Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Program Awards 25 Grants
The Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Program has awarded 25 grants of $1,500 to students from affiliated union families beginning or continuing their higher educations.
The state federation’s scholarship committee green-lighted the outstanding work of central labor bodies that interviewed and tested high school senior applicants from across Texas and made recommendations for awards. The committee also chose three past winners of the high school scholarships to receive continuing grants based on their applications. And a professional percussionist received a grant to pursue an advanced music degree in the second edition of our Career Builder Scholarship for current union members who wish to return to school.
“Our scholarship program is like no other that we know of,” Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said. “It has many moving parts, it has buy-in from CLCs and labor assemblies, plus the Area Labor Federation, and it has a core of unions and generous contributors to the Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Fund that make the program possible.”
In several Central Labor Councils and assemblies, the Texas AFL-CIO grants are complemented by local scholarship programs, expanding the number of students who receive a financial boost.
The program has education and affiliation components as well. High school students who apply must examine materials that provide basic information about the union movement (a short test is part of the application process) and interview with scholarship committees. To be eligible, all applicants or their parents/legal guardians must be affiliated with a Central Labor Council (if any) and with the Texas AFL-CIO.
This year, 21 high school seniors received awards, along with three continuing scholars and the Career Builder recipient.
Criteria for selection of high school seniors include academic performance, extracurricular activities, performance on the labor test, results of interviews, and financial need.
For continuing scholarships, the Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Committee emphasizes volunteer work and activism by students as they continue their education. The Career Builder scholarship looks closely at all the details of the applicant’s plan to use a return to school to build a better livelihood.
The Committee members who attended this year’s meeting included Chair Jeff Darby (AFGE), Lee Medley (USW), and appointed ad hoc by President Rick Levy, Ed Sills (Texas AFL-CIO, OPEIU and NewsGuild/CWA).
One reason for the ad hoc appointment: the recent death of Clara Caldwell (Texas APRI), a leader on the Scholarship Committee for more than four decades. Her guiding-light leadership in the program from the days when she was a Texas AFL-CIO Director was so strong that Caldwell has been commemorated with a scholarship named for her.
“Clara’s work on the Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Program preceded anyone currently on our staff,” Levy said. “For many years, we saw her typical attention to detail, her energy, and her passion as she sat on the Committee and offered wise advice on the difficult calls. Clara was unique and is richly deserving of being remembered in this unique program.”
Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Aguilar urged the labor community to ratchet up attention to the Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Fund, which provides money for the grants. That fundraising took on added importance a few years ago when the program raised scholarship amounts to $1,500, Aguilar noted, adding that it is time to add significantly to the fund so the state labor federation can continue to fund scholarships for all semi finalists chosen by central labor bodies.
The Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization that accepts donations that are tax-deductible to the full extent of federal law. Donations may honor a living person or memorialize a loved one. To contribute, go to https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/texas-afl-cio-scholarship-fund, send a check payable to “Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Fund” to Texas AFL-CIO,
P.O. Box 12727, Capitol Station, Austin, TX 78711, or contact Texas AFL-CIO Accountant Emily Speight at emily@texasaflcio.org.
Donors of at least one full $1,500 scholarship in the 2024 cycle (or from legacy donations) include: Joe & Dorothy Gunn (legacy), the Speight family (legacy), and UAW Region 8 Community Action Fund.
Sufficient donations to name a memorial scholarship arrived this year or were otherwise designated for Clara Caldwell and Elaine Jones.
The Texas AFL-CIO will post applications for the 2025 Scholarship Program in late October. Postmark deadline for high school applications will be Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
2024 Scholarship Recipients
(Includes CLC or Labor Assembly for high school seniors, and, as appropriate, outside sponsor or memorial)
Christopher Baulis of Santa Fe. Ranked in the top sixth of his class at Santa Fe High School, Baulis plans to attend Texas A&M University - Galveston. He participated in a variety of band-related activities, including marching band, University Interscholastic League, and regional solo and ensemble competitions. Baulis is the son of Michael Baulis and Brandi Sanders. Sister Sanders is a member of United Steelworkers Local 13-1. (Galveston Labor Assembly)
Fabian Biemer of San Antonio. A graduate of Central Catholic High School, Biemer plans to attend St. Mary’s University. He participated in the Academic Team. Biemer is the son of Timothy and Amantina Biemer. Brother Biemer and Sister Biemer are members of International Association of Machinists Local 2210. (San Antonio CLC)
