The Educators 500 Club honored 16 local leaders for their dedication to youth empowerment during its annual scholarship banquet Saturday at Greater Mount Zion Church in Brazoria. The event celebrated mentors and faith-based guides while awarding six scholarships to local high school grads, including students from Angleton, Bay City, and Sweeny. Founded in 1986, the club now gives six $500 scholarships each year. Club President Jessica Willis emphasized how these students represent the club’s mission to empower future leaders.