The Sandra Tenorio Memorial Leadership Scholarship 2025
The Sandra Tenorio Memorial Leadership Scholarship NEW DEADLINE April 1, 2025
The Hays County Tejano Democrats will be awarding two memorial scholarships in the amount of $2500 each to 2025 graduates in the Hays CISD who plan to attend one of these institutions.
- Texas A&M University
- Texas State University
- an accredited college
- vocational school
- trade school
Who was Sandra Tenorio?
Sandra Tenorio was a product of the Hays CISD, graduating from Hays High School in 1976. She went on to a very successful career that included being elected first Hispanic Mayor for the City of Kyle and the youngest Mayor of the State at the time. She also served on the Hays CISD school board and the City of Buda city council and as mayor. She worked in government policy for most of her career, as first director of Farmworker Right-to-Know program for the Department of Agriculture, Director of Border and Immigration Issues for Governor Ann Richards, as the liaison between the State of Texas and the Mexican Government.
Sandra was an activist and community leader for the State Democratic Party, serving as state treasurer and county precinct chair; and was the first female to serve as president of the State Tejano Democrats, working diligently to help elect qualified candidates, and specifically people of color. She was a strong supporter of the Hays CISD. Ms. Tenorio passed away in 2023.
Goal
The goal of this scholarship is to assist a qualified student who shows leadership and an interest in community action. The Selection Committee seeks to identify and support students who have an interest in local, state and national government, as well as community activism and volunteerism.
Requirements
Applicants must submit a completed application with all required documents on or before midnight CDT on March 25, 2025. (Incomplete applications will not be considered.) Submit electronically to [email protected]
Carefully read and answer ALL the questions, essays, and paragraphs noted below and include a photograph.
I. Essay:
Applicants must submit a 500 to 800-word essay, single space (no more than 3 pages single-spaced)
In the essay you must tell us about:
1. Yourself, and your educational goals
2. Why you consider you deserve the Sandra Tenorio Leadership Scholarship from the Hays Tejano Democrats. (You can learn more about Sandra Tenorio at SandraTenorio.org)
3. Experiences that have influenced you to study: life, work, people
4. Your leadership roles and how you hope to exemplify leadership in the future.
5. Your Community Volunteer Service and/or your family responsibilities. (work)
II. Academic Record:
Official transcript from the school you are currently attending. High school students’ transcript must include scores of tests: ACT, SAT or Compass.
III. Financial Need:
Applicants must attach a copy of their FASFA Student Aid Report (SAR). If they have not completed FASFA, applicants should provide proof of all family income. (Tax return or proof of income – 60 days) If students meet the requirements, applicants should show that they have applied for Aggie Assurance or Bobcat Promise or other financial support program that cover tuition and mandatory fees in the institution of their choice.
IV. Seriousness of Purpose:
With this application, students must submit a paragraph describing their educational goals and where they plan to attend school. Funding will be distributed to the institution the student will attend.
V. Resume:
Applicants must submit a one-page resume of work experience, academic accomplishments and other relevant activities.
V. Family Academic Background:
Applicants must include a paragraph about their family’s academic background. What are your parents’ highest levels of education? Are you a first-generation college student? Google information about “first generation” students if you are not familiar with this phrase.
VII. Picture:
Submit a recent photograph with plain background, professional expression, and eyes open. You can have the picture taken with your phone but not selfies.
VIII. Letters of Reference:
Submit two letters of reference; these may be from a teacher, counselor, employer, pastor or priest, coach or family friends. (No letters from classmates or family members)
Deadline
Completed application and documents MUST be electronically submitted on or before March 25, 2025. Electronic copies are preferred, but hard copies may be mailed to Sandra Tenorio Scholarship, Hays County Tejano Democrats, PO Box 781, Buda, Texas 78610. They must be received no later than March 25, 2025 April 1, 2025 to be considered.
Presentation: Scholarship awards will be presented on May 3, 2025. Selected students will receive further instructions.
Please read application carefully for qualifications and requirements.
Deadline: Before 11 pm, CDT March 25, 2025 April 1, 2025.
Email to [email protected]
Hard copy backups may be sent to:
Sandra Tenorio Scholarship
Hays County Tejano Democrats
PO Box 781
Buda, Texas 78610