29-05-2025
Bright Futures Ahead: Five Dallas Teens Earn $5K Scholarships from Monty and Sarah Bennett
Five Dallas ISD seniors have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Monty J. and Sarah Z. Bennett Dallas Scholarship Fund, awarded through Dallas Bright Futures. The scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated academic excellence and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Each winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship to support college expenses, including tuition, books, or housing. The recipients were chosen from a competitive pool through a selective process involving essays, interviews, and recommendations.
'These five seniors are bold, bright, and beautifully resilient. Their journeys – marked by perseverance, grit, and a deep desire to uplift others – deeply resonate with me,' said Sarah Z. Bennett. 'Like them, I know what it's like to walk a harder road. That's why their academic achievements and community impact feel especially inspiring. They remind us all of the strength that can come from hard work and determination, and they truly represent the best of this rising generation.'
The 2025 scholarship recipients include:
Mekhiya Matthews, graduating from Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy with a high school diploma and associate degree, will study mechanical engineering at Texas Christian University. She hopes to develop engineering solutions to improve systems like voting and hospital operations.
Anica Ayala, a graduate of Emmett J. Conrad High School and former English learner, will attend the University of Texas at Austin to study biology with a focus on pediatric oncology.
Jesus Serrano, also from Emmett J. Conrad, plans to major in engineering at UT Austin. With a background in robotics and a passion for mentorship, he hopes to return to Dallas to inspire future engineers.
Lauren Osorio, graduating from Irma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School, overcame homelessness and plans to study psychology at Willamette University, aiming to support youth struggling with mental health challenges.
Sophia Olivas, also of Irma Rangel YMLS, will attend Southern Methodist University to study actuarial science. A standout math student, she created youth financial literacy programs and wants to help underrepresented communities gain economic knowledge.
The scholars will be honored at a private reception on June 17, hosted by Monty and Sarah Bennett at Ashford Inc.
Dallas Bright Futures, the nonprofit behind the scholarship fund, supports students from under-resourced backgrounds by providing access to higher education and opportunities for long-term success.
Reception DetailsDate: June 17, 2025Time: 2–3 PM CTLocation: Ashford Inc., 14185 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TXMedia RSVP: abeach@
For more on the scholarship and Dallas Bright Futures, visit
