At their most recent meeting, the Plano Early LIONS Club (P.E.L.C.) awarded three scholarships, each worth $1000 initially, but renewable each year with a maximum value of $4000 for each student. Two scholarships were given in the name of former club members. The third was the Plano Early LIONS Club Academic Scholarship.
The LION John Hightower Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of John Hightower who was a long time member of Plano Early LIONS Club, as well as a noted educator in the Plano Independent School District. Mr. Hightower started his career in Plano by teaching math and science and coaching basketball at the formerly all-black Frederick Douglass School. He became the principal four years later. In 1974 Mr. Hightower became the first black person to be named Plano Citizen of the Year.
Throughout his career Mr. Hightower touched the lives of students in many capacities. This included serving as a counselor in special services department and coordinator of ethnic relations prior to his retirement. He retired in 1986. The school district named him as one of its 100 heroes in 1999. Hightower Elementary is named in his honor.
The PDG Rex Coppedge Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of Rex Coppedge who was a LIONS District Governor. Rex worked for Charles E. Merrill Publishing Company in Dallas beginning in 1963. He sold textbooks to Texas schools and seven other states. Mr. Coppedge was a member of the Constantine Masonic Lodge in Bonham, Texas. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Plano where he was a member of the Porter Class. The church and the Lions Club meant a great amount to Mr. Coppedge. The laity of the North Texas Conference elected Rex to the Jurisdictional Conference. He was a Charter member of the Plano Early Lions Club. During his time with the Lions Club, Rex served those less fortunate for twenty-five years.
Jovita Bello was awarded the LION John Hightower Memorial Scholarship. Jovita will attend the University of North Texas where she plans a science major with an ultimate goal of becoming a doctor. Jovita is a graduate of Plano East Senior High who was active in community service activities, including volunteering at Samaritan Inn homeless shelter, and teacher assistant for the kindergarten religious class at St. Mark’s Evangelist church. She seeks to continue her education so she can better help others. One of Jovita’s dreams is to become a gynecologist or obstetrician. After graduation, she wants to be able to take care of her mother and help relieve her mother’s financial burdens.
Randall Reams was awarded the PDG Rex Coppedge Memorial Scholarship. While a 
student at Plano Senior High, Randall was active in several volunteer activities. He helped setup and manage March for Respect, tutored children with disabilities, and helped with school carnivals. Outside of school, he worked with the YMCA raising funds to buy food for families in need. Randall is a member of the National Honor Society, and varsity swim team.
In the fall, Randall will attend Texas A&M where he plans to major in aerospace engineering. He sees himself going to graduate school after he obtains his Bachelor’s degree. Ultimately, he would like to work for a major aerospace company, such as Boeing, NASA, or Lockheed Martin.
Jung (James) Lee was awarded the P.E.L.C. 2007-2008 Academic Scholarship. James, as he prefers to be called, attended Plano East Senior High. During his high school years, James has been involved with many science and math clubs and contests. He founded LASER/Engineering Club. His accomplishments include placing in the top 5% in the American Invitation Mathematics Exam, and, on his own initiative, entering and placing in the top 400 nationwide for the AAPT US Physics Team 2008 contest. He also volunteered at the Museum of Nature & Science in Dallas, where he preformed simple science experiments for museum visitors.
James will attend University of Texas at Austin in the fall. He plans to study Chemical Engineering and Computer Science as an undergraduate. In graduate school, he would like to obtain a M.B.A. in management.
Comments about John Hightower originated on web site http://www.hightowerpta.org/john_freeman_hightower.htm
Comments about Rex Coppedge originated on web site http://www.turrentinejacksonmorrow.com/detail.php?id=3226