Kyler Boone of Wichita Falls. Ranked 7th in his class at Wichita Falls High School, Boone plans to attend Texas A&M University. He participated in Student Council, National Honor Society, Key Club, PALS, youth leadership, varsity football and baseball, and UIL math while also working a job. Boone is the son of Justin and Michelle Boone. Brother Boone is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 681. (Wichita Falls CLC)
Jarelis Borque of Fort Worth. Ranked in the top fifth of her class at Haltom High School, Borque plans to attend Tarrant County College. She participated in soccer (team manager), choir, cross country, and National Honor Society while teaching 4-year-olds at a child development center. Borque is the daughter of Omar Borque and Rachel Delgado. Brother Borque is a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 32. (Dallas AFL-CIO)
Victoria Cantu of Corpus Christi. Ranked 4th in her class at St. John Paul II High School, Cantu plans to attend Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She participated in National Honor Society, marketing and Student Council. Cantu is the daughter of Victor and Dora Cantu. Brother Cantu is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 278. (Coastal Bend CLC; UAW Region 8 Action Fund)
Joshua Constance II of Lumberton. Preparing for a career in engineering while attending Lumberton High School, Constance plans to attend Lamar University. He participated in band, powerlifting and UIL history. Constance is the son of Josh and Steph Constance. Brother Constance is a member of United Steelworkers Local 13-243. (Sabine Area CLC)
Lisette Cortez of Friendswood. Carrying a near-perfect 3.98 grade point average at Friendswood High School, Cortez plans to attend Texas A&M University. She participated in band, National Honor Society, and National Spanish Honor Society. Cortez scored a perfect 100 on the Texas AFL-CIO scholarship test. She is the daughter of Eloy and Daizy Cortez. Brother Cortez is a member of International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1351. (Harris County CLC)
Taylor Dyess of Wills Point. Recipient of a Continuing Scholarship, Dyess has served as a youth volleyball coach, participated in student ministry, and tutoring while attending Trinity Valley Community College. She plans to become a registered nurse and has become an advocate for strengthening the pipeline for more persons to become health care professionals. Dyess is the daughter of Dan and Mechelle Hagler. Brother Hagler is a member of UA Local 100 (Plumbers & Pipefitters).
Breigh Gayler of Alvord. Ranked 8th in her class at Alvord High School, Gayler plans to attend University of Texas at San Antonio. She participated in National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Cheerleading, powerlifting, One Act Play, FCCLA and track. Gayler is the daughter of Jason and Jamie Gayler. Brother Gayler is a member of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 776A. (Tarrant County CLC)
Sarek Alexander Gutierrez of San Antonio. Recipient of the “Career Builder” scholarship for working union members, Gutierrez, a percussionist in the San Antonio. Philharmonic Orchestra, plans to complete a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Texas Tech University. “As a doctoral student, having the textbooks required for class is imperative for our success, and this scholarship would help me achieve that.” Gutierrez is a member of American Federation of Musicians Local 23. (Donated by Speight Family)
Jayden Hamilton of Roanoke. Recipient of a Continuing Scholarship, Hamilton has ably carried a full academic load at the University of Arkansas while volunteering extensively at the campus food pantry in a variety of roles and becoming a strong advocate for hunger prevention and remediation. He has also served as an Honors College Ambassador. Hamilton is the son of Greggory and Rochelle Hamilton. Brother Hamilton is a member of United Auto Workers Local 218. (Donated by UAW Region 8 Action Fund)
Elizabeth Harris of Hubbard. Ranked 8th in her class at Penelope High School, Harris plans to attend Missouri Western State University. She participated in One-Act Play, volleyball, Student Council, cheer, and as manager of basketball and track teams. Harris is the daughter of Kevin and Shannon Harris. Brother Harris is a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 72. (Central Texas CLC)
Lauren Hernandez of El Paso. Ranked 10th in her class at Silva Health Magnet High School, Hernandez plans to attend Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso to study to become a nurse. She participated in Student Council, National Honor Society, Silva Ambassadors, and Health Occupations Students of America, while working at a sandwich shop. Harris is the daughter of Larry Hernandez. Brother Hernandez is a member of Fire Fighters Local 51. (El Paso CLU)
Olivia Hinojosa of Lake Jackson. Ranked in the top fifth of her class at Brazoswood High School, Hinojosa plans to attend University of Houston-Clear Lake. She participated in tennis, National Honor Society, Spanish NHS, Science NHS, Environmental Club, HOSA and EMT. Hinojosa is the daughter of Moses and Isabel Hinojosa. Brother Hinojosa is a member of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 564. (Tideland CLC; In Memory of Clara Caldwell)
Sage Lay of Stinnett. Ranked 3rd in her class at Stinnett High School, Lay plans to attend West Texas A&M University. She participated in volleyball, basketball, softball, and National Honor Society. She scored a perfect 100 on the scholarship test on the basics of the labor movement. Lay is the daughter of Charles and Heather Murley. Sister Murley is a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 351. (Amarillo CLC)
