Hope shone bright at the River Oaks Country Club, where more than 60 high school students gathered for the Brighter Futures Awards Banquet, each vying for scholarship support through The Salvation Army’s Youth of the Year Scholarship Program.

Chaired by Youth of the Year Ambassador Merele Yarborough, the March 6 evening honored student achievement and community generosity in equal measure. Yarborough extended thanks to H-E-B for serving as the evening’s presenting sponsor, and a round of applause went to every donor who has helped fuel a program that’s raised more than $3 million over nearly two decades.

The spotlight also turned to Houston philanthropist and business leader Charles Roff, who was recognized for his steadfast commitment to the mission. A former chair of The Salvation Army’s Boys and Girls Clubs Advisory Council and current member of its Advisory Board, Roff has supported the organization’s evolution, which is now home to six Red Shield Youth Centers across the city.

Founded by board member Judi McGee, the Youth of the Year Scholarship Program has awarded more than 400 scholarships to students ages 12 to 18, many of whom are first-generation college attendees.

As Frances Howard and Mary Sage explained, the program changes lives. With each scholarship awarded, a new chapter begins not only for the students, but for their families and communities as well.

Judges for the 2024 competition included a who’s who of community advocates and Salvation Army collaborationleaders. Among them were Vicki West, Ralph Burch, Sidney Faust, Susan Binney, Debby Leighton, John Hrncir, Maureen Higdon, Tamara Bonar, and Dr. Jim Bonar.