TEMPLE, Texas — A Temple High School senior will have the unique opportunity to attend college on a full, four-year scholarship after being selected as a Terry Foundation Scholar.
Temple HS senior Kaylah Cooper was recently notified that she had been awarded a Terry Foundation Scholarship to attend the University of Texas at Dallas. The Terry Foundation Scholarship at UT-Dallas is associated with the school’s Hobson Wildenthal Honors College and covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, meal plan, housing, textbooks, and other educational expenses. The Terry Foundation Scholarship also provides $5,000 for study abroad opportunities. Cooper had to complete an extensive application process and sit for an on-campus interview with current Terry Scholars, alumni, and Terry Foundation staff to earn the scholarship. She plans to major in biology at UTD with a focus on going on to earn a master’s degree in physician assistant studies. Cooper will also have the opportunity to participate in leadership development and community service programs and activities as part of her involvement with the Terry Foundation Scholarship.
“Being selected was amazing, but it was a very intense process and I had to be very particular on my application,” Cooper said. “It was amazing to find out that was I was selected, because this is such an incredible way to start out life. Knowing that I can get my undergraduate education and come out of college debt-free is wonderful. This means a very bright future for me, and I will really be able to focus on my studies and this new chapter in my life without having to worry about the financial burdens.”
Cooper takes Advanced Placement and dual credit classes at Temple High School. She has also been involved with HOSA, Police Explorers, JROTC, and Teen Court during her time at THS. Cooper has taken classes in the law enforcement and pharmacy pathways in Temple High School’s Career and Technical Education program and is pursuing her pharmacy certification. She also competed in track during her high school career.
“I am beaming with pride just listening to her talk about her experience and this accomplishment,” said Katie Doughty, lead counselor at Temple High School. “When I got the email from her letting me know, it really grounded me, and this is my why. I am just really excited to see a kid have a dream and be successful in achieving that dream. She is a serious and passionate student who is super deserving and will go to UTD and do amazing things.”
The Terry Foundation was created in 1987 and has grown to be the largest private source of scholarships in the state of Texas. The foundation supports “Terry Scholars” at 11 public institutions across the state and has impacted over 6,000 students since 1987.
“I say for anyone interested in this scholarship to go for it and not be afraid,” Cooper added. “You only live once and I think everyone should live each and every day to do their best to be as successful as you can for yourself and for those around you.”