Two Ysleta High School seniors have each won highly coveted scholarships that cover full undergraduate tuition for four years at the nationally top-ranked University of Texas at Austin!
Darren Walker Scholar: Sebastian Mendoza
Winning the prestigious 2026 Darren Walker Scholarship is Ysleta High School senior Sebastian Mendoza, an extraordinary student who was chosen as a “high-potential future leader” based on community involvement, student leadership, and a genuine commitment to advancing principles of access and belonging.
According to the UT Austin website, the university seeks to recruit between 8-10 students annually as Darren Walker Scholars, who receive a full cost-of-attendance award valued at approximately $30,000 annually, or $120,000 over four years. As a Darren Walker Scholar, Sebastian will also receive academic support that includes mentorship, tutoring, and networking opportunities that help students thrive at UT Austin.
Impact Scholar: Dahlia Ornelas
Winning the highest-level Impact Scholarship to UT Austin is Ysleta High School senior Dahlia Ornelas, who was selected for her dedication to excellence, both inside and outside the classroom! As a highest-level Impact Scholar, Dahlia will receive a $80,000 scholarship – $20,000 per year for four years at UT Austin – covering the cost of her tuition and opening the door to incredible opportunities on campus.
At UT Austin, Dahlia will be supported by a community of scholars who will embolden her to take risks and pursue her dreams in an environment with a storied history of leadership, groundbreaking research, and impactful contributions to society. Impact Scholarships celebrate outstanding students who stand out for their academic excellence, leadership, resilience, and passion for serving others in their schools and communities.
Congratulations, Sebastian and Dahlia! Your hard work, determination, and perseverance have paid off, and Ysleta ISD couldn’t be prouder to have you represent us at UT Austin!