkins High School, has his heart set on enrolling at the University of Houston Main Campus to study advertising. He has an excellent academic record and a 4.0 GPA, which won him the distinction for academic excellence. He manages Elkins Band & Color Guard's social media accounts and participates actively in his school's Elkins Color Guard. Is also the first male dancer for his dance team at Elkins High School and is currently on JV Sapphires Dance Team. His participation in a number of groups, such as the Elkins Key Club, Elkins Girl Up, and Houston Girl Up, further demonstrates his commitment to giving back to his community. As a volunteer for the H.E.A.R.T program, which offers job training and education to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), Kiel's generosity goes beyond his engagement in organizations. In his spare time, Kiel likes taking dance classes to hone his dancing skills. Additionally, he values spending time with his loved ones and takes pleasure in socializing with them.
Hannah Marie Korger
Hannah Korger is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Elkins High School and plans to attend Texas A&M University studying Ecology and Conservation Biology. Hannah has been on the Elkins Varsity Swim Team for four years and served as Captain for two years. She has been the Senior Class President for the 22-23 school year where she plans and organizes senior events. At Elkins she is a member of Student Council, Science National Honor Society, and the Y.E.S program (Youth Expanding Services). Outside of school, Hannah has been on the Lake Olympia Swim Team for 14 years and currently works as an Assistant Coach. Her hobbies include photography, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Saanvi Gireesh
Saanvi will be attending University of Texas at Austin to major in Economics B.S. with a minor in Business. She participates in many clubs at Elkins to connect with similar-minded students and encourage them to be just as loud and proud of their hobbies. At Elkins, Saanvi has multiple leadership roles such as president of National Art Honor Society and the Matchbook Club, as well as Events Coordinator for Spanish Honor Society, and a member of C.C.I. Furthermore, she is a 4-year member of the Elkins Varsity Aquatics: Swim and Water Polo Team, an Ambassador Girl Scout, and frequently volunteers for her high school. Saanvi received the AP Scholar with Distinction award and completed an Investment/ Portfolio Management Internship with ThinkSabio to further teach other students about entrepreneurship and the advantages in early investments.
Tracy Chiamaka Okeke
Tracy Okeke is a proud graduate of Elkins High School. She is ranked Cum Laude of her graduating class of 2023 and a recipient of the academic excellence award. She was a student-athlete and earned awards as a player for her school’s girls’ varsity basketball team. She was also a dedicated member as a student-athletic trainer for sports medicine. Tracy was involved in different clubs such as HOSA, BSU, and American Red Cross. She also enjoyed volunteering outside of her school around the Houston area for different public events. In addition, she was a member of her church's Youth Ministry Group and loved to help organize and participate in monthly activities such as picnics and game days. Outside of school she worked at the Quail Valley Golf Course as a Cart Girl and assisted customers with diverse needs. She sees herself going into the medical field and plans to attend Texas Tech University and earn her bachelor's degree in biology.
QUAIL VALLEY GARDEN CLUB AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO DESERVING STUDENTS The Quail Valley Garden Club reviewed Scholarship applications from graduating seniors who were in the upper 1/3 of their class at Elkins High School and from any student who is currently studying horticulture, landscape design, ecology, forestry or a closely related field at either Texas A&M or Stephen F. Austin University. After performing in-depth evaluations of multiple applications, the QV Garden Club is proud to award four $2,500 scholarships to exemplary graduating seniors from Elkins High School.
The Quail Valley Garden Club’s 2022 Scholarship Committee members, Sandra Brown, Judy Belt and Joanne Gore, were excited to participate in evaluating applications for the student scholarship selection process this year. “It was our pleasure to congratulate Rylee Bettis, Alyssa Hernandez, Vimel Simon and Ada Sze from Elkins High School” says Judy Belt. “In addition to excellent academic records, each student has used some of their time to participate in a variety of school activities, volunteered with groups and in activities that demonstrate a willingness to be participatory members of the community” said Joanne Gore. Sandra
Brown shared that “through reading their essays, this committee has gotten to know a little about them and the paths they have defined for their future.
