project excellence (education program)

Project Excellence is an education program created for students from middle school to college. We host educational workshops, tutoring, and events that raise money for scholarships, school supplies, and prom/graduation sponsorships. We were also to host our first college trip in March 2024.

For more information on this program, please contact Shariese Martin at shariesem@thetroubledmovement.org.

5k for education walk

Our annual "5K for Education" Walk allows us to raise money for scholarships to high school juniors and seniors that are preparing for their upcoming college career. See some of 5K pictures below.

The “Dennis Stoot SCHOLARSHIP”

Dennis Stoot was born to Mildred & Felix Stoot in Houston, Texas on March 25, 1970. He was not only the Godfather to our organization's Founder, Maranda Evans, but her role model, teacher, and protector. From elementary school to college, Dennis was an academic scholar and football player. He attended Lamar High School and received a full scholarship to University of Houston. Even after an injury that caused Dennis to hang up his football jersey, he continued to excel academically. 

Dennis Stoot passed away due to heart failure on September 25, 2007. The Troubled Movement has created a scholarship in his honor to celebrate the wisdom and knowledge he instilled while he was here. May his legacy live on through thousands of students and academic scholars  to come.

2023-2024 Scholarship Winner

Jeremiah Drayton, a 17-year-old budding artist and entrepreneur. A vibrant youth with a profound love for the stroke of the pencil and the power of words, that leads him to spend his days immersed in a world of creativity and imagination. His passion for drawing isn't confined to a mere hobby; it's an extension of his soul. His sketches and journals breathe life into a fantasy realm for the characters that he conjures up in his mind. This creativity also spills over into his writing, where he can quickly craft stories that blend the everyday with the extraordinary, often drawing inspiration from the comic books that he cherishes. These tales are reflective of his thoughts, dreams, and the rich tapestry of his heritage.

Jeremiah’s entrepreneurial spirit is nurtured by his involvement in the family crafting business. Co-owning this business with his family allows me to bring my creative flair and innovation to the table, helping to shape the business direction and offerings. This role isn't just a job; it's a testament to his commitment to not only his family, but their collective dream.

While on the cusp of adulthood, he is thankful that my parents nurtured my passion for creative writing and art. His journey shows the importance of grounding oneself in family and community. “As I look into the future, I'm ready to take on the world, one drawing, one story, and one business venture at a time.”

2022-2023 Scholarship Winner

Andrea Sanchez-Evans is a junior at George Washington Carver High School in Houston, TX. She is looking forward to continuing her education and studying real estate and cosmetology. Andrea plans to start her own nonprofit, Art for Underprivileged Youth. She loves horseback riding, going to church, and hanging with her friends and family.

2021-2022 Scholarship Winner

Rashonda Sanchez-Evans is a junior at George Washington Carver High School in the Aldine Independent School District located in Houston, TX. She is looking forward to furthering her education by attending a four-year university and studying social work. She hopes to become a guiding light in the lives of parents and children’s lives within the system. Rashonda loves attending church, spending time with her family, and putting together unique and fashionable outfits! She gives thanks to God and her mother, Christina.

2018-19 Scholarship Winners

First Place Winner

Kendalyn Robinson is a 17-year old senior at Stafford High School. In the Fall of 2019, Kendalyn plans to attend Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. She is involved in JROTC as the Officer of Operations, Delta Gems, church-related ministries such as Naomi's Example (NExT), Girl Scouts, Youth Choir, Visions of Faith, and J.A.M. Puppet Ministry. Kendalyn is a proud mentee of The Troubled Movement, with President Maranda Evans serving as her Mentor. In her spare time, Kendalyn enjoys writing poetry.

Second Place Winner

Jasmine Carmon is 18 years old and attends John Eheret High School. She is also an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate. As for school extracurriculars, she is a part of the National Honor Society. Outside of school she participates in: Junior Daughters, altar serving, lectoring during church mass, the CCD program, youth group, and as an animal shelter volunteer. The college she will be attending this fall is the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 

2017-18 Scholarship Winner

First Place Winner

Lauryn Montez is a senior at Carver High School. She is currently the Senior Class Treasurer and serves as an Officer for the Carver Dance Company, and Secretary for both the Business Professionals of America and Academic Decathlon organizations. Lauryn is involved with the Speech and Debate team and competed in the UIL for engineering in Computer Applications. In her spare time, she is most likely making music edits for performances or spending time with family. Despite her extraneous schedule, Lauryn makes it a priority to attend church three times a week because it gives her the mental and spiritual guidance she needs to continue to let her light shine in the world by following the advice of one of her favorite scriptures, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10).

College Applications: Clark Atlanta University

Why is education important? 

"Education is important because it is the freedom to your dreams. Education allows you to accomplish the unimaginable." - Lauryn Montez

Congratulations Lauryn on winning First Place in the annual L.E.N.S Scholarship Contest!

Second Place Winner

Asahele Benford is a 16-year old resident of Houston, TX. While her aspirations in life are to become an Obstetrician Gynecologist, track is her passion. Asahele is involved in many organizations such as Health Occupations Students of America, Queens of Tomorrow, and Student Council at Klein High School where she is currently in the 11th grade. One interesting fact about her is she owns her own clothing line, Eco1947, were there focus is spreading positive messages and empowerment to youth.

College Applications: Barry University

Why is education important?

"I think education is important because it is the key to success." - Asahele Benford

Congratulations Asahele on winning Second Place in the annual L.E.N.S Scholarship Contest!

“Adopt A Senior” Sponsorship

Amid the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, The Troubled Movement began the “Adopt a Senior” sponsorship for graduating seniors (May 2020). Seniors were given a chance to win high school memorabilia, gift cards, and decorations/supplies for their dorm room after submitting their college information and a short summary of why they should be selected for our sponsorship. This sponsorship will continue to be a part of our Education Program.

Below is a picture of our 2020 winner, Cayron LaGrone, a graduate of Klein Forest High School who will be attending Prairie View A&M University. Alongside her is our President, Maranda Evans and Vice President, Christian Simmons.