tcrow@taylorisd.org When Celicia Jackson-Deary
graduated from Taylor High School in 2016, she received the Perez Family
Scholarship to help with college expenses. The scholarship provided $500 for
the first semester, and $300 for each semester after that. Funding from this
local scholarship is helping her reach her goal of becoming a music therapist.
“I never had to worry about
money until I got to college, and that’s when I figured out that every little
bit helps in some way no matter the amount,” said Jackson-Deary. “This
scholarship has paid for books and other last-minute fees that have come up.”
The Perez Family Scholarship
was started in honor of Jackson-Deary’s great grandparents, Antonio and Amelia
Perez, because of the value they placed on education. Family members sell
tamales with proceeds going to the scholarship fund, and only Perez descendants
may be named as recipients.
“I’m very blessed to be a part
of a family that values education and wants nothing more than the youth of it to
succeed in all that we do,” said Jackson-Deary. “Because of their support and
love I can go to school and do what needs to be done to better myself, with
them behind me every step of the way.”
In high school, Jackson-Deary
was involved in the music program and felt like that was the path she needed to
take.
“I was in band through-out
middle school and high school,” she said. “I was the Drum Major my junior and
senior year. I also did solo and ensemble, the in-door drum line and other
various activities. I am currently working towards becoming a music therapist.”
Jackson-Deary is currently
enrolled at Austin Community College with plans to transfer to UIW in San
Antonio in the fall to work on her music therapy degree. She has also taken
classes at the University of Louisiana and encourages current seniors to apply
for as many scholarships as possible.
“Apply, apply, apply! Especially
for your local scholarships,” she advised. “Even though you may not receive
every one, every little bit helps!”
Seniors may apply for local
and other scholarships online on the Taylor High School website. The deadline
to apply for local scholarships is March 9th.
For anyone wanting to
contribute to an existing scholarship, or to start a new scholarship, please
contact Elizabeth De La Cruz at (512) 365-1391.
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| Celicia Jackson-Deary (front right) is shown with her sister, Cerena Jackson-Deary (front left), and mom, Celia Diaz, on the University of Louisiana campus where she began taking classes after graduating from Taylor High School. Jackson-Deary was awarded the Perez family scholarship to help with college expenses and encourages current seniors to apply for as many scholarships as possible. |
