Spring 2024 Winner of the Community Leaders Scholarship

Laila Flowers

Laila Flowers is a senior in high school who has gained admission to Rice University for the Fall semester. Upon graduation, Laila plans on becoming a Texas Ranger to help protect the children of her community. We are proud and humbled to present our scholarship to this brave young woman.

Read Laila’s Essay:

Growing up my career path was always changing. Looking back on this now I realize that despite all the career changes I went through my overall goal and purpose remained the same. I want to help the people who can’t help themselves; I want to help children.

We were visiting my biological dad around spring break of my 6th grade year when we got to see my dad’s true colors. I witnessed my dad choke, beat, harass, and scream at his girlfriend in a fit of drunken rage. He broke my door down as he slammed her into it; leaving long cuts and bruises down her body. I remember running to go protect my brother who was in the other room. I remember hearing him behind me. The feeling of his hands when he grabbed me and took my phone away right when my mom answered. I remember the sound of my brother screaming. That’s the worst part. Knowing I couldn’t save him from that situation.

I couldn’t help myself when I was younger and I couldn’t help my brother from having the same vivid memories of our past, but I will help the next child who feels lost and scared. I will save them no matter what it takes. I want to join law enforcement and move up the ranks to become a Texas Ranger, so I can protect and care for the children in my community. There is no reason nor excuse why any child should have gone through that degree of abuse and continue to be plagued by it nearly six years later as I am. My name is Laila Flowers and my dream is to protect those who can’t protect themselves. My dream is to protect children. Will you help me fulfill my dream?