Gore shared “Rylee Bettis is passionate about her dream to pursue an education and career in digital media utilizing her current writing, story boarding and concept art skills”. Brown added, “I found Rylee to be intelligent, artistic and an accomplished student. She has done a good job of preparing for a career in Technology/Digital Media using courses available at Elkins High School''. Rylee plans to complete two semesters of basic courses at Wharton before transferring to the University of Houston and enrolling in the University of Houston Technology Digital Media program. Rylee is committed to working hard and focused on achieving her goals and we wish her every success.
Alyssa Hernandez’s application clearly demonstrated she was an excellent student with a positive attitude and exceptional time management skills. Alyssa maintained academic excellence while participating and contributing in many extracurricular activities; including being on the varsity dance team, involved in several on-campus clubs and organizations and continued to work part-time. “With her positive attitude it was clear to see that during her years at Elkins High School, Alyssa has been a positive role model and leader for classmates,” said Brown. Alyssa has a focus in forensic science and crime scene investigation and she hopes to be a positive impact on crime reduction in the greater Houston area as a police officer. She will attend Sam Houston State University in the fall of 2022 and plans to major in Criminal Justice.
Gore shared that Vimal Simon is an Engineering Academy graduate and his favorite subject is mathematics. “Vimal plans to continue his engineering studies at Texas A&M in College Station this fall. He is enthusiastic to explore different engineering specializations, including computer science and industrial distribution and hopes, one day, to contribute new innovations within engineering technology.”
“Ada Sze’s achievements and activities at Elkins High School were impressive,” said Brown. Ada’s letters of recommendation gave the Scholarship team a clear picture of her dedication and willingness to share her time and gifts with others at school and at church, which she did in addition to working as a swimming instructor. Having experienced three different surgeries as a child herself, Ada's goal is to be a comfort and an educated professional, supporting other children with pediatric health issues. Ada plans to attend UT at Austin in the Fall.
The QVGC Scholarship Team concluded that “one thing all our applicants had in common this year was they were all effectively accomplished in establishing a balance of participation in youth activities, volunteer programs and altruistic service, and in many cases exhibited strong student leadership while continuing to perform and maintain the level of school work required to earn excellent grades. Their focus on being great students is commendable and truly represents the best of our youth.”
The Scholarship Program is funded by QVGC’s fund-raising activities and events. Annual activities and programs like the annual Caladium Bulb sales, Raffle and the Spring Plant Sale. Monetary donations are sometimes received and are always gratefully accepted.
In March of this year the Quail Valley Garden Club opened admission for Scholarship applications to graduating seniors who were in the upper 1/3 of their class at Elkins High School and to any student who is currently studying horticulture, landscape design, ecology, forestry or a closely related field at either Texas A&M or Stephen F. Austin University. After performing in-depth evaluations of multiple applications, the QV Garden Club is proud to award five $2,000 scholarships, three to graduating seniors from Elkins High School and two to Texas A&M horticulture students.
The Quail Valley Garden Club’s 2021 Scholarship Committee members, Sandra Brown, Judy Belt, Joanne Gore and Suzy Walters, were excited to participate in receiving, reviewing and evaluating applications for the student scholarship selection process this year. “It was our pleasure to congratulate Nia Lemon, Emily Korger and Nathan Benton from Elkins High School, and Hailey Schonefel and Josey Darby, college students attending at Texas A&M, for their accomplishments” says Sandra Brown. “In addition to excellent academic records, each student has used some of their time to participate in a variety of school activities, volunteered with groups and in activities that show a willingness to be participatory members of the community and, through their essays, allowed the Scholarship Committee to get to know a little about them and the paths they have defined for their future. Their focus on being great students is commendable and truly represents the best of our youth.”
“For me”, says Joanne Gore, “one thing that stood out was one of our applicants had effectively accomplished a balance of participation in youth church leadership, with sports activities, and continued to perform and maintain the level of school work required to earn excellent grades – that was amazing!”
Reviewing, analyzing and finally determining which of those deserving students will be awarded a scholarship is an incredible and formidable challenge says Judy Belt. “In addition to high academic achievement, we also pay particular attention to those applicants who would be a “First in Family” – seniors whose parents, or grandparents never attended college.”
