Grace Pesek from the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall received support from the Dye Foundation Scholarship and plans to attend Tarleton State University.
Funds are distributed over four years, up to $5k per semester
DALLAS, TEXAS – Twenty one North Texas high school seniors collectively received academic scholarships of $288K over the next four years through the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation, part of the 2026 Annual College Scholarship program.
Selections for scholarships are based on college entrance scores, high school grades, financial circumstances, and demonstrate the YMCA’s values of academic achievement, community service, and personal motivation.
“A new generation of leaders is taking shape. These 21 outstanding students have exhibited extraordinary commitment to the investment in their education. We’re inspired by their tenacity and are proud to play a role in their continued success,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.
Individuals were formally awarded during the College Scholarship Reception on Tuesday, March 31st.
“For more than four decades, the Y has been a champion for North Texas students,” said Kathryn Allen, President of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation. “As an organization, what we know is that having a degree benefits our community by: Higher rates of civic engagement, volunteerism, voter turnout and healthier communities. This scholarship investment in these students is an investment in the future of our community.”
Scholarship funds were made possible through the generous contributions of: The Dye Foundation, The Fina Foundation, The Jordan Family Scholarship, the King-Phipps Foundation and the YMCA Chairman’s Scholarship. In addition, the Vilfordi Family Scholarship benefiting Lake Highlands Family YMCA was initiated this year. It is a scholarship for students who, in addition to working, demonstrate a strong balance of academic achievement, community involvement, and sound values and character.
2026 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES:
● Precious Akhigbe – Vanderbilt University – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Samara Aletan – Stanford University – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Finn Nico Barrow – University of Texas Dallas – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Micaela Donley – Texas Christian University – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Ariatna Flores – Texas Christian University – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Nichole Hinostroza – Dallas Baptist University – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Gabriel Miller – Texas Christian University – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Yazhini Mohankumar – University of Texas Austin – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Riley Morriss – University of Tennessee – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Nancy Nguyen – University of Texas Austin – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Grace Pesek – Tarleton State University – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Kevin Pointer – Midamerica Nazarene University – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Tejomaye Raman – University of Texas Austin – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Jimena Rosas – Rice University – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Sarah Spychalski – University of Texas Austin – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Jake Sullivan – University of Texas Austin – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Navier Walder – Baylor University – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Bemnet Wogeta – Emory University – Dye Foundation Scholarship
● Rachael Frazer – Texas Tech University – Lake Highlands Family YMCA Working Scholarship
● Madeline Welling – Texas A&M University – Jordan Family Scholarship
● Magdaline Marcum – Oklahoma State University – King/Phipps Scholarship
To learn more about the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ college scholarship program, click here.
About The YMCA Of Metropolitan Dallas
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves thousands of men, women and children each year, regardless of age, income or background. Anchored in 17 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change. The Y ensures all people have equitable access to the essentials needed to become thriving members of the community. Daily, the Y bridges and fills individual and community needs as a catalyst for impactful change. The YMCA makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive, with three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact and support your neighbors, please visit us at www.ymcadallas.org.
About The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation
The YMCA Dallas Foundation was established in 1996 to support the Dallas Y and its mission. However, gifts to an endowment fund began long before that from those with a commitment to the continued stability and growth of the YMCA’s service for youth and families. The corpus of the Foundation has grown over $30M and distributes more than $1M back to the organization each year.
About The Dye Foundation Scholarship
F.W. & Bessie A. Dye Foundation, prominent members of the Dallas community, established a scholarship fund to ensure future generations would have access to higher education. Dye scholarships are awarded based on motivation, achievement and financial need.
About King & Phipps Foundation Scholarship
This fund was established by the Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation to help provide a post-secondary scholarship for youth. Carl B. and Florence E. King dedicated themselves to the betterment of individuals, communities, and society through informed giving.
About Jordan Family Scholarship
This fund was established by Will and Toby Jordan, two long time YMCA supporters. Will served on the Association and Foundation Boards, and their family was involved in multiple Y programs. Seeing the benefit of the Y in their family, they established an endowed fund to provide scholarships.
About FINA Foundation Scholarship
The FINA Corporate Foundation established scholarships for students who plan to major in law, math, science or international business.
About the Lake Highlands Family YMCA Working Scholarship
Funded through the Vilfordi Family YMCA Endowed Scholarship Fund, this scholarship supports Lake Highlands Family YMCA staff and area students in their pursuit of post-secondary education. It is designed to invest in students who, in addition to working, demonstrate a strong balance of academic achievement, community involvement, and sound values and character. The scholarship is available to both high school seniors and current college students.
Submitted press release and photos.
46th Annual YMCA College Scholarship Program Awards 21 North Texas Seniors with $288K added by Editor on
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