United's 2026 Scholarship Winners

Wherever their futures take them, this year’s top United scholarship recipients are using their education to make a difference.

This month, United awarded $43,000 in scholarships to 15 students across its service territory. Callan Nix of Tolar earned the top scholarship of $10,000, followed by Jana Qaddura of Mansfield, who received a $5,000 scholarship and Kate Crum of Granbury earned the third-place award of $4,000. Twelve additional students each received $2,000 scholarships.

“Supporting education is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the communities we serve,” said United CEO Cameron Smallwood. “We’re proud to help these exceptional students pursue their goals and look forward to seeing the impact they’ll make in the future.”

Since 1997, United has awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships to nearly 1,100 students throughout its service territory. Funds for the scholarship program are made available by House Bill 3203, which allows not-for-profit electric cooperatives like United to put unclaimed funds to use for student scholarships. 

This year’s top recipients share different career goals, but each hopes to use education as a way to improve the lives of others.

Agriculture’s Next Generation

For Callan Nix, agriculture has been a way of life since childhood. Growing up on her family’s farm, she raised show steers, baled hay and cared for cattle—experiences that inspired the Tolar High School graduate to pursue a degree in agribusiness at Texas A&M University this fall.

While Nix hopes to build a career advocating for agriculture, she’s equally passionate about investing in the next generation. Inspired by her father, who often reminds her that “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care,” she hopes to encourage young people to explore opportunities in agriculture and one day serve on scholarship committees herself.

“This scholarship means far more than financial assistance,” Nix said. “It helps ease the financial burden of college, allowing me to spend more time on my education, leadership opportunities and serving others.”

A Passion for Public Service

Jana Qaddura’s journey toward a legal career began with a curiosity about government and a desire to understand how public policy shapes people’s lives. This fall, the Martin High School graduate will attend Yale University to study political science before pursuing law school.

Qaddura hopes to one day work for the U.S. Department of Justice, where she can combine her passion for government with a commitment to public service. Her drive to succeed, she said, comes from watching her parents’ sacrifices and the value they placed on education.

“Since they did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education, they always emphasized the importance of working hard, continuing to learn and never taking opportunities for granted,” she said. “Their sacrifices and values motivate me to make the most of my education and use it to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”

Engineering a Better Future

Kate Crum will attend Texas A&M University this fall to study biomedical engineering with plans to work in the emerging field of artificial organs. She hopes to advance treatments for patients facing life-threatening illnesses.

Crum said she was inspired to pursue the field after learning that about 11,000 people die each year while waiting for a compatible organ transplant. She hopes artificial organs can one day serve as a temporary bridge for patients awaiting a donor—or even replace the need for donor organs altogether through long-term artificial organ technology.

“Receiving this scholarship is an incredible honor,” she said. “More than helping ease the financial burden of college, it’s a reminder that others believe in my potential and are investing in my future. That encouragement motivates me to work even harder toward my goals and, one day, give back by making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

2026 United Scholarship Recipients

$10,000 – First Place

Callan Nix, Tolar High School

$5,000 – Second Place

Jana Qaddura, Martin High School

$4,000 – Third Place

Kate Crum, Granbury High School

$2,000 Recipients

Mikah Matsuzawa, Burleson

Kaleb Osinga, Hico

Aubree Scott, Stephenville

Natalie Gilbreath, Glen Rose

Arianna Sandley, Meridian

Kenley Pack, Stephenville

Savannah Gaines, Cleburne

Natalie Estrada, Stephenville

Kooper Philips, Stephenville

Charlotte Parham, Stephenville

Ethan McCune, Glen Rose

Kassandra Rodriguez, Dublin