Houston – Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has been investing in the Texas seniors, and this year marks a historic milestone. Last week, HLSR awarded $10.5 million in scholarships to 592 students across the state, the largest scholarship class and amount in its history. Among this year’s recipients is Prisca Aroh, a graduate of Elsik High School in Alief ISD and a first-generation college student. Prisca received a $20,000 scholarship to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where she plans to major in Kinesiology and pursue a career in medicine.
Prisca immigrated from Nigeria as a child, lost her father to cancer at a young age. The loss, she says, is what gave her a sense of purpose.
“This scholarship isn’t just financial support it’s proof that someone believes in my dreams.”
Jamie Voskamp, senior manager of the Rodeo’s scholarship programs, said stories like Prisca’s are a reminder of why volunteers, donors, and attendees come together year after year.
This year’s scholars represent 117 fields of study, from Animal Science to Engineering to Business and Nursing. Nearly half are first-generation college students, and 29% are the first in their families to graduate from high school.
Click here to learn more about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s educational impact.