Fiesta is known as the party with a purpose, but for two mothers this Fiesta, they are turning their pain into a purpose.
Their two daughters Khadija Derry and Aujayna Williams were best friends. They both died at a month apart at the age of 22.
Now the girls are being remembered and honored with a new scholarship.
Sam Houston High School Coach, Marchae Woods says Khadija and Aujayna were known for their leadership and work ethic, both on and off the field and were all about giving back.
“They would always take kids under their wings,” said Woods.
Both Khadija and Aujayna would get their angel wings at the age of 22. In November of last year, Aujanya Williams died from a gun shot wound as she sat in her car. Her mother Loshunda Johnson says police ruled it a suicide, but she disputes that.
“I honestly feel like it possibly was an accident,” said Johnson.
Just a month later, Khadija Derry was gunned down in front of her Converse home as she sat in her car. Her case remains unsolved.
“I wanted to turn my pain into purpose and turning our pain into purpose for me consisted of giving back,” said Kuquanda Perkins, Khadija's Mother.
Coach Woods wanted to honor the two while also continuing their mission in giving back, so the Forever 22 scholarship was born.
“The way that we could still honor them and find a way to support our current student athletes by a scholarship helps keep their legacy alive. It keeps them alive, and allows other students to benefit from you know their name,” said Woods.
The scholarship will award two Sam Houston High School Athletes, who have the same athleticism, drive and passion as Khadija and Aujayna did.
“We want to make sure that we are contributing to an athlete furthering to an athlete, and further in their education,” said Perkins.
Both mothers say the Forever 22 scholarship has their daughters smiling down from heaven and through the lives and deaths of Khadija and Aujanya, they now share an unbreakable bond.
“We’re together for life. We’re tied together for life.” Said Johnson
The Forever 22 scholarship is looking for donations. If you can, they are asking for $22 donations in the girls honor. The scholarships will be given out next month at the schools sports banquet.
They are accepting donations through CashApp, you can donate by scanning the QR Code below:
These two $1,100 scholarships are given by the Sam Houston community, family and friends of Khadija Derry and Aujayna Williams to honor and remember them. Dija and Nae were alumni of Sam Houston High School, and were big-hearted, dedicated athletes of strong character. Through these scholarships to current Sam Houston athletes, we are creating a legacy of students going on to do great things as Dija and Nae would have done. To contribute to this scholarship fund, click here and note Forever22 in the comments box. Donations can also be mailed to SAISD Foundation, 2411 San Pedro, San Antonio 78212 with Forever22 in the memo line.
Student Eligibility: Students must be active athletes at Sam Houston High (any sport) who exhibit good character, embody dedication to their craft, and plan to attend a two-year or four-year college or university.