Alexis Ledezma of San Antonio. Ranked in the top fifth of her class at Health Careers High School, Ledezma plans to attend Alamo Colleges-Northwest Vista College. She participated in choir, Health Occupations Students of America, National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta, as well as working at a restaurant. She is the daughter of Abel and Viola Ledesma. Brother Ledezma is a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 142. (San Antonio CLC)
Esai Monroy of Abilene. After graduating from ATEMS High School, Monroy plans to attend McMurry University. He participated in band, high school e-sports, church volunteering, helping the homeless and trash pickup for Keep America Beautiful. Monroy is the son of Michael and Erin Monroy. Brother Monroy is a member of Communications Workers of America Local 6202. (No CLC jurisdiction; Donated by Joe & Dorothy Gunn legacy)
Alice Moody of Austin. Ranked in the top 15 percent of her class at Akins Early College High School, Moody plans to attend West Texas A&M University. She was President of three organizations: Akins Journey Theater; Travis 4-H county Council; and Oak Hill 4-H. She scored a perfect 100 on the Texas AFL-CIO scholarship test on the basics of the labor movement. Moody is the daughter of William Moody and Jessica Hyde. Brother Moody is a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 181. (Austin CLC)
Nathan Nolen of Roanoke. Having worked several jobs as a high school student, Nolan plans to attend the University of Arkansas. He participated in Next Gen Summer Leadership and as a camp leader in his church. Nolan is the son of Larry and Michelle Nolan. Brother Nolan is a member of Transport Workers Union Local 513. (Tarrant County CLC)
Nicholas Nolen of Roanoke. A baseball player at Byron Nelson High School, Nolan plans to attend Oral Roberts University. He also served as a church intern and worked other jobs. Nolan is the son of Larry and Michelle Nolan. Brother Nolan is a member of Transport Workers Union Local 513. (Tarrant County CLC)
Katherine Ochoa of Houston. Recipient of a Continuing Scholarship, Ochoa has thrived academically at Texas State University while teaching taekwondo and volunteering for Grupo Folklorico Ocotochtli. She is majoring in biology and plans to attend medical school. Ochoa is the daughter of Edgar Ochoa and Bertha Rosiles. Brother Ochoa is a member of International Longshoremen’s Association Local 24.
Charleston Rabb of Pflugerville. An accomplished athlete and volunteer at McCallum High School, Rabb plans to attend North Carolina Central University. He participated in football and basketball, winning several academic and service recognitions along the way. Rabb is the son of Sylnovia Holt Rabb. Sister Rabb is a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1624. (Austin CLC)
Joshua Rogers of Humble. Ranked 11th in his class at Humble High School, Rogers plans to attend the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He participated in National Honor Society, UIL-Academics, Health Occupations Students of America, Chess Club and Awanas. Rogers is the son of Christoper and Stacey Rogers. Sister Rogers is a member of the Aldine American Federation of Teachers Local 6345. (Harris County; In memory of Elaine Jones)
Rylea Terrazas of Diboll. Ranked in the top quarter of her class at Diboll High School, Terrazas plans to attend Angelina College. She works at a department store and is a volunteer at the fire department and at an assisted living facility. Terrazas is the daughter of Juan and Misty Terrazas. Brother Terrazas is a member of United Steelworkers Local 1401. (Deep East Texas CLC)
Adissyn Williams of League City. Ranked in the top sixth of her class at Clear Lake High School, Williams plans to attend Sam Houston State University. She participated in dance team (the Clear Lake Flairs), National Honor Society, and National German Honor Society. Williams scored a perfect 100 on the Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Test. She is the daughter of Bill and Ashley Williams. Brother Williams is a member of International Longshoremen’s Association Local 351. (Harris County)
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Donors to Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Fund
(July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024)
Leonard Aguilar
American Federation of Government Employees Local 1920
Judy Bryant
Isabel Castillo
Margaret Demerit
Patrick Flynn
Eric Hartman
Health Care Service Corp.
Heat & Frost Insulators Local 21
Houston ILA Dock and Marine Council
IBEW 716
Paul Kleiman
Rick Levy
Thomas McDaniel
Becky Moeller
Zulema Nava
Eric Nelson
Longina Pena
Pipefitters Local 211
Plumbers Local 68
Principal Financial Group (Justin Graves)
Patty Quinzi
Richard Rock & Anita O’Rourke
Andres Rosas
Sabine Area Central Labor Council
Douglas Selwyn
Ed Sills
Southeast Texas BCTC
Texas Alliance for Retired Americans
Texas AFL-CIO
Paul Thompson
Jeffrey Timmons
Union Labor Life Insurance Co.
United Auto Workers Region 8 Community Action Fund
United Steelworkers Local 13-1
United Steelworkers Local 13-228
West Texas Building & Construction Trades Council
Linda White
Memorials and Honorees
(Donations memorialized the following persons)
Clara Caldwell
Glennon Richard Clinton
Charlie Delgado
James Gaston
Michael Henderson
Dr. Hervy Harrison Hiner Jr.
Katy Jewett
Elaine Jones
Carolyn Markos
Jim McCasland
Magdalena Montemayor
Michael Sacco
Michael Shelton
Calvin Speight
Ceole Speight
Supileo Ma’uhau Uhatafe
—-
In Honor of Ascension Seton Nurses
In Honor of Martha Owen retirement
In Honor of Niah Sims graduation
In Honor of UA Local 286 Anniversary
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