Brenda Tran Among Honorees At 13th Annual Vietnamese-American Youth Excellence Program
The past several months have been rather hectic for the Brenda Tran. The recent Valedictorian of Dobie High School has been honored by several groups, winning scholarships.
The list is most impressive: Walter B. Smith Jr. Undergraduate Scholarship, Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Association Scholarship, RMHC/ASIA Scholarship, Dell Scholars, Thelma Maresh Scholarship, Jesse and Mary Gibbs Jones Scholarship, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Metropolitan Scholarship, Primeway Credit Union Scholarship, TSHA Scholarship and Texas Exes Houston Chapter Scholarship.
Born in Houston, she received Superior Plus (highest honor possible) rating for piano solos and concerts for six consecutive years. Ms. Tran served on the math club, science club, Spanish club, debate team member and as National Honor Society and Latin Club Vice President. Twice Brenda was elected by her fellow students as the class treasurer.
Brenda completed numerous honors college courses while in high school, receiving enough credits to almost be considered a sophomore at the University of Texas.
She volunteered at shelters for domestic violence, helped the homeless and collected canned goods for the hungry. Brenda also mentored elementary students, built their playgrounds, volunteered with the indigent at Hermann Hospital and worked in medical billing.
“I’ve always had the drive in me to do my best at all I do. If I start something, to me I shouldn’t do it if I’m not willing to work hard in putting my all into being the best. That is what I learned from my parents, family and community,” said Brenda, who attributes the fortitude forged into her by her mother and father for her success despite their having never studied at a university.
The highlight will be this Sunday at Kim Son Ballroom in Bellaire where Brenda and several other recent valedictorians and salutatorians will be honored at the VCSA 12th Youth Excellence Recognition Luncheon.
“My parents were born in Vietnam. My mother completed Dobie High School and then earned a degree at San Jacinto Junior College. My father came to Houston as a child with two sisters that he was responsible to support,” Brenda said.
