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Meet OUR scholars

2024 SCHOLARS

Abner Mejia Lopez

Abner Mejia Lopez

Sam Houston High School (Arlington ISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because I know that while I may not always have the same opportunities as others, I have the same capabilities as anyone else."

Abraham Garabete

Abraham Garabete

Timber Creek High School (KISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because I view roadblocks and adversity not as obstacles, but as opportunities to advance and succeed. A wise mentor once reminded me that embracing my diverse heritage—whether it be Syrian, Venezuelan, Armenian, or Jewish—can be a powerful asset. This perspective fuels my resilience and drives me to overcome challenges with determination and pride."

Brooke Perez

Brooke Perez

North Side High School (FWISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because of my resilience and ambition to overcome obstacles to achieve my aspirations of giving back to the Fort Worth community. My aspirations push me to honor my commitments, accept reality and adapt to share my skills and knowledge to the youth in Fort Worth, Texas."

Cesar Olivares-Avelar

Cesar Olivares-Avelar

Trimble Technical High School (FWISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because I don’t allow setbacks to ground me or hold me back from what I want to be or do. This is why I’m always eager to learn and grow as a person."

Deja Endsley

Deja Endsley

Kennedale High School (Kennedale ISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because no matter what I give it my all."

Francisco Contreras

Francisco Contreras

Polytechnic High School (FWISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because I am a prime example to the Hispanic community that financial and social adversity will never cast walls between us and our future. Through dedication and work ethic, I aspire to contribute to my low-income communities through my dream of a career in Engineering."

Jonathan Garcia

Jonathan Garcia

Sam Houston High School (Arlington ISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because rather than allowing obstacles to define who I am, I view them as opportunities for growth, and I strive for others to also see the beauty in the struggle."

Joseph Olufade

Joseph Olufade

North Side High School (FWISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because my success affects everybody around me. I want to be the reason my friends and family prosper without struggle. I want to be able to become my family’s retirement plan, so that I may relieve their stress."

Kimberly Nguyen

Kimberly Nguyen

Sam Houston High School (Arlington ISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because I want my mom’s sacrifice to be worth it by helping people be the best of their abilities."

Tram Dang

Tram Dang

Fossil Ridge High School (Keller ISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because I know that giving up has never been an option for me in the past, nor will it be one in the future. Even when it seems impossible, I have to keep challenging my limits for myself, for people who supported me, and for my family that has always remained unwaveringly by my side. The good and bad times might fluctuate but my resolve to keep moving forward will stay firm."

COLLEGE SCHOLARS

Alejandro Orozco

Alejandro Orozco

Arlington Heights High School (FWISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because of my ambition to accomplish my dreams and create a better community. My dreams give me motivation to accomplish my goals and be the best person I can be."

Andrea Torres

Andrea Torres

World Languages Institute (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I want to pursue further education in order to accomplish the goals I have in life.”

Angel Hinojoza

Angel Hinojoza

Polytechnic High School (FWISD)

"I am a determined scholar because I want to study to be able to move my family forward and make them proud. I want to study to help make a positive difference in people's lives. I am a Determined Scholar because through educating myself and overcoming adversity I want to make worthwhile contributions to the world."

Angela Benitez

Angela Benitez

Trimble Technical High School (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I seek opportunities to ensure that I have the best future for myself and my family.” 

Ashley Hart

Ashley Hart

Arlington Heights High School (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I have faith in myself and know I can achieve many great things and help many people along the way.”

Bae Reh

Bae Reh

O.D. Wyatt High School (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I want to prove that you can achieve anything despite the challenges and struggles you’ve faced.”

Brittany McHenry

Brittany McHenry

Arlington Heights High School (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I channel lifelong challenges into lifelong goals, and I always take any opportunity to grow as a steppingstone to success.”

Bryan Molina

Bryan Molina

Sam Houston High School (Arlington ISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I am willing to overcome challenges and obstacles and turn them into opportunities to help others.”

Caroline Salmeron

Caroline Salmeron

World Languages Institute (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I was blessed with opportunities and knowledge to help others and make a change in their lives all while accomplishing my dreams.”

Ceci Delgado

Ceci Delgado

Southwest High School (FWISD)

“I’m a determined scholar because I want to succeed and be a better me than I was yesterday.”

Ceu Thang

Ceu Thang

O.D. Wyatt High School (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I am motivated to represent the community that I grow up in and prove to the world that you can be successful no matter where you come from.”

Daniela Romero

Daniela Romero

Arlington Heights High School (FWISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because of my hard work, ambition, and commitment to strive for a better future."

Edidiong Ekong

Edidiong Ekong

North Crowley High School (Crowley ISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I have always made it my life goal to strive and prosper. I am highly motivated, I am hardworking, I am the hope, and I embody the dream. I aim to continue growing as a vessel of change in my community and family through higher education that will provide financial independence for ample community aid.”

Ethan Paredez

Ethan Paredez

Sam Houston High School (AISD)

“I am a determined scholar because greatness doesn't come overnight. It comes with hard work, overcoming obstacles, and learning from mistakes. It’s something I truly believe in because it makes a difference in you."

Fernanda Espinoza

Fernanda Espinoza

Trimble Technical High School (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I seek growth as a person, student, and athlete from my experiences. I hope to pursue engineering and be a part of technology in our future. I want to impact other women in STEM and my family positively.”

Grace Irumva

Grace Irumva

Marine Creek Collegiate High School (FWISD)

“I’m a determined scholar because I channel my obstacles and tribulations into moments of success and growth in myself and my community.”

