Zavalla Students Scholarship

$2,000
2 winners, $1,000 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 20, 2025
Winners Announced
Aug 20, 2025
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior or high school graduate pursuing any form of higher education
Location:
Zavalla, Texas
Background:
Volunteering experience

Zavalla, Texas is a small town and underserved rural community that is home to only around six hundred people.

Many students have big dreams for their futures despite their humble beginnings, yet they lack meaningful access to higher education due to financial limitations, little knowledge or family experience in the world of academia, or other factors that hinder their ambition.

This scholarship aims to support students from Zavalla so they can overcome the barriers they face, accomplish their goals, and uplift their community.

Any high school senior or high school graduate in Zavalla, Texas, who will pursue any form of higher education may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they have volunteering experience. While students pursuing two or four-year degrees are eligible, applicants planning to attend a trade school or college for training in things such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, cosmetology, accounting, and IT, are especially encouraged to apply. 

To apply, tell us about yourself, why college isn’t the only path to success, and how you would use your education to better your life and your community. Additionally, upload images of places in your community you could improve with your training or education.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published March 11, 2025
Essay Topic

Please tell us about yourself and why college is not the only way or path to success. How would you use your education or training to better your life and your community?

400–600 words

Winning Applications

Kannon Kotz
Zavalla High SchoolZavalla, TX
Hi, my name is Kannon Kotz, I plan to attend Texas A&M University starting in the fall of 2025 to further my education and pursue a degree in Sports Management/Finance. I am currently one college course shy of attaining my associate degree. Throughout my high school career, I have remained committed to my studies and maintained a 4.0 average. High school has been such a rewarding experience for me and I look forward to continuing my studies at Texas A&M. After earning my degree, I expect to use the knowledge and skills learned to pursue a career in finance, possibly at a corporation in a banking institution. Another option could be to use the degree in sports management due to my passion for sports. I would love the opportunity to be successful and give back to the community in which I was raised. I feel like I’m a good candidate for this scholarship based on the dedication and hard work I have displayed over the past several years. Whether it be attendance in school, maintaining a 4.0 average or being our class president all 4 years of high school, I have committed myself to a standard of striving for excellence. I set a goal of being valedictorian as a freshman and I’m currently on pace to accomplish that goal. I have never allowed peer pressure or the difficulties that high school can bring to stand in my way of doing what’s right and trying to set a good example for others. I’ve always tried to be the hardest worker in the classroom, and in everything I do. Upon completing my college education, I plan to use what I’ve learned to not only enhance my career but also help others in my community. Education is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers, and I hope to contribute by mentoring others, creating job opportunities, and supporting programs that help individuals acquire the skills needed for success. I want to share the knowledge and opportunities I’ve gained, helping others reach their full potential. Looking ahead, I see myself working to open doors for others, especially young people in my community who are struggling to find their path. I would love to collaborate with local businesses, schools, and nonprofits to create mentorship and job training programs. I want to be part of a system that focuses on individual success while also creating a network where everyone can thrive. I know of many people who have been very successful without a college education. Many of these people have careers that include owning their own businesses, working blue- collar jobs, and going to trade schools rather than colleges/universities. For example, my father is the store director at the Academy Sports and Outdoors in Lufkin Tx, and he is one of the most successful people I know that doesn’t have a college degree. Many relatives of mine, including my father, have been successful without a college education. I also have older friends that work blue- collar jobs that are successful. Although I know that college is not the only route to success, I believe it will provide me with the skills and opportunities I need to achieve my goals and give back to my community.
Adrian Gonzalez
Zavalla High SchoolZavalla, TX
Hello , I’m Adrian Gonzalez! I’m currently 19 yrs old and the oldest in my graduating class. During this past summer I worked part time as an assistant electrician labor hand, for Wiesinger Electrical in Lufkin. I have been raided by my stepfather since the age of 4 years old. He has always worked in the electrical field, and I want to follow in this line of work. With graduation approaching I look forward to returning to work saving up some money to eventually put myself through linemen school. I have always loved working outdoors and especially hands on training.. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, being from a small town/school. Very seldom do you have a trade school scholarship program, I know this will help out tremendously not only for myself, but others who don’t plan on going to college. I want to pursue a career and develop more knowledge of and electrical assembly labor hand , I want to be eyes and ears to help someone else learn from my knowledge and being a good person.. once I have reached my goal and I have saved my own money and scholarships I’ve earned I know that attending lineman training and school will open new opportunities for me in the future. Once I have completed lineman education , I will plan on finding my own place and maybe eventually starting a family if that what God has in store for me . I have a very big heart and I’ve always wanted to adopt a child , who needs a family and good home. My parents have worked very , very hard to make sure I have been taking care of, I make school each day , they push me to be a better man and have a positive attitude, so that it have a impact on others who look up to me. My mom has always been one of my biggest fans and has always wanted what’s best for me .. her and Randal , have taught me to treat others with nothing but the upmost respect and prepare me for financial independence. With all that being said I’m definitely not looking forward to having my own bills such as my truck note, phone bill and part of my automobile insurance. This i know is reality and it’s right around the corner. I will be walking the stage and receiving my high school diploma May 23rd 2025 , and I couldn’t be more excited!🎓

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 20, 2025. Winners will be announced on Aug 20, 2025.