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The recently awarded 100 students across 18 different Texas colleges and universities $1.2 million in educational funding through the Rodeo’s Achievement Scholarship Program. Among them are two ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University students –– Amber Martinez and Hannah Norwood.

Founded in 1923, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. The are awarded to current Rodeo scholars working toward an undergraduate degree, have completed four semesters and at least 60 hours of coursework, and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher at a Texas college or university.

According to a , the Achievement Scholarships are awarded following the initial Rodeo scholarship for a maximum combined total of up to $36,000 in educational funding per student. Also, of the scholars, 19% are first-generation high school graduates and 39% are first-generation college students.

Chris Boleman, Rodeo president and CEO, also said in the release, “We are so proud of these scholars, as they have continued to demonstrate their commitment to pursuing their undergraduate degrees at some of the greatest academic institutions in Texas. It has been great to witness their academic progress since we awarded them with their first Rodeo scholarship, and these Achievement Scholarships will further support their academic journeys.”

Each scholar will receive an additional $4,000 scholarship for each eligible semester.
Norwood, a senior biology major who recently received her first early acceptance into medical school, said she plans to use the money to further her education in her journey to becoming a physician.

“It was a huge relief for me, especially because I found out the good news during an important, influential season in my life. I appreciate the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Area Go Texan donors that have given so graciously to me from the beginning,” she said. “I also must recognize the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University professors that have taught and mentored me. My heart continuously overflows with gratitude for such a life-changing award and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Program team's support.”

Martinez, a senior accounting major, also was awarded the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Scholarship in 2020 as a student at Orangefield Independent School District. She applied for the Achievement Scholarship this past summer and waited for the awardee’s announcement on Aug. 15, or what she called “the big day.” 

“When I received an email at work saying I had been awarded this scholarship, I was kind of screaming ecstatically in my head. It was a great surprise,” she said. “I would like to thank my parents for encouraging me to apply for the original Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship that allowed me to be eligible for the Achievement Scholarship. Neither of them had the opportunity to earn a college degree, so this scholarship means everything. I would also like to thank one of my best friends, Chloe. She has helped me so much between bouncing around essay ideas and proofreading.”

For decades, the Rodeo has committed more than $550 million to the youth of Texas and education.