Rose Henson (from left), Vicki Hayes, and Paula Smith had the task of selecting two high school students from each of the following Texas high schools located in Leon and Freestone counties to receive $500 scholarships: Oakwood, Buffalo, Centerville, Leon, Normangee, Teague and Fairfield.

By Rose Henson

High school students from Leon and Freestone counties in Texas recently received a little help with their future plans to attend college, which came in the form of $500 scholarships from the Leon County BADF.

In all, 14 high school graduates received these scholarships during their graduation ceremonies. This is the second year in a row that the Leon County BADF has awarded the scholarships.

The scholarships are funded by community support of the chapter's Second Tuesday in September Banquet held annually at the Jewett Civic Center in Jewett, Texas.

Leon County BADF was established four years ago.

Oakwood High School seniors Chelsie Duck and Justin Mills received $500 scholarships from Leon County BADF. The scholarships were awarded during the Oakwood High School graduation ceremony May 30, 2008.

Vicki Hayes, Leon County BADF vice president, gave Bradley Walker and Kiralee Ibarra $500 scholarships during the Fairfield Senior Awards Program on May 28, 2008. In 2006, Ibarra was the recipient of a Make-A-Wish experience, which allowed her to swim with dolphins in Hawaii. Leon County BADF gave $5,000 to match the Make-A-Wish Foundation's contribution.

Rose Henson, Leon County BADF representative, gave $500 scholarships to Rachel Turner and Dustin Alan Andrus during the Normangee High School graduation ceremony June 6, 2008. Wesley Henson, former president of Leon County BADF, gave Elle Terry and Joe Henson $500 scholarships during the Buffalo Senior Awards Program May 28, 2008.

Paula Smith gave $500 scholarships to Juanita Franklin and Kraig Bates during the Centerville High School graduation ceremony May 30, 2008.

Vicki Hayes, Leon County BADF vice president, gave $500 scholarships to Casey Smith and Jared Winstead during the Leon High School graduation ceremony May 30, 2008. Other scholarship recipients, who are not pictured, include Laci Lancaster and Gregory Redic Jr. of Teague High School.