Press release from Southwest Texas College

   03-05-26 {Uvalde, Texas) Southwest Texas College (SWTX) has announced the recipients of the 2026 Showmanship Scholarships, recognizing outstanding young livestock exhibitors from across the tri-county district. Each year, the Agricultural Management Department awards a $500 scholarship to the winner of the showmanship award in each of the livestock county classes at the three livestock expositions in the district. To take advantage of this award, recipients must enroll at SWTX.

  This year’s county-level scholarship winners include exhibitors in Uvalde County, Real County and Zavala County across pee wee, junior, intermediate and senior divisions. Showmanship scholarships were awarded in species and classes such as rabbits, goats, lambs, swine, steers, broilers, horses and angora goats, reflecting the depth of student participation in local agricultural programs.

  Uvalde County showmanship scholarship winners were recognized across multiple livestock categories. In Angora Goats, Maura Astling (Senior) and Sadie Ayala (Junior) earned scholarships. Market Broilers winners were Grant Williams (Senior), Ellie Lopez (Intermediate) and William McLaughlin (Junior). Breeding Sheep honorees included Hallie Moore (Senior), Ryanne Brewster (Intermediate) and Jackson Bravo (Junior). Meat Goats scholarships went to Brett Dreyer (Senior), Briggs Davenport (Intermediate) and Kenedy Ramirez (Junior). Commercial Heifer winners were Carley Phillips (Senior), June Driskill (Intermediate) and Harlo Hale (Junior). In Rabbits, London Grace Hobbs (Senior), Morgan Lackey (Intermediate) and Audrina Rodriguez (Junior) were recognized. Farm Projects scholarships were awarded to Ariana Castro (Senior) and Rhett Chambers (Intermediate). Steer division winners included Jazzlean Gomez (Senior) and Easton Parker (Junior). Horses honorees were Carley Phillips (Senior Halter) and Tres Korczynski (Junior Halter). Swine scholarships went to Adan Viramontes (Senior), Kinlei Verstuyft (Intermediate) and Claire Verstuyft (Junior). Lambs winners were Miles Hale (Senior), Briggs Davenport (Intermediate) and Cora Yeaman (Junior).

  In the Real County Showmanship Scholarship program, pee wee winners were Raelynn Keich (Rabbits), Reba Whitlock (Goats), and Caroline Upchurch (Broilers). Junior division honorees were Kylie Haecker (Rabbits), Kinley Chisum (Goats and Lambs), Millie Duke (Swine), Amira Carbajal (Broilers), Sunny Teague (Horses) and Addison Baker (Angoras). Senior division awards went to Jordyn Lindstrom (Rabbits and Horses), Bricen Salazar (Goats), Mason Hamilton (Lambs), Maggie Duke (Swine), Kyle Johnson (Broilers) and Chase Baker (Angoras).

Zavala County’s 2026 Showmanship Scholarship winners included, in the Junior Division, Lucas Hurst (Steers), Justin Graciano (Goats), Brody Zimmerman (Lambs), and Marcus Avila Jr. (Swine). Intermediate Division honorees were McKynze Rangel (Goats), Maylee Zimmerman (Lambs), and Jocelyn Maldonado (Swine). Senior Division scholarships were awarded to Markus Montellano (Steers), Nathan Martinez (Goats), Italia Aviles (Lambs), and Aranda Vasquez (Swine).

“These scholarships honor the hard work, dedication and leadership our youth demonstrate in the show ring, and they also create a bridge from the county fairgrounds to college classrooms,” said Dr. Hector Gonzales, SWTX President. “We are excited to welcome these students to Southwest Texas College and support them as they pursue their educational and career goals in agriculture and beyond.”

The Showmanship Scholarship may be applied toward tuition and fees at SWTX by recipients who enroll as college students after high school. For more information about scholarships and financial aid opportunities at Southwest Texas College, visit the college’s scholarships webpage or contact the Financial Aid Office at (830) 591-7318.

About Southwest Texas College
Southwest Texas College is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. Since 1946 SWTX has provided accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. The company’s mission is to enrich lives and advance growth through the education of our diverse communities.

 

To learn more about SWTX, visit swtxc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtxc.edu.

 Picture credit: SWTJC

Uvalde, TX, May 15, 2023 – Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) student Daniel Borrego, a dedicated member of the Humanities Club, has been recognized as one of this year’s recipients of the prestigious Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholar Award. This significant accolade acknowledges Daniel’s outstanding leadership qualities and commitment to academic excellence. 

  Daniel’s journey continues as he prepares to enter the SWTJC Law Enforcement Academy at the Del Rio campus. His unwavering dedication and passion for serving and protecting others make him an excellent candidate for a career in law enforcement. Through his commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of his community, Daniel aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those he serves. 

  The Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholar Award is a highly regarded recognition for students with exceptional leadership skills, academic achievements, and a commitment to community service. This prestigious honor highlights Daniel’s dedication and ability to inspire others through his actions and words. 

  Throughout his time at SWTJC, Daniel has exhibited exemplary leadership within the Humanities Club, actively engaging in various community service projects and initiatives. His involvement in the club has allowed him to develop valuable leadership skills, fostering a spirit of collaboration and making a positive difference in the lives of others. 

  With his selection for the Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholar Award, Daniel’s commitment to leadership and service has been further recognized on a broader scale. This award not only celebrates his achievements but also inspires his peers, highlighting the potential for personal growth and community impact that can be achieved through leadership and service. 

  SWTJC congratulates Daniel Borrego on receiving the Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholar Award and commends his commitment to leadership, academic excellence, and community service. His achievements testify to the college’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared to impact their chosen fields positively. 

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  Founded almost 70 years ago, Southwest Texas Junior College is a comprehensive, public college serving eleven counties in Southwest Texas. The College provides accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. For more information, please visit www.swtjc.edu. 

  The Faculty Association of Southwest Texas Junior College awarded four $500 scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year to Luis Constancio of Del Rio, Steven Duenes of Eagle Pass, Ashley Gonzales, and Nataly Santos of Uvalde.

  Constancio and Duenes are recipients of the academic program scholarship, while Gonzales and Santos received the technical program scholarship.

   The SWTJC Faculty Association Scholarship Program provides $500 awards to four students – two who have chosen an academic major and two who have chosen a technical major.

  Applicants are selected during the fall semester, and disbursement occurs at the start of the spring semester.

  Selection criteria include leadership, character, and extracurricular involvement. Students must be enrolled full-time and in good standing for the fall and spring semesters.

  Other qualifications include earning a minimum of 3.0 overall grade point average on all SWJTC college-level coursework, 500 words typed essay about why college is important to them, and providing two letters of recommendation from two SWTJC faculty members

UVALDE, TEXAS — Texas State University has started a scholarship in honor of Tess Mata, who died in the Robb Elementary mass shooting.

According to family attending Texas State was one of Tess’s dreams. The Tess Marie Mata scholarship will provide financial aid to and incoming College of Health Professions freshman.

The University also sent the family a certificate that made the 10-year-old an honorary Bobcat.