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Howard Hughes awards second annual scholarship named in memory of long-term employee and community icon, Gerald D. Irons, Sr.

The Howard Hughes Corporation has recently presented the Gerald D. Irons, Sr. scholarship to graduating Oak Ridge High School senior Summer Mearidy. In its second year, the Gerald D. Irons, Sr. scholarship is named in honor of the late Gerald D. Irons, Sr., who passed away on April 1, 2021.

A selection committee including the Irons family and Oak Ridge High School selected Mearidy, a recent graduate of Oak Ridge High School, as the recipient. Mearidy also attended Gerald D. Irons, Sr. Junior High School before proceeding to high school. Among her interests are choir, which she’s been involved with for several years, and theatre, which she began in the 8th grade. She will be attending Sam Houston State University and plans to study Computer Engineering.

For over four decades, Mr. Irons served his community of The Woodlands as a distinguished leader and volunteer in many capacities. His career included 32 years as Vice President of Business Development for The Woodlands Development Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Howard Hughes. In addition, he served on the Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees for nearly 22 years. Mr. Irons and his entire family were named as one of the original The Woodlands Hometown Heroes in 1999. He was a leader on the football field as well, as he played 10 years in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns.

“It is truly an honor to continue our Gerald D. Irons, Sr. scholarship award for the second year,” said Jim Carman, President – Houston Region for Howard Hughes. “Mr. Irons exemplified many philanthropic principles that benefitted our community, and this scholarship exemplifies his endeavors and continues them forward. We congratulate Summer and wish her success as she begins her collegiate endeavors at Sam Houston State University. Also, we thank the Irons family for joining us to celebrate Summer’s scholarship presentation.”

PHOTO CAPTION: The Howard Hughes Corporation recently awarded the second annual Gerald D. Irons, Sr. Scholarship awarded to Summer Mearidy (center), graduating senior from Oak Ridge High School.  Congratulating Summer Mearidy are (front row, left to right) Stacy Bowens; Myrna Irons; Carla Turbeville, Summer’s grandmother; and Kim Phillips, Vice President of Marketing and Lorrie Parise, Director of PR & Community Relations, both with Howard Hughes; (back row, left to right) Gerald Irons, Jr.; Jim Carman, President – Houston Region with Howard Hughes; Grant Irons; and Jarrett Irons.