April 25, 2025
Howard Payne University students Kayla Kirk, Lydia Sweet and Alexia Uribe were recipients of the 2025 Yellow Rose Scholarship presented by the HPU Women’s Club. All three were honored at the annual Yellow Rose Scholarship Luncheon on April 24, alongside this year’s Yellow Rose Award winner Wanda Jackson.
“It was an honor to recognize these amazing women and what the Lord has done through their lives,” shared Melinda Hines, HPU first lady and president of the Women’s Club. “Each honoree demonstrates servant leadership through their interactions with others. They also embody the core values of HPU. I’m thankful for the generosity of so many people who make this luncheon possible and the continued impact through the Yellow Rose Scholarship.”
Kirk is a double major in allied health sciences and Christian education, with an emphasis in ministry leadership from Granbury. She is a resident assistant in Veda Hodge Hall, a referee for intramurals and a youth small group leader at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church. Upon graduation, Kirk plans on pursuing a career as the Women’s Director at Pine Cove or continuing her education by attending graduate school for physical therapy.
Sweet is an allied health science major from Rosenberg. She attends Rocky Creek Baptist Church where she is active on Sunday mornings in the service and helping with the Kindergarten Sunday school class. She is president and founder of HPU’s craft organization, The Hobby Hive, works in the biology department lab as a teacher’s assistant, and is active in Women to Women. Upon graduation, she plans to attend graduate school for prosthetics and orthotics, complete her residency and become licensed and certified.
Uribe is a social work major with a minor in Spanish from Crowley. She currently attends Coggin Avenue Baptist Church where she is active on Sunday mornings and in the college ministry, Genuine. She is a student worker in the Advancement office, a member of Pi Theta Chi and the secretary for the Student Association of Social Work (SASW). She volunteers at the domestic abuse shelter, The Ark, through her sorority, the Immigration Law Office of Natalia Lopez and in the community through various organizations. Upon graduation, Uribe plans on pursuing a master’s degree in social work and plans on pursuing a career as an immigration social worker.
Jackson was born and raised in Dallas. She met her future husband, Richard, in seventh grade and the two began dating in high school. They have been together for more than 70 years. The couple served in churches in Bangs, May, Bluff Dale, Cleburne, Sulphur Springs, Phoenix, Arizona and through 20 interim pastorates. In addition to her role as mother and pastor’s wife, Jackson also taught Sunday school, Girls in Action and young adult women. Jackson has a deep love for HPU and has supported the university, alongside her husband, in many ways through the years. The Jacksons are active members of First Baptist Church of Brownwood. They have three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The Yellow Rose Endowed Scholarship currently provides scholarships for three students, thanks to generous support from the HPU family and the community. The luncheon, a tradition that began 20 years ago by the HPU Women’s Club, is the primary fundraiser for the scholarship.
This year’s Diamond level sponsors were Mr. Ronnie and Mrs. Teri Andrews, Mr. David and Wendy Grooms and Mr. Woody and Mrs. Miki Martin. Gold level sponsors were Bangs Flower and Gift Shop; Mr. Neal and Mrs. Sharon Guthrie; Dr. Cory and Mrs. Melinda Hines; Mr. Ben and Mrs. Bertha Mieth; and Ricky Ray Photography. Blue level sponsors were Ann Jones Real Estate; Mrs. Emily Attaway; Dr. Paul and Mrs. Virginia Butler; Citizens National Bank; Mrs. Kaye Cummings and Ms. Nelda Carpenter; Hendrick Medical Center; Mrs. Joy Ivy; Dr. Richard and Mrs. Wanda Jackson; Mrs. Mary Johnson; Dr. Kalie Lowrie and Dr. Shannon Sims; Dr. Ben and Mrs. Ashley Martin; Dr. Nathan and Mrs. Kristina Penland; Robnett Insuance Agency; Mrs. Leesa Stephens; Texas Goldstar Real Estate; Dr. Evelyn Romig and Dr. Julie Welker; and W.A.Y. Summit.
Those interested in joining the HPU Women’s Club can visit www.hputx.edu/womensclub.
