First-rate Lowe Young Scholars program to unveil its second class

(Published Sunday, July 8, 2007 in Examiner-Enterprise)

The second class from the Lowe Family Young Scholars program is set to be unveiled on Saturday, July 14, during a special reception on the Oklahoma Wesleyan University campus.

The latest class will include nine students and their mentors, all of whom are expected to attend the reception in the Haltom Center in the middle of the scenic OWU campus. An estimated 60 people will be on hand in all.

The Lowe Family Young Scholars program has a goal of helping motivated, yet less fortunate students meet their goal of attending college. The program was established by Bartlesville Board of Education president Barry W. Lowe and his wife, Karen.

To be eligible for the program, students must currently attend – or have attended – Jane Phillips Elementary School . Several other factors are examined including the student's scholastic standing as well as their general conduct. As part of the program, mentoring is done from the fifth through the 12 th grade, and general assistance is provided where necessary in a number of areas.

As each student enters the program, he or she is matched with an individual mentor.

The Lowe Family Young Scholars program is made possible thanks in part to OWU and Oklahoma State University , both of which have provided matching funds. Kelsey Bridges received the first ever Lowe Family Young Scholars scholarship earlier this year. Having graduated from Bartlesville High School in May, she will attend OSU this fall as a pre-med major.

“I have worked hard all through high school, setting goals and preparing myself to be accepted into college,” said Kelsey, a former Jane Phillips Elementary student, of earning the scholarship.

“What a blessing God has given our family.”

Seven students were part of the first-ever Lowe Family Young Scholars program, which was spotlighted during the 2006-07 academic year. The group included Central Middle School 's Thomas Bridges, Tyrell Ashley, Danielle Hines and Destony Tucker, Jane Phillips Elementary's Brenna Ratliff and David Turinetti, and Bridges.

David spoke during a Lowe Family Young Scholars program reception in January. Though he isn't scheduled to begin his sixth-grade year until this fall, David, who is the oldest of seven children, already feels a sense of responsibility.

“Everything I do influences the six others,” he said during the engagement. “If I'm excited about college – planning for college and talking about college – then they will see college as a possibility in their future, too.

“The Lowe Family Young Scholars program has given me hope for college.”

Though just in its second year, the program is off to a fantastic start. It has generated nearly $450,000 in endowments which will no doubt work wonders for some special young people. Those students who are in the program will have their choice of attending either OWU or OSU.

The program's first class was revealed during a special gathering which was held on Aug. 8 at Jane Phillips Elementary School . Several parents, teachers, friends and family members were on hand for the event. While those seven students saw their hard work in the classroom pay off in the form of acceptance into the program, their diligence didn't stop there. The group undertook a volunteer project last fall, helping out with the Fantasyland of Lights, an annual Christmas display in Johnstone Park .

During Saturday's event, which is set to begin at 8 a.m., the nine students who make up the second class of the Lowe Family Young Scholars program will be recognized with special certificates. It's comforting to know that the Lowes – Barry W. and Karen – recognize the fact that with a little attention and assistance, our young people can achieve some special things.