By Laila Orozco, Bridgeland High School (A High School Journalism Network Collaboration)

Bridgeland High School senior Leah Grigsby was recently selected to receive the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Executive Director Scholarship, the first time in 10 years a CFISD student has been chosen to receive this specific scholarship. The scholarship is worth $12,500 and is given to a graduating high school senior who plans to become a music educator.

“Honestly, it just feels surreal,” Grigsby said. “It feels like all of the hard work I’ve put in the past three years if finally paying off, and I really owe it to my directors and teachers who have poured into me this whole time.”

Grigsby, a 2026 TMEA All-State choir member, excels in every competition she enters and takes every opportunity as a learning experience to be better. She’s participated in solo and ensemble, the all-state audition process, the Madrigal Festival and many more. Music has always been an influence on Grigsby that can be traced back to the many role models and supporting figures in her life.

“My parents have always supported me, even whenever I felt like I wasn’t good enough,” Grigsby said. “They would always remind me that I’m enough. They have been the ones rushing me to rehearsals at the last minute and just being there in the tough times and celebrating with me in the good times.”

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With her parents’ support, and her own determination, Grigsby took the chance and applied for TMEA scholarships. She received letters of recommendation from choir directors, her piano teacher and her voice teacher. She was also required to write an essay, which she dedicated to her choir director, Christopher Fiorini. Her application, which included her academic record, spoke volumes to TMEA.

“TMEA has been committed to excellence in music education since its inception in 1920, and we are proud to look to the future when Leah will join our members in the ranks of those educators who inspire our leaders of tomorrow,” said Joe Muñoz, TMEA executive director. “All of Leah’s music and classroom teachers should be commended for the vital role they have played in her development.”

Grigsby will be recognized at the TMEA 2026 Clinic/Convention Feb. 11-14 in San Antonio.

Editor's Note: This article was written by Laila Orozco, a student at Bridgeland High School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, through a partnership between My Neighborhood News and the District as part of an established high school journalism network collaboration. My Neighborhood News is a proud supporter of local youth and warmly welcomes the opportunity to provide a platform for students to share their work.