HOUSTON, TX (June 18) – – Taxis Fiesta and Yellow Cab, Houston’s only computer-dispatched taxi fleets, have announced the recipients of the 5th annual company scholarships. The ten $1,500 scholarship awards may be used for college or technical school training and are awarded to the dependents of independent contractor drivers and employees at Taxis Fiesta and Yellow Cab. The drivers and employees themselves are also eligible. Applications are judged based upon applicants’ essays, transcripts and financial needs.

Roman Martinez, President of Taxis Fiesta, said, “We are so impressed with the level of commitment the recipients have demonstrated toward achieving their goals.”

“We are deeply committed to supporting education, especially the education of young people in our community,” said Raymond Turner, President of Yellow Cab. “Over the years, our scholarship program has helped further the education of dozens of kids whose parents are independent contractor drivers or employees at our company.”

This year’s scholarship recipients are listed below.

Menma Anene will enter his freshman year at Texas Southern University this fall, where he will major in engineering and computer science. The Southwest Houston resident plans to pursue a master’s degree.  He is the son of Kafomdi Anene, who has supported his family for 21 years as an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab.

Devon Tyrone Wade is entering his junior year at Louisiana State University, where he is majoring in criminology and sociology.  Devon, whose family resides in Houston’s north loop area, also received the company’s scholarship award last year. His career goal is to become an FBI Special Agent. David’s grandfather, Clyde, has been an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab for more than two decades.

Amanda Saucedo is the daughter of Leon Saucedo, a veteran independent contractor driver of 18 years at Taxis Fiesta. Amanda lives in the Greenspoint area and is entering her third semester at the University of Houston, where she is an education major with a focus on early childhood through sixth grade. This is Amanda’s second year to receive the company’s scholarship award.

Jonathan Edjeren’s long-term goal is to become a lawyer. Jonathan lives in Alief. He is currently studying paralegal technology at Houston Community College.  Jonathan’s father, Ray, has been an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab for more than 10 years.

Michelle Vana is the daughter of William Vana, who has been an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab for 11 years. Michelle is studying electrical engineering at Texas A&M. Her family lives in Cy-Fair.

Sabriya Clark is the daughter of Jacqueline Fusulier, an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab. Sabriya graduated this year from Elkins High School in Fort Bend County and has been accepted to the pre-pharmacy program at Lamar University.

Mohamad Ibrahim is an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab. He is a student at Houston Community College where he is studying automotive technology.

Natiana DeLaCruz is a student at San Jacinto College, pursuing her degree as a paralegal. She is married to Jose Rodriquez, Jr. who works in the company’s body shop. The couple resides in Houston’s north loop area.

Matt Packman has recently graduated from Spring High School and will attend Lonestar Montgomery College this fall. His father is Body Shop Manager Jerome Packman, an employee of four years.

Brian Dyer is the son of employee Victoria Dyer. The family lives in Klein. Brian is majoring in business at the University of Houston and hopes to one day own a sports-related business.