Published: July 21, 2009 09:08 am      

Two area graduates receive $10,000 scholarships

Graduates from Cleburne and Godley high schools were selected to receive $10,000 scholarships, representatives from Marti Foundation announced Thursday.

Kaley Ownbey of Cleburne High School and Allison Brown of Godley High School were named recipients of the 2009 Johnson County Chesapeake Energy Scholarship, which will be administered through the Marti Foundation.

Ownbey, who graduated in the top 10 percent of her CHS class, plans to study accounting at the University of North Texas.

Brown, GHS’s 2009 valedictorian, plans to attend the University of Texas to pursue a degree in nursing.

Each will receive $1,250 per semester for up to eight semesters, said Jerri Robbins, Chesapeake public relations manager.

A ceremony honoring Ownbey and Brown’s achievements will be held during Wednesday’s Cleburne Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

The luncheon takes place at noon in the Cleburne Senior Center at 1501 W. Henderson St.

“The Marti Foundation appreciates Chesapeake’s generous investment in Johnson County youth,” said Michelle Marti, Marti Foundation board member and secretary. “The selection committee felt that these two young women exhibited both the educational and personal characteristics to be successful in their academic endeavors.”

Chesapeake established the scholarship, totaling $125,000 last year, which will be available to qualifying seniors until 2013.

The Marti Foundation will match those funds during the next five years, and a community-based committee will select the recipients each year.

“Chesapeake is pleased to help underwrite the educational efforts of these hardworking Johnson County youth,” said Leah King, Chesapeake senior director of public affairs. “ We know these scholarship funds will not only help Miss Brown and Miss Ownbey reach their respective educational goals, but will also contribute to shaping the future of Johnson County for many years to come.”

CHS 2008 graduate and salutatorian Kelsey Little became the first recipient of the award last year.

To qualify for the 2010 Johnson County Chesapeake Scholarship of up to $3.000, students must meet the following requirements:

zx Be a graduating senior of a Johnson County high school.

zx Submit an application by June 1, 2010.

zx Maintain a 3.0 or better GPA.

zx Must have taken the ACT or SAT.

zx Have been accepted by an accredited college, university or vocational school.

zx Be in need of financial assistance.

Interested students should visit their high school counselor for a brochure and application or contact the Marti Foundation at 817-556-4687.