Texas High School Senior Yaneira Mendoza Earns Prestigious Hagan Scholarship

TEXARKANA, TEXAS – For Texas High School senior Yaneira Mendoza, the road to college now comes with a powerful vote of confidence.

Mendoza has been awarded a Hagan Scholarship, a nationwide need-based merit scholarship designed to help high-achieving students graduate from college debt-free. The scholarship provides recipients with up to $7,500 each semester for up to eight consecutive semesters, along with access to practical life-skills workshops, Schwab brokerage accounts, and study abroad opportunities.

The honor places Mendoza among 1,326 new Hagan Scholars selected this year from across the country.

“Yaneira’s recognition as a Hagan Scholar is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of her hard work, determination, and commitment to her future,” said Principal Ben Renner. “This scholarship is not only an investment in her education, but also in the dreams and goals she has worked so diligently to pursue.”

The Hagan Scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate academic promise, personal drive, and financial need. Hagan Scholars have attended 745 colleges and universities across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and have studied abroad in 64 countries.

For Mendoza, the scholarship opens the door to new opportunities as she prepares to continue her education at Texas A&M in College Station. With significant financial support and access to programs that help students build real-world skills, the Hagan Scholarship is intended to prepare recipients not only for college success but also for life beyond graduation.

“We are proud to celebrate Yaneira and this outstanding accomplishment,” said Superintendent Dr. Doug Brubaker. “She represents the hard work, determination, and potential we see in students across Texarkana ISD every day. We are excited for her and look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the future.”

Mendoza’s selection also highlights the important role of school counselors, teachers, and families in helping students connect their hard work in high school to meaningful postsecondary opportunities.

As Texas High School celebrates this achievement, Mendoza’s story serves as an inspiration to future Tigers preparing for college, careers, and life after graduation.