This year’s United scholarship winners have already logged design competitions, mapped paths from biology to the operating room and turned a family diagnosis into a calling. Together, they offer a glimpse of a promising future.

To support their ambitions, United Cooperative Services awarded $45,000 to the 16 area students, with the top award of $10,000 going to Jenny Nguyen of Venus. Lilah Eakes of Grandview earned the second place award of $5,000, and Cadian Allen of Stephenville earned the third place award of $4,000.

Thirteen additional students across United’s service territory, each received $2,000. The winners provide a snapshot of a region’s talent that includes future engineers, mechanics, teachers and healthcare professionals.

“We’re deeply committed to the communities we serve,” said Cameron Smallwood, United CEO. “Our scholarship program is one of the most impactful ways we can invest in the future. We’re proud to support these exceptional students as they take the next step toward achieving their dreams.”

United’s scholarship program dates back to 1997, when state legislation allowed co-ops to invest unclaimed member dividends into scholarship programs. Since then, United has contributed more than $1.6 million toward higher education for nearly 1,100 students across the United service territory.

To qualify for the scholarship, undergraduate and high school students must reside in United’s service territory and be current United members. 

Engineering Her Own Path
For Jenny Nguyen, the scholarship opportunity almost slipped by. A message on the family’s monthly bill caught her father’s attention, and she submitted her materials just before the deadline.

“I procrastinate a lot, but it does get done,” she said with a laugh.

Although she jokes about almost missing the deadline, Nguyen is remarkably clear on where she’s going. She plans to study civil engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, with an eye toward law school and patent work in infrastructure design. 

The scholarship will help to cover the cost of software and lab materials required for Nguyen’s major, which are expenses that she said add up quickly.

“I’ve done architecture competitions and really enjoyed the design aspect,” Nguyen said.

Purpose Meets Passion
A few hours northwest, Lilah Eakes will begin her pre-med journey at Texas Tech University. Eakes is fueled by a deep love for family—especially her younger brother, who lives with a rare neurological condition. 

“He’s really inspired me, for sure,” Eakes said softly. “He’s my biggest cheerleader.” 

That family bond shapes everything, from her major in human development and family sciences to her dream of one day becoming a dermatologist with her own clinic. 

Eakes is entering her first year of college with intention to balance a demanding academics schedule and showing up for the people who matter most. 

“It’s important to me to succeed in school,” she said, “but also to make time for the people and things I love.”

Her advice to younger students reflects that same sentiment: “Say yes any chance you get! Saying yes opens the doors to so many great opportunities.”

Grace in the Grind
Cadian Allen has her sights set on the operating room. Also bound for Texas Tech, Allen said she plans to major in cell and molecular biology on a pre-med track.

“In 10 years, I see myself in an orthopaedic residency program, studying and training to become an orthopaedic surgeon,” she said.

But even with her eyes fixed firmly on the future, Allen is grounded in the present—and in her faith. 

“I want to focus on hearing God over my own voice and trusting where He guides me,” she said. 

Her advice to younger students carries the kind of wisdom that only comes from experience: “Don’t let one hard test or one B define what you believe your potential is. You are your biggest motivator and biggest hater, so be kind to yourself.”

This Year’s Winners

$10,000 Winner - 1st Place
Jenny Nguyen, Venus High School

$5,000 Winner - 2nd Place
Lilah Eakes, Grandview High School

$4,000 Winner - 3rd Place
Cadian Allen, Stephenville High School

$2,000 Winners
Bryce Andrews, home school student, Stephenville
Seth Beneze, Glen Rose High School
Emily Bettiga, White Horse Christian Academy, Hico
Emma Douglas, Stephenville High School
Avery Goodwin, Tarleton State University
Hugo Ibarra, Keene High School
Sam Lewis, home school student, Stephenville
Ella Magallan, Burleson Centennial High School
Abigail Pennington, Burleson Centennial High School
Corbin Powell, Santo High School
Samuel Rogers, Arlington Heights High School (Cleburne)
Jacob Scarborough, Stephenville High School
Sean Wood, Huckabay High School