Scholarship Program

2025 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

The Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo, held at the Extraco Events Center in Waco is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to produce events for education, entertainment and agricultural experiences at the premier multi-use facility while giving back through youth scholarships and a positive economic impact to Central Texas.

In 2025, the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo awarded $313,000 in scholarships to 53 Texas students for the 2024-25 academic year. This continues the Fair & Rodeo’s tradition and mission of giving back through youth scholarships.

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Scholarship FAQs

Scholarship FAQs

Continuing Ed Policies

Workforce Career & Technical Education Scholarship

In order to receive a Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo Career and Technical School Scholarship, you:

Must be a High School Senior, to graduate in May of 2026
Must attend a Texas High School
Must plan to attend an accredited College, Technical Career or Vocational School and be enrolled in a workforce education program designed to result in employment upon receipt of the degree, NOT a transferable program to an additional 4 year degree.
May not submit an additional application to the 2026 Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo Leadership Scholarship.

Below is a list of information to be included with this completed application which must be submitted on or before March 31, 2026:
✓ Official high school transcript (to include SAT or ACT score, GPA & Class Rank)
✓ A recommendation letter from your Principal, Counselor, or Career and Technical Education Director
✓ One (1) letter of recommendation (other than family members)

Leadership Scholarship Requirements

In order to receive a Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo Leadership Scholarship, you:

Must be a High School Senior, to graduate in May of 2026
Must attend a Texas High School
May not submit an additional application to the 2026 Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo Workforce, Career & Technical Education Program Scholarship

Below is a list of information to be included with this completed application which must be submitted on or before March 31, 2026:
✓ Official high school transcript (to include SAT or ACT score, GPA & Class Rank)
✓ A recommendation letter from your Principal or Counselor
✓ Two (2) letters of recommendation (other than family members)
✓ A one-page essay to include 1) reasons why you qualify for our scholarship or 2) what accomplishments make you believe you are a good investment for receiving our scholarship. You will submit your essay as a separate document (preferably in .pdf format) when you submit this application; the essay should be no more than one page and single spaced.

Evaluation Criteria Applications will be evaluated based on: Leadership (30%) ● Financial Need (15%) ● Citizenship (30%) ● Academic Performance (20%) ● Essay (5%)

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Past Scholarship Recipients

2025

Top Scholar - Garrett Pennington ($25,000)
Reserve Top Scholar - Sarah Beck ($20,000)

Number of Students that received Scholarships: 53
Total Amount Awarded: $313,000

2025 Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo Scholars

A - Z: First Name

Alexa Rohe

Ava Dora

Avery McInvale

Awbrey Alvarado

Bailey Lenox

Baylee Bennett

Bliss Bessire

Brody Stein

Calob Walker

Camryn Craddock

Camryn Witte

Chase Janke

Clare Whitaker

Cora Ford

Eileen Faz

Elyse Taubert

Emily Felty

Hannah Griffice

Jacee Morel

Jackson Skelton

Jacob Garrett Pennington

James Steglich

Jennifer Mask

Jeret Burks

Jessica Skelton

Jordan VanWinkle

Kaci Atchison

Kaelynn Hoelscher

Kathryn Richter

Katie Jouett

Kaylee Hoyt

Kenan Mingus

Kennisyn Drosche

Kinlee Gardner

Klaybourne Eschberger

Lainey Bone

Layla Lawson

Macy McDaniel

Madeline Gamez

Madelyn Glaze

Madilynn Hamilton

Makenzie Hamilton

McKenzie Evans

Pat Higgins

Reagan-Kennedy Hudnall

Reven Brummond

Riley Stokes

Sadie Noska

Sage Korczynski

Sarah Beck

Sophia O'Neill

Tori Peters

Travis Barrett

2024

Top Scholar - Brooke Wanjura ($25,000)
Reserve Top Scholar - Ryleigh Whitwaker ($20,000)

Number of Students that received Scholarships: 52
Total Amount Awarded: $280,000

2023

Top Scholar – Taylor Colvin ($25,000)

Reserve Top Scholar - William Jones ($20,000)

Number of Students that received Scholarships: 51
Total Amount Awarded: $256,500

2022

Top Scholar - Faith Lauderdale ($25,000)
Reserve Top Scholar - Kenall Bone ($20,000)

Number of Students that received Scholarships: 49
Total Amount Awarded: $250,000

2021

Top Scholar - Lexy Ide ($20,000)
Reserve Top Scholar - Courtney Thurman ($15,000)

Number of Students that received Scholarships: 36
Total Amount Awarded: $137,000

2020

Top Scholar - Hailey Crumley ($20,000)
Reserve Top Scholar - Meghan Malcik ($15,000)

Number of Students that received Scholarships: 43
Total Amount Awarded: $155,000

2019

Top Scholar - Laynie Grisham ($20,000)
Reserve Top Scholar - Halee Wise ($15,000)

Number of Students that received Scholarships: 48
Total Amount Awarded: $153,000