Reliant Energy's Scholarship for Champions Program Helps Put Eight Houston-Area Student Athletes One Step Closer Toward Education Goals

Reliant Energy has awarded $1,000 scholarships to eight Houston-area high school student athletes through its Scholarship for Champions – Powering Strong Minds and Bodies program.

The Scholarship for Champions recipients were selected by Reliant Energy, which teamed up with the Houston Texans to create the scholarship program in 2006. Each student athlete is selected based on leadership, ethics and academic performance.

Each recipient received a surprise visit this fall at their respective school by a Houston Texans player, who presented the winner with a $1,000 check in front of their teammates and classmates. The scholarship recipients will have an opportunity to participate in a pre-game on-field presentation at a Texans home game this season. They also will be honored at the Houston Texans Draft Luncheon in the spring.

Youth education through sports is an area of emphasis for Reliant Energy through Scholarship for Champions, as well as scholarships through the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and support of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston through the Reliant Energy Power Blast program.

Since the inception of the Scholarship for Champions program, two dozen Houston-area high school student athletes have been awarded $1,000 scholarships.

"Helping students reach their academic goals through sports supports Reliant Energy’s caring for our community core value,” said Manny Rodriquez, vice president, Reliant Energy Brand and Marketing Services. "We are especially proud of the Scholarship for Champions student athletes because they demonstrate hard work and leadership on the athletic field, as well as in the community and classroom.”

"The Houston Texans are proud to be a partner in the Scholarship for Champions program. It’s important for young people to be rewarded and recognized for excellence not only on the field, but off the field as well,” said Janess Sayle, Houston Texans Foundation manager.

2008 Reliant Energy Scholarship for Champions Recipients

Edward Garza

Garza is a cross country runner and track athlete at Dobie High School. He was voted captain of the cross country team and Most Valuable Runner. Garza was the top district finisher for the cross country team and the bronze medalist in the 3,200-meter race in District 22-5A. He is actively involved in Latin Club and the school newspaper.

Julia Hatridge

Hatridge is a three-year varsity tennis player and team captain at Stratford High School. She was selected All-District second team and won first place in singles at the district championship. Hatridge is editor of the school newspaper and ranked first in her class. She is a member of Fellowship for Christian Athletes and vice president of National Honor Society and National Charity League. Hatridge is involved in the community through helping Citizens for Animal Protection, Rebuilding Together Houston and organizing Bible study at Houston’s First Baptist Church Houston Project Mission Trip.

Lyndey Hlavaty

Hlavaty is a swimmer and team captain for Lamar Consolidated High School, participating as the anchor on the relay teams and competing as a freestyle sprinter. She has been a member of the Second Team All-State in two relays and was named Academic All-District. Hlavaty is involved with the National Honor Society and Special Olympics, and is a mentor at her church and a lifeguard and water safety instructor.

Briejae Huff

Huff is a setter for the Sharpstown High School volleyball team. She volunteers at the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and serves as an informal peer tutor at Sharpstown in addition to her work with National Honor Society. Huff also is a member of the G-Force club, a mentor group that helps encourage students to go to college.

Raquel Kilgore

Kilgore is a member of the Clear Creek High School varsity track and basketball teams. She participates in the 400 meters and 800 meters and is a member of the cross country team that is ranked eighth in the country. Kilgore is a top javelin thrower, obtaining the rank of No. 1 in the 2008 Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics. She is vice president of "Clean Living Environment and Responsibility” and was chosen to attend Girl’s State, a summer leadership and citizenship program.

Lindsey Reynolds

Reynolds is a former forward for Lady Mustangs basketball at Friendswood High School. She was named Academic All-District and had been a member of the varsity team since she was a freshman. Reynolds is the National Honor Society president, senior class vice president and member of the Math Honor Society and Fellowship for Christian Athletes.

LeRoy Seals

Seals is a three-year varsity player and captain of the Milby High School football team. He plays fullback and outside linebacker. Seals received an Honorable Mention in District 20 5A in 2007 as an outside linebacker. He is the leader and organizer of "Keep Milby Beautiful,” a weekly clean-up program for the Milby High School campus, and has logged more than 100 hours of community service through the "Play it Smart” program. Seals is a student council officer and has performed with the Milby band.

Caroline Suter

Suter is a three-year varsity midfielder, captain and was voted Most Valuable Player of the Clements Rangers soccer team. She has earned First Team All-Region and All-District and is the first captain to be selected as a junior. Outside of soccer, Suter is involved in student council, National Honor Society, Ranger Camp, and is in the process of earning her Gold Award through Girl Scouts. Furthering her involvement outside of school and showing her love for soccer, Suter also coaches an under-8 girls soccer team.

About the Houston Texans Foundation: The Houston Texans Foundation was established in November 2001 as an integral part of the Houston Texans’ vision to be the most community-connected professional sports team in the world. It is committed to improving the lives of the next generation of Texans by utilizing strategic resources in order to make a measurable community impact among Houston’s youth. The Houston Texans Foundation has partnered with the YMCA to build the Houston Texans YMCA, the first ever YMCA center named after a professional sports team. Through this exciting new partnership the Houston Texans Foundation will be able to continue to administer programs that promote leadership, integrity and character.

About Reliant Energy: Reliant Energy, Inc. (NYSE:RRI) based in Houston, provides electricity and energy services to retail and wholesale customers in the United States. The company provides service to approximately 1.8 million retail electricity customers primarily in Texas, including residential and small business customers. Reliant also serves commercial, industrial, governmental and institutional customers in Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.

The company is one of the largest independent power producers in the nation with more than 14,000 megawatts of power generation capacity across the United States. These strategically located generating assets use natural gas, fuel oil and coal. For more information, visit http://www.reliant.com/investors. Reliant routinely posts all important information on its Web site.