Continuing its longstanding commitment to helping residents of its members, Housing Authority Insurance Group awarded a dozen $2,500 scholarships this year. The winners (listed below) came from all across the country and exhibited equally high self-improvement aspirations.

The winners were:

• Clarice Gordy (Macon, GA) resides in the Macon Housing Authority and has been there for six years. She takes pleasure in making her community a better place and her activities include basketball, Teens Against Pregnancy, the SAGE abstinence program, Student Council and the Black History and Culture clubs.
• Claudia Dixon (La Mesa, CA) earned her GED in June, 2002. She resides in La Mesa, with her family, who are Section 8 recipients with the San Diego Department of Housing and Community Development. The mother of two small children, Claudia is working her way through college to earn a degree in Early Childhood Development.
• Marci Stephens (South Bend, IN) is a resident of the South Bend Housing Authority. She is currently attending college to become a registered nurse. An incident where a dog bit a child and the help she gave guided her career choice.
• Tammi Dexter (Canton, OH) resides in the Stark Metro Housing Authority with her 8-year-old twins. When her daughter contracted a rare genetic condition that took a lot of research, Tammi decided to become a nurse to help other mothers and fathers in the same situation.
• Kent McDonald (Guthrie, OK) is a 2008 graduate of Guthrie Public Schools. He spent four years on the President’s Honor Roll and was a member of the National Honor Society. He also participated in Drama Club, was a Special Olympics Chaperone and an Elks and Rotary Clubs Student of the Month. Additionally, he played football, basketball, soccer and too many other sports to mention.
• Johanna Contreras (El Paso, TX) is a resident of the El Paso Housing Authority. She is a 2008 graduate who was on the Honor Roll for four straight years. Additionally, she was a cheerleader, a National Honor Society member, on the Yearbook Staff, and a Bowie Academic Decathlon member. Johanna was described as a “leader who is not afraid to shine.”
• Abigail Alonzo (El Paso, TX) is a resident of El Paso Housing Authority. She was a 2008 graduate and ranked in the Top 10 percent of her class throughout high school. She placed highly in the school’s Science Fair all four years. Also, she won awards for Excellence in Pre-AP World Geography, Excellence in Broadcasting, and Citizenship.
• Candice Boucard (Wilmington, DE) is a 2008 high school graduate who resides at a Wilmington Housing Authority property. She worked in the WHA office the past few summers, is a member of the Explorer Post, and a member of the National Society of Black Engineers. Candice will continue her education, hoping to become a chemical engineer.
• Deborah McClish (Casa Grande, AZ), who lives in the Pinal County Housing Authority, learned things the hard way. She was recommended to be a Peer Support Specialist upon completing an intense outpatient program. Sober for almost six years, she is currently working as a case manager. Deborah is attending college to further her career and achieve several personal goals.
• Daniel Longoria (Austin, TX) is inspired by his children, who he has been raising on his own for 12 years. He is currently attending college to attain a degree in Radiology of Applied Science. His children are benefiting from his accomplishments as they see his A and B grades and are inspired to excel.
• Calvin Moore (Newport News, VA) is a 2008 high school graduate. In the class room, he was a regular on the honor roll and a tutor. He also excelled at football and track. He was described as a “humble, hardworking and dedicated young man who has the determination to succeed at anything he chooses.”
• Ashley Franklin (East St. Louis, MO) is a 2008 high school graduate from the East St. Louis Housing Authority. Ashley states that her “Grandmother is the most inspirational person in her life.” Through the teachings of her Grandmother, she realized that teaching was her passion. She hopes to share what she has been taught…and more.