Isabella Diaz

Isabella Diaz

Southwest High School (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I want to make change in the world by giving my story.”

Isha Patel

Isha Patel

Fossil Ridge High School (KISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I do not let anything limit me.”

Janette Estupinan

Janette Estupinan

Young Women's Leadership Academy (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I do not allow my limitations to restrict my future goals."

Jenny Fierro

Jenny Fierro

Arlington Heights High School (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I have a strong desire for knowledge.”

Jose Barajas

Jose Barajas

Marine Creek Collegiate High School (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because my determination and ambition will help guide me in changing the world and impacting the lives of millions.”

Kaylee Wyrick

Kaylee Wyrick

Paschal High School (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I refuse to let my past limit me, and I take necessary steps in order to assure that I can be someone that the people in my community can look up to.”

Khang Nguyen

Khang Nguyen

Fossil Ridge High School (Keller ISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I want to create a positive impact on the lives of others and carve a path of success for me and my family so that we are better equipped to help others.”

Leo Molina

Leo Molina

South Hills High School (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I am hard-working and motivated to provide for my community and family no matter the setbacks that I face.”

Lesley Omenge

Lesley Omenge

Sam Houston High School (AISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I want to use my experiences to serve others and give them an opportunity to have a voice of their own.”

Lluvia Gaucin

Lluvia Gaucin

North Side High School (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I believe that the only obstacle to success is yourself. Embracing the challenges in my life has helped me grow as both a person and a student.”

Luis Andrade

Luis Andrade

Sam Houston High School (Arlington ISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I strive for the best, both in my academics and athletics, all while looking for ways to help others.”

Madison Romero

Madison Romero

Trimble Tech High School (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because even through mental health challenges I aspire for success in my future.”

Makayla Johnson

Makayla Johnson

Marine Creek Collegiate High School (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I want to grow and connect with people from all walks of life. I want to use what my family has taught me to become the best version of myself.”

Mariam Fatuma

Mariam Fatuma

Western Hills High School (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I never let my past mistakes define who I am or who I'll become rather I push myself beyond my limits to achieve whatever it is I have set my mind on.”

Mariyah L. Newman

Mariyah L. Newman

Everman High School (Everman ISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I have learned that obstacles I face are actually opportunities that build my character, strengthen my self-worth, and reveal my purpose.”

Martha Wilson

Martha Wilson

South Hills High School (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I work hard and always give my best effort. I find solutions whenever a problem arises and am not afraid to ask for guidance.”

Marvin Galdamez

Marvin Galdamez

North Side High School (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I believe that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to regardless of the obstacles that get in your way.”

Melany Rodriguez

Melany Rodriguez

World Languages Institute (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because my dream is to go to college and make my family proud. I want to help others reach their goals.”

Nestor Dario Mejia

Nestor Dario Mejia

Sam Houston High School (Arlington ISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I grow and learn from every experience I encounter so I can become the best version of myself to further improve the future of our world.”

Nikita Kabir

Nikita Kabir

Arlington High School (AISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because I make use of every opportunity I am given and I do not give up."

Poe Reh

Poe Reh

Trimble Technical High School (FWISD)

“I am a determined Scholar because I am motivated to accomplish my goals in pursuing architecture someday so I can give back to my community. I am inspired to give it my all in what I do because I believe that there is no limit to what I can accomplish in life.”

Renee Antwi

Renee Antwi

Sam Houston High School (AISD)

“I'm a determined scholar because I am willing to broaden my perspectives to learn more about the world and to contribute to it.”

Richard Perez

Richard Perez

North Side High School (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I am devoted to overcoming any obstacles that I may come across. I am driven by my need for success and I hope to eventually give back to those that have helped me out along the way.”

Roberto Aguilar

Roberto Aguilar

Arlington Heights High School (FWISD)

“I am a determined scholar because I know success and prosperity is an internal process that requires the support of your friends and family, regardless of your origin.”

Rosario Avila

Rosario Avila

Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because my ambitions will allow me to pursue my dream career as a surgeon. My desire for knowledge and new perspectives will lead me to achieve my biggest dreams despite my hardships. I am a Determined Scholar because I will positively contribute to my family, my community, and the world.”

Sydney Lopez

Sydney Lopez

VR Eaton High School (Northwest ISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I continually pursue success through the means of higher education despite adversity I have faced throughout my life.”

GRADUATES

Brian Dickson Jr.

Brian Dickson Jr.

Young Men’s Leadership Academy (FWISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because I don’t allow my challenges in life to limit my level of success."

Jacob Wells

Jacob Wells

Southwest High School (FWISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because I am persistent in my pursuit of a strong education to create a better future."

Kelsey Joyce

Kelsey Joyce

Arlington High School (AISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I want to be somebody's role model someday."

Kristian Gaytan

Kristian Gaytan

Young Men's Leadership Academy (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because failure is not an option. I am expected to learn and entitled to achieve.”

Lumiere Bisisi

Lumiere Bisisi

O.D. Wyatt High School (FWISD)

“I am a Determined Scholar because I allow the obstacles I've overcome to shape who I am."

Maria Villagomez

Maria Villagomez

Trimble Technical High School (FWISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because I do not give up at the sight of failure. I am disciplined and hopeful for my future."

Niang Muang

Niang Muang

Trimble Technical High School (FWISD)

"I am a Determined Scholar because I am optimistic for my future."

Program Partners