Sunday, December 4, 2011




Galvestonians Aid African Science Scholars


A small group of African girls with a talent for science will receive full scholarships next year thanks to the generosity of local Galvestonians.
The girls, all orphans ages 14-17, are secondary schools students in the East African nation of Tanzania.


The program, now in its second year, is organized by African Childrens Haven, a Galveston non-profit that supports projects that help African kids lead healthier, more productive lives.

“We receive support from around the country, but are especially grateful for the contributions of our neighbors here in Galveston,” says Linda Ercole-Musso the organization’s board chair.

The project recently received a $1,000 contribution from Beverly and John Frannea in memory of their daughter, Andrea Hufstedler Walker (see photo above and box below). The donation is slated to be matched by a donation from the Exxon-Mobil Foundation.
“The funds -- $2.000 in all -- will support two of our scholars in 2012,” says Ercole-Musso. “The contributions we receive from Galvestonians have really helped the program flourish,” she adds.

Other Galveston supporters include Winkie and Jerry Mohn; Susan, Robert and Harris Lynch; the Kempner Foundation; Cheri Ray; Ritchie Adoue; Sharon Gillens; Maggie Fuller; Joy Gilcrease; Elizabeth Lanier; Deb Naremore; Celia Padnos; Pam Rice; Marilyn Shultz; Cathy Stoval; Stephanie Thomas; Kellianne Vallee; Courtney Walker as well as business supporters Galveston Computer Solutions and Galveston.com.


Andrea Hufstedler Walker, 1965 - 2010

Andrea Walker was a pilot and flight instructor who gave up flying when her first child was born. Her mother, Galveston resident Bev Frannea, says Andy never lost her spirit of adventure. “She loved sky-diving and traveling, valued cultural exchanges and taught her children to appreciate people. “Andrea, the mother of four, would have loved the fact that her memory is being honored through African Childrens Haven Science scholarship program. She and her husband owned a vacation home in Pirates Beach and were long-time residents of Monteverde, Costa Rica.