HOUSTON, TX (June 29) – – Yellow Cab and Taxis Fiesta, Houston’s only computer-dispatched taxi fleets, have announced the recipients of the 4th annual company scholarships. The twelve $1,500 scholarship awards may be used for college or technical school training and are awarded to the children of independent contractor drivers at Yellow Cab and Yellow Cab employees. The drivers and employees themselves are also eligible. Applications are judged based upon applicants’ essays, transcripts and financial needs.

“Education is essential to reaching one’s full personal and professional potential,” said Robert Rugg, President of Yellow Cab. “It is gratifying to give back to the independent contractor drivers and employees by helping them and their children pursue their dreams.” Roman Martinez, President of Taxis Fiesta, added, “We are proud to support the education of such promising and hard working people.” Here is a brief look at some of this year’s recipients:

Kantoa K Anene is currently a student at University of Texas at San Antonio, majoring in architecture.  He is the son of Kafomoi Anene, who has supported his family for 19 years as an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab.

Olufikayo Adewunmi is the daughter of Dele Adewunmi, an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab for more than 5 years. She is on track to graduate in May 2009 with a degree in nursing from Texas Women's University and plans to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Amanda Saucedo is the daughter of Leon Saucedo, a veteran independent contractor driver of 18 years at Taxis Fiesta. Amanda recently earned her associate's degree from Lone Star College - North Harris. She has been accepted to the University of Houston, where she will major in education. She plans to be a bilingual teacher.

Isabelle Rowdon is the daughter of William Rowdon, who has been an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab for more than seven years. A graduate of Lamar High School, Isabelle attends the University of Texas at Austin with a dual major in Spanish and human biology.

Michael Moscatello is the son of Joseph "Mosco" Moscatello, who has worked as a body man in the GHTC automotive shop 28 years. Michael is majoring in kinesiology at Hendrix College in Arkansas. A graduate of Lamar High School and a second year GHTC scholarship recipient, Michael's goal is to become a basketball coach.

Kevin James Packman is majoring in Animal Science at Blinn College and Texas A&M University. The 2007 graduate of Spring High School is the son of Jerome Packman, Jr. who has worked in the GHTC body shop for 3 years. This is his second year to receive a Yellow Cab and Taxis Fiesta scholarship.

David Paul Hanrath is studying business administration at Texas State University. His father is Paul Hanrath, who has been an independent contractor driver at our fleet for 16 years.

Nicholas Tallent is the grandson of Bobbie Tallent, who is an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab. Nicholas aspires to be a graphic designer and will be a student at a New York art school this summer.

Clyde Lyons has been an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab for more than 20 years. He is the grandfather of two scholarship recipients: Devon Tyrone Wade is studying criminology and African-American Studies at Louisiana State University. Devon's career goal is to become an FBI Special Agent. Stevon Wade is studying automotive body and collision repair at San Jacinto College. He hopes to someday open his own collision repair shop. Stevon works as a tire technician at Firestone.

Chefren Sebit became an independent contractor driver at Greater Houston Airport Taxi about three years ago. He is studying engineering technology at the University of Houston and is on track to graduate in May 2009.

Ange Kayumba is majoring in engineering at the University of Houston, with a focus on the manufacturing process. He became an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab about two years ago.

About Yellow Cab

Yellow Cab is Houston’s only computer dispatched taxi fleet.  With more than 1,200 independent contractor-operated cabs in the Houston area, Yellow Cab’s taxi service is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.  All cabs are equipped with digital cameras as well as Global Positioning Systems.  For more information, visit www.yellowcabhouston.com.