Howard Payne University students Brenna Douthit and Samantha Molina were named the 2024 Yellow Rose Scholarship recipients by the HPU Women’s Club. Both were honored at the annual Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon alongside Barbara Grooms ’59, this year’s Yellow Rose Award winner. 

“It was so special to recognize these three ladies at the luncheon,” shared Melinda Hines, HPU first lady and president of the Women’s Club. “Each of them represents the values of HPU so well and would never seek out attention or praise. I’m glad we got to celebrate them in this way.”

Douthit is a sophomore from Waxahachie majoring in nursing. She is a member of the women’s soccer team and serves on the Student Activities Council, which helps plan campus events for students. She also enjoys being involved at her home church, helping with music and working with the youth and children’s ministries.

Molina is a sophomore from El Paso majoring in business administration and music education. She is involved in the music, children’s and youth ministries at her home church, and leads worship on the HPU El Paso Center worship team. Upon graduation, Samantha hopes to continue to serve the Lord and her community through music. She also is the first student from HPU’s El Paso Center to be named a Yellow Rose Scholarship recipient.

Grooms has been connected to HPU her entire life, having grown up near campus. She earned her bachelor’s degree from HPU in 1959. Grooms served 25 years as secretary for First Baptist Church, Brownwood, where she had many opportunities to get to know HPU students. She and her husband, Dwayne, continue to be faithful members of the church. In 2011 she was named HPU’s Coming Home Queen. She also supported her husband as he served on the university’s Board of Trustees.

This year’s keynote speaker was Lesley Wyse ’72. She has remained a dedicated HPU alumna, returning to campus for events, maintaining connections with fellow classmates and serving as a member of HPU’s Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2023. She and her husband, Jody ’71, are members at First Baptist Church Boerne, where they have served in various capacities over the years.

The Yellow Rose Endowed Scholarship currently provides scholarships for two students, thanks to generous support from the HPU family and the community. The luncheon, a tradition that began 19 ago by the HPU Women’s Club, is the primary fundraiser for the scholarship.

This year’s Diamond level sponsors were Mr. David and Wendy Grooms. Gold level sponsors were Bangs Flower and Gift Shop; Mr. Neal and Mrs. Sharon Guthrie; Hendrick Medical Center, Brownwood; Dr. Cory and Mrs. Melinda Hines; Mrs. Mary Johnson; Mr. Woody and Mrs. Miki Martin; Mr. Ben and Mrs. Bertha Mieth; Robnett Integra Insurance Services; and Texas Goldstar Real Estate. Blue level sponsors were Ann Jones Real Estate; Mrs. Emily Attaway; Chick-fil-A of Brownwood; Citizens National Bank; Mrs. Kaye Cummings and Ms. Nelda Carpenter; Good Samaritan Ministries; Mrs. Joy Ivy; Dr. Ben and Mrs. Ashley Martin; Mrs. Jane Rodgers; Mr. Paul and Mrs. Lynda Waldrop; W.A.Y. Summit; Dr. Julie Welker; and Mr. Jody and Mrs. Lesley Wyse.

Those interested in joining the HPU Women’s Club can visit www.hputx.edu/womensclub.