Texas Farm Credit Awards $60,000 in Scholarships to Local Students

Texas Farm Credit is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Marsha Martin Scholarship, awarding a total of $60,000 in academic scholarships to 12 outstanding high school seniors across the state.

Each recipient received a $5,000 scholarship to support their pursuit of higher education in agriculture and related fields. With this year’s awards, Texas Farm Credit has now provided more than $490,000 to agricultural students in Marsha Martin’s name since 2000.

“Supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders is an investment in the future of rural Texas,” said Mark Miller, chief executive officer at Texas Farm Credit.

“These students have demonstrated leadership in their classrooms, organizations and communities, and we are proud to help them take the next step toward meaningful careers in agriculture and related industries.”

Congratulations to the 2026 Marsha Martin Scholarship recipients:

• Mario Canales of Rio Grande City, a student at Roma High School, plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science.
• Brooke Collie of Gilmer, a student at Gilmer High School, plans to attend Texas Tech University to study Biology.
• Juan Cruz of Pleasanton, a student at Pleasanton High School, plans to attend Texas A&M University to study Animal Science.
• Makenzy Driver of Winnsboro, a student at Winnsboro High School, plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station to study Agricultural Economics and Animal Science.
• Jeorge Faske of Bishop, a student at Santa Gertrudis Academy High School, plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station to study Agribusiness.
• Paige Fritsch of Burton, a student at Burton High School, plans to attend Texas A&M University to study Agricultural Communications and Journalism with a minor in Agricultural Business.
• Cooper Johnson of Harlingen, a student at Lyford High School, plans to attend Texas A&M University to study Agribusiness.
• Leighton Lawhon of Bishop, a student at Incarnate Word Academy, plans to pursue Biochemistry; college selection is undecided.
• Blake Phillips of Fairfield, a student at Fairfield High School, plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station to study Agricultural Systems Management.
• Augustus Sexton of Cost, who is homeschooled, plans to attend Blinn College before continuing at Texas A&M University to study Animal Science.
• Logan Tucker of Huntington, a student at Huntington High School, plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station to study Agribusiness.
• Dannika Walker of Cotulla, a student at Cotulla High School, plans to attend Texas Tech University to study Veterinary Medicine.

The Marsha Martin Scholarship is named in honor of the late Marsha Pyle Martin, a Paris, Texas native and 30-year Farm Credit leader who was a strong advocate for youth and agriculture. The program recognizes students who excel in the classroom and in FFA or 4-H while preparing for careers that will support agriculture, rural communities and related industries.

About Texas Farm Credit

Texas Farm Credit is a leading agricultural lending cooperative serving rural communities across 101 Texas counties. As part of the nationwide Farm Credit System, established in 1916, Texas Farm Credit provides competitive financing, mortgage, and insurance solutions to farmers, ranchers, rural residents, and agribusinesses.