Three top ten DeSoto High School seniors received full-tuition scholarship offers to attend Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU).
PVAMU representatives personally delivered this surprise to Class of 2022 top ten seniors: Javion Looney, Olivia Harper, and Valerie Villacorta.
“This scholarship provides me an opportunity to attend a college that I want to attend and not have to worry about tuition and other things that should not matter when getting an education,” said DHS senior Javion Looney, who plans to major in computer science after high school. “I want to enter the technical world and become a computer science software developer or something similar that will allow me to be creative.”
Looney and Harper received the Presidential Scholarship which allocates nearly $37,000 and Villacorta received the Regents Freshman Scholarship for $100,000, the highest award offered by the university based on her exemplary academic performance. The scholarships are good for 8 semesters so students may renew them each year.
Accompanied by Prairie View A&M University Area Recruiter Hayward StClair, Executive Director of Student Recruitment Lieutenant Colonel Mark K. Pearson spoke about the opportunity to help alleviate barriers to postsecondary education even amidst the looming pandemic.
“We do not want money to be an issue for students as they attend college,” said Pearson. “We try to help young people to figure out a way to pay for college and make money not be a reason not to attend,” said Pearson. “At Prairie View, once students complete the admission application process and complete the general scholarship application process, you are automatically considered for scholarships.”
After awarding the scholarships, Pearson looked at the student recipients and affirmed the university’s commitment.
“Your success matters to our institution. It matters to us and these scholarships show how important you are to us.”
Harper spoke to her appreciation for the scholarship and the benefits it will provide, but also the support she felt from her campus and counselors to ensure future success for her and her peers.
“DeSoto [High School] gives students like me a pathway to find scholarships, schools, and resources necessary for me to succeed after high school that I otherwise would not find,” she said. “It gives us a platform to connect with people to answer our questions that we would not have.”
DeSoto ISD aims to ensure that its students, without exception, learn and grow to their highest levels, and experiences like this align with the school board’s goal of ensuring that students are college and career-ready before graduation. The DeSoto High School campus hosts several college and university visits for its students throughout the year.
About Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University is the second oldest public institution of higher education in the state of Texas. This HBCU is affectionately known as “The Hill” and is deeply rooted in culture & tradition and provides an undeniable educational experience to more than 9,000 diverse students on one of the most beautiful campuses in the state of Texas.
Designated in 1984, as an “institution of the first class” in the Texas Constitution, the university is dedicated to achieving excellence and relevance in teaching, research, and service by providing a high-quality educational experience for students as they complete bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree programs.
The university also provides educational experiences leading graduates toward professional practice and meaningful societal participation. Learn more at www.pvamu.edu.