Cody Stephens Foundation receives support from North Shore Rotary; fundraiser planned

North Shore Rotary presents a check for $6500 to Melody and Scott Stephens

NORTH SHORE – The Rotary Club of North Shore made several check presentations at their last luncheon meeting, to show their support for community activities in East Harris County.

Included in the awards were a check to the Cody Stephens Foundation for $6500, to pay for ECG screenings for pre-participation high school athletes; a check for $11,000 to San Jacinto College North, for partial tuition for high school students that have been taking dual-credit college courses with their normal high school classes, at Crosby, Channelview, Galena Park, Holy Trinity, and Sheldon high schools; and a check for $1200 to the VA Hospital Hospitality Fund, awarded through the Crosby American Legion Post #658.

“These awards,” said Rotary president Matt Davis, “demonstrate our commitment to student safety, education, and our veterans’ needs.”

In accepting the check, Scott Stephens spoke about the need for pre-participation ECG screenings for high school athletes. After the death of his son Cody from an undiagnosed heart condition, Scott became aware of the large numbers of athletes nationwide that have died from heart abnormalities that were not known beforehand. He vowed to help change this condition, and established the foundation to help pay for ECG pre-participation screenings, and he embarked on a speaking and appearance schedule to make people aware of the problem, and the solution.

To date, 800 athletes at Crosby ISD, and 500 at Galena Park have been screened, with other districts interested or also participating.

Funds from the Foundation have been committed or dispersed to:

Crosby ISD

Channelview ISD

Industrial ISD

LaPorte ISD

Bryan ISD (2 high schools)

Beaumont ISD (3 high schools)

Pearland ISD (2 high schools)

Conroe ISD (5 high schools)

Galena Park (2 high schools).

A Barbecue Fund Raiser is planned in Crosby, on Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. A raffle for a new cooker will be held, as well as a dance, auction, and dinner.

Stephens plans on continuing his fundraising and campaign to provide screening for athletes.

MECA Scholarships

Also receiving a check, for $11,000 was San Jacinto College North, to pay for partial tuition for students that are taking dual credit courses, and will get college credit and an Associate degree when they graduate from high school. They will then be able to continue in a 4 year college, entering as a Junior, said Dr. Allitia Harris, president of San Jacinto College North, and president elect of the North Shore Rotary club. Director Jennifer Mowdy reported that 30 students graduated this year in the program, including 11 from Crosby graduating this year, and 7 next year. MECA stands for Modified Early College Academy.

VA Hospitality

Also receiving a check for $1200 was the American Legion McNerney Post #658 in Crosby, who will use the money to fund a hospitality welcome suite at the VA Hospital in Houston. American Legion commander Bob Boyles said this makes visiting veterans and their families more comfortable and feel welcome as they wait for their medical procedures at the VA facility.