Defending the honor of Texas students and educators since 2004.
2022/2023 "Celebrating Texas Public Schools" Scholarship
This scholarship is for graduating seniors who can use their voice and visual media (i.e., video) to share how their public school education has impacted them. This scholarship aims to highlight the “Great Things Happening in Texas Public Schools” from the student’s perspective.
This year, Friends will award one scholarship. The student may be college-bound, joining the workforce, continuing education through trade schools or other forms of post-secondary training, or the military.
Deadline Submission: October 9th
Notify winner: October 24th
Award Presentation: Friends Annual Awards Dinner on November 9th in Waco, Texas
Format: Accessible link to a video posted on the platform of their choice (i.e., YouTube, Loom, Google Drive).
Those interested in applying for the scholarship must do the following:
1. Prepare a video/multimedia presentation, 2 minutes or less, regarding how your public school education has impacted your life/career choice and prepared you to meet your future goals.
2. Request one letter from a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, vice-principal, or superintendent related to the student’s work in school (pdf preferred).
3. Complete the application below. Include how the scholarship will be used for the student's future/help achieve my goals, including approval to use video/presentation, the link for presentation, upload the recommendation letter, and submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for the “Celebrating Texas Public Schools” Scholarship?
A: Any graduating senior from a Friends of Texas Public Schools Network school district.
Q: Are there any other stipulations?
A: Yes. A student must agree to attend the Friends of Texas Public Schools Gala held on November 9 in Waco to receive the recognition personally. Friends of Texas Public Schools will pay for reasonable travel accommodations.
Q: Are there any reporting requirements? (how can the funds be used)
A: Depending on the planned use of funds, Friends reserves the right to request certain documents to insure the funds are spent according to the plan.
Q: Are there restrictions on how the award can be used?
A: No. The purpose of this award is to assist the winner with starting their future after high school.
Q; What is the amount of the award?
A: The award amount for 2022 is $2,500.
Q: Are there any other requirements?
A: Yes. The winners will be required to submit a picture that will be used in our program and other media.
View previous winning submissions for an idea of what the selection team is looking for:
2021: Kassidy Snyder, Royce City High School
2020: Meredith Carpio-Walker, Alamo Heights High School
2019: Reagan Carter, Mineral Wells High School
2019: Maverick Walker, Dripping Springs High School