In the heart of Texas, the buzz of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo might have faded, but the echoes of its benefits reverberate through the lives of scholarship recipients long after the last cowboy hangs up his spurs. Taking a slice from the big pie of philanthropy, the Rodeo has maintained its commitment to education, doling out more than $27 million this year alone.
Among those whose lives were changed by this generosity is Aileen Loera, a University of Houston graduate, who confidently rode the full circle from scholarship recipient to full-time staff accountant at the Rodeo. "The goal was always to start at a four-year college, but with our finances, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to do that," she told the Houston Chronicle. Loera's tale is a testament to the Rodeo's mission of supporting education, a mission she now gets to contribute to firsthand.
Turning big dreams into tangible futures, the Rodeo's Scholarship Administration Committee has been the force behind vetting thousands of applications. In an impressive feat of organization and dedication, this team of volunteers ensures that 800 out of the 4,300 applicants receive much-needed scholarships each year. "We are so happy to find another avenue helping Texas youth that furthers their educational and ag goals," former committee chairman Ruthie Hebert said in a statement.
Justin Tankersley, who lost his father just before his high school graduation, was lifted by a Rodeo scholarship that allowed him to pursue industrial distribution at Texas A&M University. Now a vice president at the Rodeo, Tankersley reflects on his journey: "I started volunteering with the rodeo as a way to give back," he told the Houston Chronicle. He underscores his intent to give others the same opportunity that he was awarded years ago.
For Sidney Fuchs, graduating from Texas A&M with two degrees and zero debt was a feat made possible by the scholarship she received from the Rodeo. She's since entrenched herself within the organization, working as a manager in contracts and legal administration, celebrating 10 years of service this season. "Thanks to God, my parents and the livestock show and rodeo, I graduated with two degrees and zero debt," Fuchs expressed to the Houston Chronicle. Her gratitude rings clear as she acknowledges the Rodeo's pivotal role in her success.
It's not just the financial aid that makes the Rodeo scholarships special; it's the community and sense of family that come along with it. The Scholarship Administration Committee’s annual banquet, previously overhauled due to COVID restrictions, now stands as a relaxed gathering where scholars and their families mingle with donors and volunteers. With more than 350 scholars and guests in attendance in 2023, these celebrations are living proof of the lasting impact that the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues to exercise on the lives of Texan youth.
