HOUSTON – College is getting more expensive, but 10 lucky high school seniors will now have $10,000 paid off their tuition through an inaugural scholarship.
The Astros Foundation and Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. announced the winners for “Daikin’s Most Valuable STEAM Scholarship” earlier this month.
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According to a news release, Daikin’s annual scholarship recognizes students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics— thereby going beyond STEM by including subjects like fine arts and manual arts like architecture and labor design, physical and labor arts.
Recipients were chosen based on their success in and outside of the classroom, and encouraged to take an innovative approach that hopefully paves the way for them to be future leaders in Houston.
Here are the 2025 STEAM Scholarship recipients:
- Madisyn Byars – Waller High School: Madisyn ranked fifth in her graduating class and was active in her school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter. She also played three years of varsity volleyball and is passionate about giving back to her community. She will attend Texas A&M University in the fall and pursue an animal science major.
- Noah Byars – Dawson High School: Throughout his high school career, Noah has participated in the internship program at NASA and robotics competitions and is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers Junior Chapter. He also volunteered at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research Foundation and Space Center Houston. He will attend Purdue University and pursue a planetary science and geology.
- Josue Eden Cardona – Caney Creek High School: Josue holds an AG Mechanics Welding Certificate and was an active member of his school’s FFA chapter. He also excelled in athletics, playing for the water polo and swimming teams and running for the cross-country team. Josue is attending Sam Houston State University and will pursue a degree in mechanical design technology.
- Jayden Frimpong – Travis High School: Jayden played for three years on the varsity soccer team and held active roles in FFA, the Engineering Club, and Breakthrough Houston. He has completed nationally recognized AP Engineering courses, reflecting his passion for innovation and academic excellence. He is planning to attend the University of Houston and will major in mechanical engineering.
- Iliana Medina – Sconzo Early College High School: Iliana has competed in Science UIL, served as an AVID tutor, and is actively involved in her church community. She also enjoys playing the piano, combining her academic strengths with creative and spiritual pursuits. Iliana will attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall and pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
- Anna Nguyen – Austin High School: Anna is a passionate STEM advocate who participated in Girls Who Code, the Computer Science Honor Society, Science Olympiad, and a NASA internship, while also conducting food systems research with the Smithsonian Science Education Center. She held marketing internships with Testbook and Taskformer and is actively involved in her church community. She is planning to attend Texas A&M University and will pursue a degree in electrical engineering.
- Lemuel Pacheco – East Early College High School: Lemuel ranked fifth in his class earned first place for the U-STEM UIL Website BEST Robotics 2023. He was also a member of the Biology Club and completed four AP classes, demonstrating both academic rigor and a passion for science and technology. Lemuel will attend Oberlin University in the fall and is planning to pursue a biology degree.
- Derek Rodriguez – Dobie High School: Derek is a dedicated student-athlete with four years on the varsity baseball team, a decade of experience with the Astros Youth Academy, and a passion for giving back through coaching at the Pearland Parks & Recreation Miracle League. He completed AP math courses throughout high school and aspires to pursue a career in extracting oil and natural gas to support America’s energy needs. He will attend Texas Tech University and major in petroleum engineering.
- Carlos Sanchez – Hastings High School: Carlos was a four-year band member and a Pharmacy Technician Trainee at CVS Health. He also completed AP OnRamps Physics 1 & 2 through the University of Texas at Austin, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence in STEM. Carlos is attending the University of Houston and pursuing a degree in chemical engineering.
- Hailey Sherrard – Summer Creek High School: Hailey was an active participant in the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society and served for four years in her high school band. Through a clinical program that she participated in, she gained hands-on experience by traveling to healthcare facilities and shadowing nurses and doctors. Hailey will attend the University of Oklahoma and major in biomedical sciences.
“These students represent the best of what Greater Houston has to offer- talent, drive, and a passion for making a difference,” said Emelda Douglas, Senior Vice President, Community Affairs for the Astros, and Executive Director of the Astros Foundation. “We’re proud to stand alongside Daikin in recognizing these outstanding scholars. Together, we’re helping to build a stronger and more innovative Houston, one student at a time.”
Learn more about the Astros Foundation by clicking here. You can also learn more about Daikin Park by visiting their website.