The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, Texas thanks the dozens of well-qualified candidates who submitted applications for the AAFA-TX Kareem Bacchus Memorial Scholarships. It is difficult for the committee to select the best from the best. We are proud to award two Scholarships to these exceptional young Texans who have several traits in common: they are excellent scholars; they are academic and social leaders; they are active in organized sports or performance arts; they contribute service to their communities and churches; they work part time – and they have asthma. They reflect the same spirit demonstrated by Kareem Bacchus, in whose name and memory the scholarships are awarded. Congratulations! AAFA-TX hopes these scholarships help each recipient realize his dreams and potential.
Brent Fowler
Iredell ISD, Iredell, Texas
Throughout his junior high sports and two first years of high school Brent always seemed to be out of breath and had trouble breathing. Then in the middle of his junior year he was diagnosed with mild asthma and was given an inhaler. He would use it just before his games or before he practiced and he was able to play without any problems with his breathing.
He has played sports including basketball, football, tennis and golf. In football he played wide receiver and corner back. During his junior year they barely had enough people to fill a team and they played without substitutes. He felt it was hard work but well worth the effort. He was selected 2nd team all region corner back and he also received the Academic All State Award from the Texas Six Man Coaches Association. His golf team was district champions and regional qualifiers in 2010, and district runner-up and regional qualifiers in 2011. Brent was also a silver medalist in district his senior year.
He volunteers in many community activities. He is very active at the First Baptist Church in his home town. He helped with the summer Vacation Bible School as the recreation leader for all of the groups, and ran the sound board. In the summer of 2007, he went on a mission trip to New Orleans; where his group helped re-build a house that was destroyed by hurricane Katrina. He often refereed his hometowns Little Dribblers and Flag Football games. In the summers he was an umpire at his hometown’s little league baseball games. In the past season, he coached 3rd-4th grade boys’ basketball. While they finished the season with only one loss, their main focus was on fundamentals, team play, and sportsmanship.
With determination and hard work, he has earned a GPA of 3.8. He has completed 16 hours of college credit while in high school. He finished a program through NASA called the National Aerospace Scholar program, where he spent a semester of studying aerospace, and then he spent a week at Johnson Space Center at Houston completing hands on projects. The next summer he was a mentor for the next year students for NASA. With his strong character, good leadership skills, and willingness to help others has won him the respect of his peers and teachers. He was a member of the National Honor Society for 3 years, a class president for 4 years, and in student council. He was also a FFA (Future Farmers of America) reporter for three years and a president during his senior year.
Besides academics and athletics, he participated in other extracurricular activities and volunteer services. He also worked during summers at the local golf course. Right now he is studying to be a certified pharmacy technician to pay his way through college. This fall he will be attending Tarleton State University. He is planning to get his BS in Bio-medical science and then continue onto medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon. His lifelong dream is to open his own orthopedic center, and to volunteer much of his time to be a part of an overseas medical mission team. Brent’s strong character, good leadership skills, and willingness to help others has won him the respect of his peers and and teachers.
Kanesha Roberson
West Rusk High School, Henderson, Texas
Kanesha, a 2011 West Rusk graduate, ranked 3rd with a 4.46 GPA. She is a unique student who is committed, persistent, passionate and ready to succeed. She has excellent study habits and always strive to do her best. She also plays the piano and saxophone on which she received numerous medals, trophies, ribbons, and superior ratings. She was voted Homecoming Queen, Band Sweetheart, Best Dressed, Prom Queen and Miss West Rusk by her peers. She has also served as a volunteer in her community for different organizations.
Being an “A” student is important to Kanesha, because she wants a higher education by attending a four year University majoring in Accounting. Her future plans are to receive a Bachelors degree and continue her education by earning a Masters. Kanesha’s goals are to be a successful accountant with a prestigious accounting firm. She wants to become an independent young lady that has accomplished her educational and career aspirations.
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