Grange - Grange Supports Local Talent with $5,000 Scholarships

Crystal Yang and Natalie Michael are proof that ambition and determination can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. The two Katy ISD graduates were recently awarded $5,000 scholarships through The Grange by Johnson Development Corp. College Scholarship Program to help pursue their college goals.

Designed to assist with tuition, books, room and board, or any education-related expenses, the scholarship program reflects our commitment to empowering young minds in the Katy community. This is the first year the scholarships have been offered.

Crystal Yang, a graduate of Tompkins High School, is nothing short of a powerhouse. Heading to the University of Pennsylvania to major in business and computer science, Crystal has a resume that speaks volumes about her talent, grit, and heart. She’s not only a scholar but also the founder and CEO of Audemy.org, a nonprofit organization revolutionizing accessible education for blind and visually impaired students.

Crystal’s journey with Audemy began when she wanted to help a blind friend join a lunchtime Wordle race. What started as a gesture of inclusion has blossomed into an organization that’s reached more than 1,000 blind students with 12 educational games, impacting 1 in 50 blind students across the country. Audemy is powered by Crystal’s incredible dedication. She’s raised $32,000 in grants and sponsorships from organizations like Google and Intel and assembled a team of 30 volunteers to bring her vision to life.

But that’s not all. Crystal has co-written academic papers, earned the AP Scholar with Distinction award and served as president of the Tompkins Computer Science Club. She also co-led Girls Who Code Katy and was Executive Director of alGIRLithm, proving her commitment to breaking barriers for women in tech.

Natalie Michael, a graduate of Jordan High School, is a student with a passion for public health and a heart for service. This fall, she’s heading to Texas A&M University in College Station to pursue a major in public health with a pre-dental focus, along with minors in neurology and finance. Her ultimate goal? To become a dentist and use her skills to provide care in underserved African communities through H.O.P.E. Social Services.

Natalie’s commitment to helping others is evident in her work with Atria at Cinco Ranch, a local nursing home where she partnered with her school’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club to organize activities for seniors. Balancing academics and service, she excelled in Advanced Placement and dual college credit courses, all while maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA. She even found time to shadow dentists and work toward becoming a dental assistant.

We at Grange are so pleased to be a part of helping them on their journey. Here’s to a future shaped by their talents!

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