Suzy Walters shared that “while all three Elkins scholarship recipients were exemplary across the board, including grades, extracurricular activities and community service, Nathan's essay stood out to me for his love of Quail Valley's wealth of trees and unique landscaping. Emily and Nia's essays showed a profound interest in our community's medical field which will benefit all of us. The two Texas A&M college scholarship recipients, Hailey and Josey, expressed desires to enter into the areas of floral design and floriculture respectively. I was impressed with the foresight and maturity of our winners this year and I know that they will succeed in their endeavors.”
Meet our Scholarship recipients:
Emily Korger
Elkins High School Graduate
Emily shared that, at first, the project of doing Scholarship applications was daunting- it seemed to be such a large project! In time she was able to organize her effort though and told us that, for her, it was a plus to look for smaller scholarships offered by community organizations, such as the Quail Valley Garden Club. Emily also recognized that
although it is necessary to “crow” a little and highlight your accomplishments, it should be done in good taste and in a humble way. And finally, her advice for others who will be undertaking this effort, is to spend time on, and put forth effort in your essays!
Emily is a graduating senior from Elkins High School. During her time there, she lettered as a Varsity swimmer all four years and served as a Varsity Captain the last two. She also served as her Senior Class Vice President, and was involved as a member of National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America, and the Interact
club. She has excelled academically as well, earning academic excellence all four years, and will be graduating Magna Cum Laude. Emily is now headed to Texas A&M University where she plans to major in biomedical science and pursue a career in genetics. She hopes to one day make a difference in people's lives by applying newly discovered genetic research to patient diagnosis/treatment plans.
Nathan Gentry Benton
Elkins High School Graduate
Nathan shared that as he went through the Scholarship application process, for him it was important to believe in himself and not allow himself to be deterred by rejection. He said he kept his expectations real and understood that he could not expect to be awarded a scholarship from every organization he was soliciting. “You have to be okay with not being selected and just not give up” Nathan said. For Nathan, that was key.
Nathan is attending Texas A&M University this fall, majoring in architecture with a minor in industrial design. He received academic excellence recognition all four years of high school and participated in Junior Achievement for three years. Throughout his time at Elkins, Nathan participated in high school sports, playing on the basketball team during his freshman year and on the baseball team as a sophomore, junior and senior. He is active in his youth group at church, participating in many community service projects. A lifelong Quail Valley resident, Nathan admits to being an entrepreneur and has worked throughout high school, from pet sitting to retail sales.
Nia Lemon
Elkins High School Graduate
Nia told us that there are plenty of scholarships out there for all kinds of applicants and she shared that first she spent time investigating the scholarship opportunities available that would be a good fit for her as a candidate. Then she concentrated on personalizing her writings, bringing different perspectives to her subjects and sharing herself with the reader. Nia emphasized that it’s important to stand-out as an applicant and sharing her perspectives on the different essay topics was her way of introducing herself and distancing herself from the pack!
Nia will be attending Prairie View A&M University this fall and with a major in Biology. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. At Elkins High School, Nia participated in many organizations: National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity, Student Council, AVID Ambassadors, and College and Career Readiness STARS Club. In her senior year, she served as president of the College and Career Readiness STARS Club and Program Coordinator for AVID Ambassadors. She was also Varsity Cheerleader for three years and was awarded the All-American Cheer award every year in high school. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with many volunteer hours, numerous academic achievements and distinctions.
Hailey Schonefield
Texas A&M University
Hailey Schonefeld is a senior Horticulture major at Texas A&M University. After completion her degree, she plans to enter the floral industry and hopes one day to open up her own floral shop where she can focus on providing florals for special events and weddings while working every day on unique arrangements and bouquets. Hailey has a work history with H-E-B’s floral department in-store and with BLOOMS Marketing, as well as working with their Procurement team at the corporate office. This is in addition to having had the opportunity to work at a small flower farm in College Station to, and gain additional knowledge and experience within the floral industry. While attending Texas A&M Hailey has participated in the Forsythe chapter of the Student American Institute of Floral Designers, been awarded the Distinguished Student title for Spring 2021, and volunteered hours as a Peer Notetaker for other students in her class. Hailey enjoys volunteering with the San Antonio Livestock and Rodeo BBQ Committee and works to raise scholarship money for high school FFA and 4-H members who show their animals at the San Antonio Livestock Exposition.
