Seventy-nine students in the surrounding Houston metropolitan area are going to college thanks in part to nearly $1.6 million in scholarships from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, presented during the Area Go Texan Scholarship Banquet, Thursday, May 17, 2018.
This year’s scholars include:
–Kelsey Waltmon of Freestone County
–James Rodell of Leon County
–Dusty Roberts of Limestone County
–Derek Kaudelka of Anderson County
–Luke Dotson and Robin Gray of Navarro County
“We are proud to support students from the 68 Area Go Texan Counties served by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as they seek a postsecondary education,” said Joel Cowley, Rodeo president and CEO. “These students have displayed incredible work ethic and talent and will no doubt continue to succeed at colleges and universities across our great state.”
Of the students receiving an Area Go Texan scholarship, 24 percent are first-generation college students, 60 percent are female and 40 percent are male. These scholars will be attending 17 different Texas universities and will major in 39 different fields of study. The top three universities these scholars will attend are Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin and Stephen F. Austin State University, and the top three chosen majors are Engineering, Biology and Accounting.
The 79 Area Go Texan scholarship recipients received $20,000 to apply toward a four-year, undergraduate degree for a total scholarship commitment of $1,580,000. Students were selected from 68 Area Go Texan counties divided into 11 districts, each comprised of six or seven counties. One student from each county was awarded a scholarship, along with the top student from each district.
These scholarships represent a portion of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s annual commitment of more than $26 million to scholarships, research, endowments, calf scramble participants, junior show exhibitors, School Art participants and other educational programs. Learn more about the Rodeo’s commitment to education here: rodeohouston.com/Educational-Support/Commitment.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $450 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2019 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 25 – March 17.
