Legacy Scholars Celebrate a Year of Service and Student Impact; Donating $14,000 to Communities in SchoolsApril 22, 2026

Midland College recently hosted its annual End-of-Year Celebration honoring students in the Legacy Scholars Program, an evening that recognized academic success, personal growth, and the community partnerships that make the program possible.

The Legacy Scholars Program, now in its 40th year, provides students with more than financial assistance. It offers mentorship, service opportunities, and a strong support system to help them stay on track, complete their degrees, and prepare for successful futures.

This vital program is made possible through the generous support of the Abell-Hanger Foundation, Scharbauer Foundation, Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust, and Chaparral Foundation. Their continued investment allows Midland College students to access life-changing opportunities each year.

Service remains a cornerstone of the Legacy Scholars experience. Students active in the program during the 2025–2026 academic year volunteered an impressive 10,720 hours, including 4,000 hours completed by 50 sophomores and 6,720 hours by 84 freshmen. These experiences strengthen the community and help students develop leadership skills and a deeper understanding of service.

To better understand the value of philanthropy, Legacy Scholars also raise funds for local nonprofit organizations. This year, Legacy Sophomore Academy students sold t-shirt sponsorships to support a designated initiative at Communities in Schools of the Permian Basin (CISPB). Through a wide range of impactful programs, Communities in Schools serves at-risk students through efforts such as the XY-Zone Program, Project Athena, Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, and the Pink Pantry.

This year, students chose to direct their fundraising efforts toward the CISPB’s Mental Health Services, which provide students with access to critical resources, guidance, and support systems that promote emotional well-being and overall success. Throughout the year, Legacy Scholars engaged with Communities in Schools, including participating in an on-site visit to better understand the organization’s impact.

In total, the Legacy Scholars Program, with a generous matching donation from the Abell-Hanger Foundation, contributed $14,000 to support these efforts.

The evening also included the announcement of the 2025 Herbert L. Cartwright Education Continuance Scholarship recipients. Funded by the Abell-Hanger Foundation, these scholarships provide significant financial support as students continue their education at Texas public colleges and universities.

Herbert L. Cartwright Education Continuance Scholarship Recipients:

• Ariana Blackwell
• Carolyn Bautista
• Rosendo Carrasco Jr.
• Katelyn Alexia Dominguez
• Dayani Hernandez Gallegos
• Jose Jaquez
• Jacee Renteria
• Sattiah Sanchez
• Rosly Sanchez
• Christopher Underdown

“These students represent what the Legacy Scholars Program is all about,” said Tanisha Sam, Director of the Legacy Scholars Program. “They are not only succeeding in the classroom, but also investing in their community, building leadership skills, and discovering the impact they can have. We’re proud to support them as they grow into confident, purpose-driven leaders.”

Students were also recognized for their creativity and storytelling through a podcast contest. The following students were named winners:

• Itzel Cantu
• Hunter Cochran
• Lilah Cravey
• Denae Dominguez
• Ava Young

These recognitions highlight the dedication and potential of Midland College’s Legacy Scholars. With strong community support and meaningful opportunities, they are shaping their futures while making a lasting impact across the Permian Basin.

As the academic year comes to a close, Midland College remains committed to empowering students through programs like Legacy Scholars, where success is rooted in service, supported by community, and driven by purpose.