The prestigious scholarship is awarded to Rockwall ISD graduating seniors who exemplify excellent citizenship.
Rockwall, TX (July 1, 2025) – Rockwall Rotary Club recently awarded four Rockwall ISD recipients the Robert and Cecilia “Cis” Hawk Scholarship – each of whom were excellent models of citizenship with challenging and inspiring goals for the future.
In the 1990’s, Rockwall residents and community patrons, Robert and Cis Hawk, established the Robert and Cecilia Hawk Scholarship founded solely on the principles of citizenship. As they prepared to move to Arizona upon retirement, the couple asked Rockwall Rotary to continue the endowed scholarship fully administering it for their beloved Rockwall students, while staying true to their established guidelines.
As Rotarian Kevin Pate, said, “The Rotary Club was honored to continue the Hawk legacy.”
The Hawk Scholarship is the largest locally given scholarship awarding each recipient $20k towards their educational goals. This year approximately $100k was awarded! In addition to the four recipients awards, the finalists receive $1000 each with recipients designating a teacher to receive a monetary gift as well.
“These are truly the ‘best of the best’”, says Pate.
This year’s recipients of the Hawk scholarship and their designated teacher are:
- Lauren Conselman – Rockwall High School (Amy Rakow, teacher)
- Jace Blair – Rockwall High School (Michelle Morris, teacher)
- Keaton Steen – Rockwall-Heath High School (Don Williams, teacher)
- Wylie Schrade – Rockwall-Heath High School (Glenna Wier, teacher)
At a recent Rotary Club luncheon, Keaton Steen and Wylie Schrade spoke further about their goals and aspirations for their future.
In the fall, Wylie Schrade will attend Samford University in Birmingham, AL to study Psychology and Business. Her plans include a passionate desire to work in ministry initially in South Africa and later return home.
Schrade was introduced to the needs while on a mission trip to South Africa where she worked in an orphanage. That experience broke her heart, as she witnessed children who did not have the support and resources they needed to make something of their lives. Her goal is to show them “They have the potential to be so much more than the world is telling them they will be.”
Keaton Steen plans to study Economics at SMU on the pre-law track. Steen, a former Rockwall Rotary Student of Honor, shares that the examples of Rotarians he has known and surrounded by have helped him be a better citizen.
“For that reason, this award is not only financial assistance,” said Steen. “But an affirmation of what citizenship looks like in my life.” Steen has long term plans to return to Rockwall and enter public service. His dream is to someday represent Rockwall in the U.S. Congress.
Congratulations to these four scholarship recipients, and all those who were considered for the prestigious award! Rockwall County is proud of you and excited to see your future unfold!
Blue Ribbon News Staff Report. Photos by BRN Media.
Rockwall Rotary awards Robert & Cecilia Hawk Scholarships to four Rockwall ISD seniors added by Melanie M on
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