With high school days behind them and their future on the horizon, graduating seniors are still preparing for the road ahead. For those attending colleges, universities, or technical schools, the cost of dorm decor, housing, books, and tuition can be overwhelming in today’s economy. Fortunately, scholarships, such as those provided by the South Plains UWCD, can help offset the ever-rising cost of tuition and higher education.
High school seniors from Brownfield, Wellman-Union, and Meadow submitted entries to the annual South Plains Underground Water Conservation District’s Scholarship Essay Contest. This year’s topic asked students to respond to the questions: “Groundwater is an essential yet often overlooked natural resource that supports drinking water supplies, agriculture, ecosystems, and economic development, not only in Texas, but around the world. However, increasing demand, pollution, and other factors are placing significant pressure on groundwater systems here in Texas. In an essay of 500-650 words, discuss the importance of groundwater conservation and propose practical strategies to protect and sustainably manage this resource.”
To demonstrate “college readiness”, students were required to address the topic by writing a minimum of 500 words in MLA format as well as provide a “works cited page” noting their research resources. Eleven total entries were submitted for 2026 – three from Brownfield, seven from Meadow, and one from Wellman-Union. Two recipients from each high school were chosen from qualifying entries. First place winners receive a $1,000 scholarship with second place winners receiving a $500 scholarship. This year, third place winners from Brownfield and Meadow were awarded a $250 scholarship for their efforts.
Scholarship Recipients for each district with the title of their essay include:
Brownfield High School:
1st Place – Yahir Mendoza – “The Importance of Groundwater Conservation.”
2nd Place – Angel Munoz – “Preserving What Lies Beneath.”
3rd Place – Madilynn Brisendine – “Is Technology Helping or Hurting Terry County?”
Meadow High School:
1st Place – Makynna Barton – “The Importance of Groundwater.”
2nd Place – Melody Garcia – “From Waste to Wisdom: How to Conserve Groundwater.”
3rd Place – Kyle Woodard – “The Importance of Groundwater – The Ogallala Aquifer.”
Wellman-Union High School:
1st – Brooklyn Mink – “Importance of Groundwater Conservation.”
The South Plains UWCD Board of Directors and General Manager, Darice Russell, feels that contributing to the future education of the students of Terry County is a worthwhile cause. Russell says, “It’s important to promote awareness of water issues with high school students because they are our future. Citizens need to know who is responsible for managing this precious resource. Graduates become community members and leaders who will be charged with conserving our water! If we can contribute even a small part toward the college education of Terry County students, our money is well spent.”
South Plains UWCD would like to congratulate each of the scholarship recipients and wish them the best in their future endeavors! For more information about the scholarship essay contest, or the water district, visit our website at www.spuwcd.org or the SOCOP education page at https://www.sandylandwater.com/education or www.savingh2o.org
