Sara Contreras, a senior at the Hector J. Garcia Early College High School, has the prestigious honor of being named a 2026 Terry Scholar by the Terry Foundation. Contreras earned admission to the number one public institution in Texas, the University of Texas at Austin and will be attending college on a full-ride scholarship from the Terry Foundation.
Terry Scholars are chosen based on three equally weighted criteria: demonstrated leadership and strong character, academic excellence, and financial need. Scholars must live on campus during their first year in a Terry-designated residence hall and maintain a good academic standing to continue receiving support throughout their undergraduate career.
Contreras, who is dually enrolled at TAMIU, had been eagerly waiting notification when she finally got an email from the Terry Foundation. “I was in class at TAMIU, when I got an email with the subject line Terry Foundation interview results. I read through the email. I was honestly overwhelmed with joy and excitement that I knew I had a full ride to the University of Texas at Austin. This will impact my education cost tremendously,” said Contreras. “I was speechless. I really didn’t expect it. The first thing I did was call my counselor because she is my biggest supporter.”
As a recipient of the Terry Scholarship Sara is one step closer to her dreams becoming a reality.
“Honestly without the Terry Foundation I would not be able to attend UT, which was one of my top choices,” said Contreras. “The Terry Scholarship Foundation not only provides financial support but also provides that mentorship to be able to transition from a small community to huge campus like UT Austin where they offer a great academic courses and organizations that will foster my development professional and personally.”
Contreras expressed her gratitude to every person who has help her along the way.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God, my parents and family, counselor, principal, and my teachers,” said Contreras. “I also am grateful to the Kazen Fellowship Program because they have not only helped me grow professionally and personally. The program and Judge Diana Saldana have been a big impact on my story, since I will be majoring in government and psychology.”
“Sara’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence have truly set her apart, and this achievement is a reflection of the hard work she’s put in throughout her high school journey,” said Maggie Taboada, Garcia Early College High School Principal. “She represents the very best of GECHS, and we can’t wait to see all she will accomplish at UT Austin.”
Sara’s impact extends beyond the classroom. She is a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. She also established the Ladies in Law Organization on campus. She is incorporating her experiences from Kazen Fellowship and bringing in speakers for young high school girls interested in going into law.
Contreras academic achievements have earned her the Border Patrol Youth of Month for September, MB Lamar Medal Recipient Award, Laurel Scholarship, Dell Scholarship, and various other achievements.
She also is an Area and State competitor for Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE), which are heading to Nationals. She is a back-to-back National qualifier and placed 2nd at Nationals last year.
This fall, Sara will attend the University of Texas where she plans to double major in Government and Psychology, with a minor in sociology. She wants to attend Law School and do an Internship at the State capitol in Austin. Contreras plans on going into public service as an Immigration or Corporate Lawyer.
Her hobbies include reading, hanging out with her friends and going to church. Sara is the daughter of Anna and Jorge Contreras.