Venisha Harmon, a senior at Robert E. Lee High School, has been named a winner in the “Because History Matters” scholarship program, sponsored by Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods. Harmon will receive a $2,000 scholarship for her original essay about Maya Angelou’s impact on history and on her personally.

More than $25,000 in scholarships were awarded to a diverse group of students in the three states where Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods operate stores (Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas). Awards ranged from $1,000 to $3,000. Recipients were selected based on the content of their essay, along with their academic achievement, financial need and demonstration of leadership (including awards, achievements, extracurricular activities and community service).

All recipients must be enrolled in a junior college, four-year institution or an accredited technical college by fall 2017.

“We were thrilled with the overwhelming response from applicants and feel honored to have read so many stories that celebrate our nation’s rich history and signal a bright future with these students,” said Brett Brewer, Director of Community Involvement for Brookshire Grocery Co. “Brookshire Grocery Company is proud to recognize these recipients for their accomplishments as students, athletes, volunteers, and as current and future leaders, and we see these awards as a wonderful capstone to our recognition of Black History Month.”

Graduating high school seniors in Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods’ market areas with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher were eligible to apply.