Josey Darby
Texas A&M University
This upcoming year Josey will be continuing her education at Texas A&M University in College Station, and majoring in Horticulture with a minor in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Science. During her time at Texas A&M, she opted to be an unpaid intern for Urban Rubbish Floristry and work for a specialty florist located in College Station. Being involved in the floral industry has given her the opportunity to model floral headpieces made by Sue McLeary and Holly Chapple! After her first year of college, she won the title of “Freshman of the Year” by the by the Texas A&M University’s Horticulture department. Commenting that “there are so many remarkable people behind the Floriculture sector of horticulture, many people willing to help you succeed”, Josey fells “so lucky to be supported and surrounded by those who are excited to help me accomplish my goals and dreams”. We wish Josey every success!
2020 Scholarship Awards
2019 Scholarship Awards
2018 Scholarship Awards
Quail Valley Garden Club Scholarship Winners for 2017
Awarded our Members Luncheon in May 2017, City Centre at Quail Valley
College Recipients:
Stetson Dierlam
· Stetson is a sophomore at Texas A&M and is from Port Lavaca.
· Majoring in Forestry and Rangeland Management at Texas A&M
· Wants to work in ecosystems and conservation of natural resources
· After graduation he wants to be in Fire and Aviation management, which is a smokejumper. or “hotshot jumper”.
· He wants a career with the US Forestry Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Range Coalition, or the USDA.
· During his sr. yr. in hs and freshman yr. in college he chopped and sold firewood for Southland Paper Mill to earn money to help pay for tuition, and room and board in college. He is trying to earn money in order to have low student loan debt.
· His mother is still paying off her own student loan debts.
· Stetson states that he will continue working very hard to deserve this scholarship.
Elkins High School Recipients:
Cristen Flanagan
· Has received many awards for her vocal abilities in varsity choir
· Awarded Academic Excellence all 4 yrs. In hs.
· National Honor Society
· Plans to earn a Psychology degree at Texas State University, then go on to Law School , which has been a life-long dream.
· Has a sister in Baylor Univ., and a chronically ill mother, so her father is her sole source of income.
· She is applying for financial aid.
Nima Jamshidi
· Nima plans to attend UCLA or the Univ. of Texas in Austin
· He will be a Pre-med student with an emphasis in Molecular and Developmental Biology. He plans to do research after graduating.
· His school honors and activities include volunteer as a Key Club member and Red Cross member, National Honor Society member, Tennis team captain, and 2 years in the Engineering Academy.
· His community activities include volunteering at the Houston Food Bank, M.D. Anderson Sprint for Life, and various school and church activities.
· Nima was a volunteer intern/shadower at Ben Taub Hospital in the anesthesia dept. and worked at Volta Engineering as an intern.
· His father is deceased, so his mother has put his brother and sister through college by herself.
· He has applied for financial aid and hopes to get help through scholarships.
Christina Smith
· Christina wants to attend A&M Galveston or UH Main Campus
· She will major in Marine Sciences with a minor in Environmental Law and eventually become an Admiralty Lawyer.
· She has been in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. at Elkins for 4 yrs. In her sr. year she has been the Cadet Group Deputy Commander, the second highest officer over 95 of her peers.
· Her awards in AFJROTC include the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction Award, Superior Performance Ribbon, and the Aerospace Education Foundation Cadet Badge.
· She is in the Air Force JROTC National Honor Society, and the Kitty Hawk Air Society in which she was both Pres. and Vice-pres., and is a key member of the Corp.’s Second Mile Mission Pantry Team, which restocks their pantry.
· Her sister received our QVGC Scholarship 2 years ago.
At this time she has no scholarships and has applied for financial aid.
Quail Valley Garden Club 2015 Scholarship Recipients
Pictured Left to Right: Patsy Armbruster, Scholarship Committee: Narietha Carter-McClain, College and Career Readiness Advisor, Elkis H.S.; Mayesh Srivatsay, father of scholarship recipient Aadithya Srivatsav; scholarship recipient Amie Jean and father Andre Jean; Samantha Ray, Asst. Principal at Elkins H.S.; Faiza Smith, mother of scholarship recipient Frances Smith; and Suzy Walters and Judy Belt, scholarship committee members. Not shown is Amny Rose, horticulture student at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas.
