For DonorsFor Applicants

Vannessa A. Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship

$2,000
2 winners, $1,000 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
May 22, 2024
Winners Announced
Jun 22, 2024
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school, undergraduate, or trade school student
Field of Study:
Cosmetology or esthiology

Vannessa A. Gonzalez was a beloved sister who passed away too soon.

Vannessa went to cosmetology school but sadly passed before finishing her state exams. Vannessa would have been proud to know that her legacy was living on by helping other students pursue the field she cared about.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Vanessa A. Gonzalez by supporting students who share her passion for cosmetology.

Any high school, undergraduate, or trade school student who’s pursuing cosmetology or esthiology may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about things that are important to you, how you came up with this answer, if those things will be important in ten years, and how you will integrate them into your beauty career.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published October 20, 2023
Essay Topic

It is very important to know who you are. To make decisions. To show who you are.” – Malala Yousafzai. Tell us three things that are important to you. How did you arrive at this list? Will these things be important to you in ten years? Why? How will you integrate these into your beauty career? 

100–400 words

Winning Applications

Makya Neal
Texas High SchoolTexarkana, TX
Hello! My name is Makya Neal and I will be the first in my family to attend college. That alone makes me so proud of myself. I currently have a 3.8 GPA. Since I have done so well my academic advisor entered me into AP classes and dual credit classes for the upcoming year. This will also help me to get my 3.8 GPA higher. I’m from Texas. I have an older brother and younger sister. I am passionate, an overachiever, and have a great work ethic. The things that I am passionate about are doing hair, makeup, and succeeding beyond when I go to college. I arrived on the list because I have had a love for cosmetology since I was three years old playing with my barbies hair and I know without a doubt that is my calling. I actually braid hair currently in high school to earn money from my peers. I just lack a license. Cosmetology will be important to me still in ten years because that is my calling. I love doing hair, playing with makeup on myself and others, putting individual lashes on others to make them feel beautiful, and I’m also into skin care. I have yet to learn to do acrylic nails but I’m excited to learn in college. My dream is to have my own shop doing it all and having people work for me. I know my skill set and determination will inspire others. If I am chosen I am sure to not disappoint. Thank you for your time.
Alekxis Rodriguez
New Braunfels Senior High SchoolNEW BRAUNFELS, TX
Becoming successful, my family, and finding my purpose are the three crucial things I always consistently remind myself of every day to get through all in a day's work. Becoming successful is above all everyone's goal at the top of their list. Success is a word with various meanings to each person, to me success means failure. I’ve gone through multiple failures in my life, but the most important failures helped me achieve what I always dreamed of to show my family that all their hard work and sacrifices were worth it. Though failure is something I wish to always avoid, I’ve come to realize that it’s what’s vital to come home one day and say I did it. Another thing important to me is my family. My family through thick and thin always supported me in the toughest times and the toughest moments. I had to face the hardship of long-term abuse from my dad and if it weren’t for my mom’s bravery I wouldn’t have been where I am today. I will rarely have the words to explain how much I am thankful for my mom’s sacrifices and hardships that she made to bring me and my siblings to the finish line. I hope that someday, with my hardships, to return the favor to her as she did for me. With time, in the ultimate journey I will take, I wish nothing more than to find a purpose in this meaningful life. I don’t wish to have the purpose of being on a pedestal or someone glorified, but a person who can inspire and motivate others. I find myself willing to do what it takes to fulfill the empty spaces that I’ve always carried. Whether that be a towering mountain to climb or a race with many obstacles, I will find my way to what I was made for in this life.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 22, 2024. Winners will be announced on Jun 22, 2024.