WASHINGTON/LINCOLN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF DALLAS
HOUSTON CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
2024-2025
The Washington/Lincoln Alumni Association of Dallas is a national non-profit association whose
members are graduates and former students of the first two black high schools in Dallas, Texas, and
others who are dedicated to the mission of the organization. WLAA Chapters are established in three
major cities, including Houston, Texas. The mission of this group is threefold:
1. To preserve the history of Booker T. Washington and Lincoln High Schools, in
Dallas, Texas
2. To promote the importance of education for children.
3. To give back to our communities.
To accomplish these goals, the National Organization offers scholarships to students in those two high
schools in Dallas in addition to scholarships that are administered through the three chapters.
As part of the Houston Chapter’s mission to promote the education of high school students, the
organization initiated its local scholarship competition in 2006. The Dennystine Johnson Memorial
Scholarship was established to honor the scholarship’s founder, esteemed Houston educator, and
President of the Houston Chapter of WLAA for twenty years.
The Attorney Bobby Caldwell Memorial Scholarship was established in 2023 to honor Attorney Caldwell
who overcame polio at a young age to become the People’s Lawyer, defending community members, and
civil and human rights activists. He served as President of the Houston Chapter of WLAA for over 20
years, National Vice President of WLAA and as Chairman of the Membership Committee for the Houston
Chapter.
THE AWARD
This year, the Houston Chapter award three $1500 scholarships to students to be used as financial support
during their freshman year.
SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA
An eligible applicant must:
Be a high school graduating senior in good standing.
Have a grade point average of 2.5 (78 / C Plus) or higher on a scale of 4.0 (100/A).
Show financial need.
Demonstrate character, personal merit, and commitment. Merit is demonstrated through academic
achievement, motivation to serve and succeed, leadership in school, and participation in
extracurricular activities, civic organizations, or church.
Complete the WLAA Houston Chapter Scholarship Application Form.
Complete one (1) essay of approximately two pages. (See below for details.)
Complete one (1) list of activities and achievements. (See below for details.)
Provide High School Transcript, including the 2023 Fall Semester
Submit two (2) letters of recommendation from:
(1) A high school official: principal, counselor, teacher, or another staff member (should
not be a relative).
(2) A community member: pastor, civic leader, Sunday school teacher, mentor, or other
(should not be a relative)
Provide proof of acceptance at an accredited college or university as a full-time student.
Attach a 3”x 5” color photograph.
A 3”x5” color cap and gown photograph will be required from selected scholarship recipients for
use in the National WLAA Scholarship Brochure. (WLAA may be able to assist with acquiring
this photograph)
A note authorizing the use of the photo in the WLAA Scholarship Brochure will also be required
at that time.
Essay and List Details
Essay
In approximately two pages, discuss your dreams for the future. Describe your life as you
envision it twenty years from now. What people, things, and accomplishments do you need to be
successful? How does this scholarship fit in your plans for the future?
List
Submit a list no longer than one page, summarizing your hobbies, extra-curricular activities, and
jobs, noting those in which leadership positions were held, including community-service involvement.
Complete packets including the application and additional required documents must be submitted by the
April 30, 2025 deadline. If you have questions, please call Karen Reese, 723-417-8629.
DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY April 30, 2025
Mail Scholarship Application Packet to:
Scholarship Committee
Washington/Lincoln Alumni Association of Dallas
Houston Chapter
P.O.Box 590887
Houston, TX 77259-0887
