NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Debra Ford, Ford & Company
debra@fordandcompany.com
281-415-0673

COLLEGE BOUND WALIPP GRADUATE
RECEIVES SCHOOL’S FIRST SCHOLARSHIP

Houston, Texas…WALIPP-TSU Preparatory Academy, a unique HISD charter school founded to meet the critical academic and social development needs of inner-city youth, promises to prepare its middle schoolers for college. But for Martin Troupe, a recent high school graduate who graduated from WALIPP in 2005, it went above and beyond, awarding the college bound freshman its first college scholarship. Martin Troupe received a $1,500 scholarship from the school’s board of directors at a recent luncheon, which was quickly matched by supporters in the audience, giving the young man a $3,000 start on his education.

Troupe credits WALIPP for giving him a foundation which prepared him not only for high school, but for life. At the fundraising lunch, Troupe spoke to an audience of 250 supporters telling them that “the school instilled a sense of pride in me as an individual and as an African American boy. I realized early on the value of education—it’s the key to survival. Today, you can’t succeed without education.”

Troupe went on to explain the difference that attending WALIPP made to him. “I attended WALIPP from 2002-2005 and I can honestly tell you that it has made me a better person. My family believes in the importance of education so it was a given that I would attend WALIPP, since it is a charter school affiliated with my pastor, Reverend Lawson. But, I learned early on at WALIPP that it is important to help our community and that I should be part of building it up not tearing it down like some young African American boys have done.

Troupe who is attending Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina plans to major in Accounting and Finance. When asked about future plans he remarked that he’d like his own kids to attend WALIPP someday,” because it has provided a strong foundation for me. I am very proud of my African American roots and my place in the world. And, I know my family is proud of me.”

Unfortunately, not all African American boys are as fortunate as Martin Troupe. This group has the highest drop-out rate in the nation as they approach high school. WALIPP was founded for this very reason and is uniquely positioned to help shape a positive direction for young African American boys. This unique charter school uses a combination of teaching tools including mentors from the community and input from parents, to help students move towards academic excellence. The final goal is to provide Students attending WALIPP-TSU with a competitive edge which will contribute to success in high school, college and beyond.

Students have access to a broader curriculum than that found in a traditional HISD school, tailored to meet the specific needs of the student body. Expanded school programming, including enrichment programs during the week and Saturday school for families, which incorporates the arts and community service, fosters a student-centered learning environment not found on traditional campuses.

The school’s founders, Reverend William A. and Audrey Lawson, believe that empowering young men of all ethnicities by teaching them the academic and character skills necessary to be productive members of society, would in turn, have long-lasting positive effects on the entire community.

WALIPP is currently accepting students for fall enrollment. Applications must be brought to the school. Students and parents are also required to complete a personal interview. Call 713-225-1551 to schedule. To learn more about enrollment criteria or to obtain an application online, visit www.walippacademy.org.
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