FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 13, 2026
Gulf Coast Blood Awards $60,000 in Scholarships to 43 Students
HOUSTON, Texas — Houston-area students are helping build the next generation of blood donors, and Gulf Coast Blood is recognizing their service through scholarships. Gulf Coast Blood has awarded $60,000 in Commit for Life Scholarships to 43 graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to serving their communities.
This year, the scholarship program received 335 applications from students across the Greater Houston area. The annual scholarship recognizes students whose high schools participate in the Commit for Life high school blood donation program, which encourages lifesaving blood donations while fostering a culture of community service.
The scholarship program recognizes students who have helped build a culture of blood donation in their schools while encouraging civic engagement and community service beyond graduation.
“Every day, our blood donors make a lifesaving difference for patients across the communities we serve,” said Esmeralda Ancelmo-Walker, Director of Donor Recruitment. “Giving back is at the heart of Gulf Coast Blood’s mission. Through the Commit for Life Scholarship, we’re proud to extend that impact by investing in students who’ve demonstrated leadership, academic achievement, and a passion for giving back. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier future for our
community.”
The Commit for Life Scholarship program is one of the many ways Gulf Coast Blood partners with local schools to encourage volunteerism and invest in the next generation of leaders. Since its inception, the program has helped students achieve their educational goals while reinforcing the lifesaving impact of blood donation.
Congratulations to:
- Alexa Barrda of iSchool High of The Woodlands
- Lindsey Pruit of Porter High School
- Grace Munoz of North Houston Early College High School
- Celia Maldonado of Sam Houston MSTC High School
- Marthalu Torres of Sam Houston MSTC High School
- Katie Phan of Alief Kerr High School
- Reagan Horne of Bellville High School
- Trinity Sarah Chidi Ervin of Foster High School
- Ethan Tun of Obra D. Tompkins High School
- Madeleine Ava Trujillo of Travis B. Bryan High School
- Olivia Elizabeth Valdez of Snook High School
- Alison Richard of Cypress Christian School
- Keya Joshi of Harmony School of Discovery - Houston
- Deven Villegas of Harmony School of Discovery - Houston
- Mallory Thornton of Hudson High School
- Lisa Minh Le of Channelview High School
- Ashley Lopez of Cleveland High School
- Hector Gonzalez of Crosby High School
- Callie Scheffler of Hardin High School
- Chanell Hernandez of Milby High School
- Ashley Hernandez of Yes Prep East End
- Kevin Cobos of Yes Prep East End
- Ashley Arrington of Hastings High School
- Katherine Hamilton of Stratford High School
- Melody Ziaee of Clear Lake High School
- Thomas Matthew Paniagua of Sweeny High School
- Brittany Guerrero of Spring Woods High School
- Ariana Ochoa of Spring Woods High School
- Leena Jayne Miller of Spring Woods High School
- Surie Segura of Waltrip High School
- Jose Francisco Mendoza Jr. of Brazoswood High School
- Alexandria Tummins of Columbia High School
- Luis Garcia Arriaza of Columbia High School
- Avimael Molina of University of Houston
- Dana Mora Hurtado of Jones Futures Academy
- Jaelynn Joseph of Madison Senior High School
- Sanai Babineaux of Pearland High School
- Gustavo Adrian Chagnay of Pearland High School
- Chloe White of Shadow Creek High School
- Jonah Etheridge of Shadow Creek High School
- Logan Jackson of Anderson-Shiro High School
- Brayden Coker of Coldspring-Oakhurst High School
- Kayde Thomas Dreher of Iola High School
Gulf Coast Blood encourages other students and schools to get involved by becoming Commit for Life partners, hosting blood drives and inspiring the next generation of lifesaving community leaders. Visit giveblood.org/programs/cfl-scholarship to learn more.
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About Gulf Coast Blood
Gulf Coast Blood is a leading nonprofit blood center and biotherapies organization serving Greater Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and surrounding regions. As the area’s only 24/7 blood provider, it supplies lifesaving products to more than 170 hospitals and healthcare facilities across 26 counties. With an expanded mission focused on donor experience, innovation, and community impact, Gulf Coast Blood is advancing its role as a center of excellence in blood banking, biotherapies, and patient-centered care. Through industry expertise and strong community partnerships, the organization continues to lead efforts that strengthen the healthcare system and save lives across the Gulf Coast region.