GARLAND, TX–Representatives from Texas Christian University (TCU) visited ILTexas Garland High School to surprise ILTexas senior Stephen Adeoye with a full-ride scholarship to the university under the TCU STEM Scholars Program. The $285,000 award covers tuition, housing, books, educational travel, and research opportunities. The scholarship is “developed for the best and brightest underrepresented students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics” or STEM, according to the program’s website. Adeoye was among seven students selected for the scholarship. 

The TCU reps along with Principal Karen Marx and fellow ILTexas GHS students surprised Adeoye during his Spanish class. A TCU welcome video was played before the representatives presented him with a signed letter and purple backpack filled with TCU souvenirs.

“I feel very happy, mainly because a full-ride scholarship is something my parents always wanted for me,” Adeoye said. “The mere fact that I managed to get one is something that they’re overjoyed with as they don’t have to throw a single penny at my cost anymore.”

^{Stephen Adeoye receiving TCU backpack from TCU STEM Scholar representatives Dr. Whitnee Boyd (center) and Dr. Zoranna Jones.}

For Zoranna Jones, director of the TCU STEM Scholar Program, Adeoye embodied what the program was looking for in a recipient. 

“In meeting Stephen, I could just tell his passion for STEM and he just seemed to be someone that we’re looking for on our campus,” she said. “We love to reward academic success and he embodies that.”

For Karen Marx, principal of ILTexas GHS, Adeoye deserved the acclaim. 

“He exemplifies what we look for in an ILTexas student both with his leadership, his academics, and his involvement,” she said. “He is an incredible student and well deserving of this honor. 

Adeoye plans to major in computer science with a focus on software development when he goes to college. When asked about the visit from TCU, he seemed in awe of the moment. 

“It was a fun surprise,” he said. “Very pleasant surprise.”

As university acceptances begin to come in, ILTexas will proudly share more stories of our 2022 graduates and the exceptional higher education opportunities that they have earned. Explore ILTexas.org to learn more about how your student can have these same opportunities.