William J. Thomas Memorial Scholarship

Funded by

Thomas Family

Eligibility Requirements

State:

Texas

Desired Career Field:

Education

Education Level:

High school junior or senior

State:

Desired Career Field:

Education Level:

Texas

Education

High school junior or senior

The world needs new teachers who are truly passionate about education and changing the system.

William John Thomas was one such educator, working in business for thirty years before finally getting his college degree at the age of forty-seven so he could pursue a career in teaching. He was the first in his family to graduate from both high school and college. He was a triple major in education, special education, and history, working as a special education teacher and social studies teacher for twenty years. During his education career, he created new curriculum programs for the district for both special education and middle school social studies. William spent his entire teaching career at Progreso ISD and the Red Ant community was near and dear to his heart. Even after retiring, William continued to volunteer his time to the school, the teachers, and the students.

William described the Progeso ISD community as follows: “The students and families of Progreso are wonderful people. The people get wrapped up in trying to provide for themselves and family. Sometimes, for students, just going to school can become a burden on the family survival. Every student is deserving of an education that offers them the skills and knowledge to succeed.”

Throughout his life, William was successful in various careers, but none could compare with the joy and satisfaction he obtained from being a teacher. He had a passion for life, and took great pleasure in assisting, encouraging, and watching others succeed. He loved to pay-it-forward by mentoring new and struggling teachers and his efforts will forever live on through his students and his student-teachers.

This scholarship seeks to honor the incredible life of William J. Thomas by supporting students who share his passion for education.

Any high school junior or senior in Texas who is planning to attend college may apply for this scholarship opportunity. Students do not have to be majoring in education to be eligible for this scholarship, but should be pursuing the career path of an educator.

To apply, tell us about a time when an educator made a difference in your life, an event that motivated you to become an educator, what adversity you have overcome, and how these experiences have strengthened your character.

Selection Criteria:

Ambition, Drive, Passion

Scholarships for High School Seniors Scholarships for High School Juniors Scholarships for Future Teachers High School Scholarships Texas Scholarships Essay Scholarships Education Scholarships

Published June 25, 2024

Essay Topic

Describe a time when an educator positively impacted your life. Describe an event or circumstance that motivated you to want to become an educator. What adversity have you overcome so far and how has this strengthened your character?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

December 2024

Winners

Finalists

Irma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School

Dallas, TX

Breonna Crockett

Quest Early College High School

Humble, TX

Brandy Dibble

Quest Early College High School

Humble, TX

eleyana lopez

Rockport-fulton High School

Rockport, TX

Kaylee Fitzhugh

Rockwall Heath High School

Winning Application

Lacy Rogers

Ennis High SchoolRice, TX

I believe every person deserves to have that one teacher who changed their way of life, their way of thinking, and their mindset of school. In my education since pre-k I remember every single one of my teachers, but two of them in particular made a huge impact on my life and way of thinking. These two teachers by the names of Mrs.Kovar, and Mrs.Wilson have had the most impact on my life. They deserve the recognition for my success. Eighth grade was my first year back to school after covid hit, on top of that I didn’t have the best support system at home either. My attendance was not the greatest, but that's when it changed, the end of eighth grade. I had missed almost two weeks at one time because we were moving and had limited time to pack, while my parents worked I stayed home and packed, and unpacked within those two weeks. This is when Mrs.Wilson noticed I was gone, I checked my email trying my best to stay on top of assignments and when I checked there was an email from Mrs.Wilson asking if everything was okay and that she was worried. This was a major turning point for me. I realized someone did care, not just about me but for the importance of my education. After coming back to school she pulled me into the hall and I told her about everything that was going on and what the situation was. From that point on she always made sure I was okay, and made sure that I always had a ride to school. From then I stopped missing as many days and began my journey of trying for perfect attendance. She impacted my life in the most positive way, in a way where I am still in communication with her and go to her school and visit. In my first three years of high-school was in the education pathway. The teacher is Mrs.Kovar. My freshman year I still had not a good record for attendance considering I didn’t always have a ride or something would happen and I would need to stay home. Mrs.Kovar and I did not really have any sort of connection until my sophomore year when she told me to participate in a club she has called TAFE. That's when she began to impact my life for the better. Kovar told me I had potential and that I was very creative and she wanted me on her competition team. This made me fix my attendance more and make it to school no matter what, unfortunately I had to drop out of the competition and then came junior year, when she made the most impact a teacher could ever make. She forced me into TAFE, telling me if I didn't do it she would kick me out of her class, and told me that she needed me on her team. She made it clear that I had so much more potential than I had. She told me I could always rely on her if I needed anything. And with her faith in me I made it to nationals in TAFE with my solo project and continued to visit Kovar after I completed her class. I will forever be thankful for all the effort she put into my education and better wellbeing. These two teachers will always have a place in my heart for showing me that I could do anything if I put my mind to it, and that there’s always people rooting for me.