The Noon Exchange Club of Garland supports local youth through scholarships, mentoring, sponsorships and guidance. The organization is making a difference in our future, and its members give countless hours to help the community. They offer assistance to numerous organizations and individuals through programs of service.
In addition, the club promotes pride in our country, appreciation for the freedoms granted to American citizens and gratitude to the men and women who serve and have served in the armed forces.
This year, Noon Exchange Club awarded $7,500 in scholarships to the following Garland ISD graduates:
Maritza Mena, Naaman Forest High School graduate, was awarded the Youth of the Year scholarship for $2,500. She was selected from the 14 Youth of the Month students from the seven Garland ISD high schools. She scored highest on her essay and leadership resume. Maritza will be attending TWU to study Early Education and plans on returning to Garland to be an elementary school bilingual teacher.
Catheryn Saldana, graduate Garland High School was awarded the second place Youth of the Year
scholarship in the amount of $2,000. Catheryn was selected by her counselor and administration as the Youth of the Month for outstanding academic and leadership skills. She is this year’s Garland HS Valedictorian, and she plans on attending the University of Texas.
Jonathan Hester II, Lakeview Centennial High School, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship as the ACE student of the year. Jonathan has overcome numerous family and financial challenges. He was the starting quarterback on the varsity football team and was active on numerous campus organizations while maintaining a high GPA. Jonathan will play football at Northwestern Oklahoma State and major in Criminal Justice. He would like to return to Garland to help at-risk youth and make a difference in the community.
Garland’s Noon Exchange Club meets on the first Wednesday of every month at Labella’s Italian Grill, 4125 Broadway Blvd. in Garland. Meetings start at noon. Second, third and fourth Wednesday meetings are at Ernesto’s Mexican Restaurant, 1518 Northwest Highway in Garland at noon.