In a surprise Jan. 23 classroom ceremony, Hanks High School senior and accomplished musician Jason Castillo was named this year’s recipient of the Bill Cormack Undergraduate Scholarship, the most prestigious scholarship awarded by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) to a graduating high school senior.
Valued at $15,000, this honor recognizes outstanding musical achievement and academic excellence among top student musicians across the state, offering $3,000 per year for up to five years to a student who plans to major in a music degree program leading to Texas teacher certification, with music as the primary teaching field. Castillo was selected from a highly competitive pool of nearly 300 applicants from throughout Texas – an impressive accomplishment in his time at Ysleta ISD.
At Hanks High School, Jason has demonstrated remarkable dedication and talent in music! Since freshman year, he has participated in band and choir and performed with the school’s mariachi ensemble for two years, winning numerous statewide honors that include a medal for his Vocal Solo at All-State Mariachi, and being selected three times for the UIL All-State Mixed Choir, the highest distinction a Texas music student can achieve.
Congratulations, Jason! Ysleta ISD is proud to call you one of its own, and we can’t wait to see what you do in this next chapter!