Big Tex Scholars ready for success

By Taylor Pulfer

Since its establishment in 1992, the Big Tex Scholarship Program has continued to uphold the State Fair’s nonprofit mission of supporting agriculture, education and community involvement. 

The Fair announces another year of supporting Texas students through scholarships towards furthering their education, with the State Fair of Texas awarding more than $1.3 million in new college scholarships this year. 

They are awarding 220 scholarships to deserving students across the Lone Star State: 96 Juanita Craft Scholarships to Dallas ISD students, 115 Youth Livestock Scholarships to students throughout Texas, seven Seasonal Employee Scholarships, one Benny Clark Memorial Scholarship and one Peggy Sloan Memorial Scholarship.

In its 33-year history, the Big Tex Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships to more than 3,700 students for a program total of more than $20.1 million. Honoring the legacy of South Dallas resident and civil rights activist Juanita Craft, each year, the State Fair awards college scholarships to selected applicants from six Dallas ISD high schools surrounding the Fair Park area — Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation, James Madison, Lincoln High School and Humanities/Communications Magnet, North Dallas and Woodrow Wilson high schools. In addition, the State Fair awards scholarships to select applicants across the state who have participated in youth livestock competitions at the State Fair of Texas. The Seasonal Employee Scholarship serves as a thank you to the Fair’s seasonal employees for their hard work and dedication to the State Fair of Texas — both qualified seasonal employees and their dependents are eligible for this opportunity.

“Being named a 2025 Big Tex Scholar is truly an honor that fills me with deep appreciation. This incredible opportunity will be instrumental in easing the financial aspects of my education, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to my studies and future aspirations. Beyond the financial support, the recognition as a Big Tex Scholar carries a significant weight, which I believe will open doors and enhance my professional journey. I am also very grateful for the chance to connect with the network of scholars and alumni. Thank you for this empowering investment in my future; I am committed to making the most of it and contributing meaningfully,” said Sidney Scott, 2025 Big Tex Juanita Craft recipient from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation.

Recipients receive a $6,000 grant, renewable each semester if the student meets the criteria for renewal. Students must attend an accredited college, university, or trade school within the state of Texas. To qualify for scholarship renewal, recipients must enroll in and pass a minimum of 12 hours each semester. In addition, recipients must achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA in their first semester and a 3.0 cumulative GPA for every semester thereafter.

The State Fair also awards several ancillary scholarships where outstanding students are awarded an additional $6,000 over four years to combine with the initial awarded $6,000 scholarship, for a grand total of $12,000 to put towards higher education.

Receiving this year’s Benny Clark Memorial Scholarship, Layton Shadle embodies the qualities of a strong leader in agriculture education.

Awarded to a strong leader and graduating senior from Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, this year’s recipient of the Peggy Sloan Memorial Scholarship is Nicole Velasquez Hernandez.

Local scholarship recipients and their families will enjoy an awards fair hosted by the State Fair of Texas, celebrating the 2025 Scholars and all their accomplishments.