By Soncee Heard-Smith
Seventeen Tarleton State University students have been selected to receive a total of $136,000 for the 2025–2026 academic year through the Charles Butt Foundation’s Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers.
The scholarship is one prong of the foundation’s Raising Texas Teachers initiative, which aims to see effective teachers in every classroom, every year. By providing financial support to talented students pursuing a teaching career through partner universities, the foundation works to increase the number and quality of new educators entering the Texas workforce. Additionally, this work strives to create a network of well-prepared educators who are willing to serve in priority areas and be committed advocates for the profession.
The rigorous selection process evaluates students on communication skills, collaboration abilities, leadership potential, passion for education, academic achievement, and more. These students will receive continued support from the foundation as they find success in classrooms throughout Texas.
2025-2026 Tarleton State University Charles Butt Scholars
These outstanding students represent the next generation of teachers who will shape the future of classrooms in Texas:
New
- Alexsus Baker
- Ariel Blalock
- Brittney Roach
- Catalina Ortega
- Elyjah Bates
- Guadalupe Lopez
- Journey Harris
- Laura Nielsen
- Madeline Garlin
- Noelia Martinez
- Payton Dolezalek
- Shelbi Ruthesell
- Anna Rasberry
- Ashley Villatoro Zavaleta
Returning
- Cielo Medina Ardizzi
- Emily Burke
- Lainey Vollmer