2008 CDF-Texas Beat the Odds Awards Dinner
March 13, 2008
Westin Oaks Hotel, Houston, TX

Honoring Charles Butt & H-E-B and
Extraordinary Young People

Special Guest CDF President Marian Wright Edelman

Learn More about CDF-TX Beat the Odds Program

CDF-Texas Beat the Odds Scholarship Recipients

Susan Castillo
Brandon Gassaway
Fatima Kassim
Petra Villegas
Sheehan Whelan

Susan Castillo
Alief Hastings High School

Susan Castillo has survived many obstacles including poor health, poverty, and an abusive and drug addicted father. In addition her younger brother was recently diagnosed Autistic. As a child she spent time in and out of the hospital for severe anemia and asthma and has had to work extra hard to maintain her grades and community involvement. She will be the first in her family to attend college and hopes to make life better for her family and those around her. She dreams of studying neuroscience and hopes to one day find a cure for Autism. Susan will graduate from Alief Hastings High School.

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Brandon Gassaway
Bellaire High School

Brandon Gassaway remarks that his "entire life changed in the blink of an eye." Brandon's mother was murdered by his father while attempting to leave the marriage. Within one week, Brandon lost both of his parents and was forced to leave everything familiar behind. Ensuing custody complications separated him from his younger sister, placing them in the custody of separate grandparents in different cities. Brandon has worked hard in school, saying "everything I do is a tribute to my parents." Brandon is a mentor and a youth basketball coach and will graduate from Bellaire High School with a 3.447 GPA.

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Fatima Kassim
Lee High School

Fatima Kassim describes that "moving to a place with your belongings is one thing, but moving to a place with your life as your only belonging is another." Fatima's family escaped war in Somalia, moving to Kenya, and Pakistan before reaching America in search of safety and opportunity. Her father was her role model and mentor. His premature death due to Diabetes and her early exposure to poverty and poor healthcare motivate her to want to become a pediatrician. She is graduating from Lee High School and will attend St. Thomas University in the fall.

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Petra Villegas
YES! Prep Public School

Petra Villegas was a victim of childhood abuse. As an adolescent she struggled with self esteem issues, interpersonal relationships and unresolved emotions that almost led her down the wrong path in life. Under the guidance and care of a dedicated art and psychology teacher, Petra discovered art as a medium of expression to release her repressed memories onto canvas. With this new voice and outlet, she is now able to develop and realize her dreams for a hopeful future as an artist and to focus on her faith. She will graduate from YES Prep Public School and attend college in the fall.

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Sheehan Whelan
Tomball High School

Sheehan Whelan's mother attempted to sell her for narcotics when she was an infant. Fortunately for Sheehan, the buyer was an undercover agent. She spent the next eight years in the custody of CPS and an elderly grandmother who did not care for her properly. She was rescued by her aunt, who has lovingly mentored and cared for her as if she were her own child. Together they have committed themselves to breaking the family history of poverty through education and self reliance. She has a strong desire to serve society and to assist others. Sheehan is exceptionally motivated and involved in a variety of activities and programs and will graduate with a 97 GPA from Tomball High School.

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Event Chairs

Scott and Soraya McClelland

Honorary Co-Chairs:

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Scholarship Selection Committee

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Host Committee

* Member of CDF Texas Advisory Board
** Member of CDF National Board

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