Rotary Club of Katy Awards $125,000 in Scholarships to 23 Katy ISD Seniors, Continuing a Legacy of Service and Education
On a night filled with heartfelt applause and proud smiles, the Rotary Club of Katy recognized 23 Katy ISD high school seniors with scholarships totaling $125,000. The annual scholarship banquet, held at the Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences Center, spotlighted students whose journeys reflect perseverance, achievement, and a drive to give back—core values embraced by the Rotary Club since its founding.
The recipients, surrounded by family, educators, and community leaders, were celebrated for their academic performance, personal resilience, and vision for the future. For many, this moment was the culmination of years of hard work, and the beginning of a new chapter shaped by the continued support of their hometown.
Local Roots, Global Mission
Formed in 1946, the Rotary Club of Katy is one of over 32,000 clubs worldwide that make up Rotary International, an organization of more than 1.2 million members across 200 countries. The Katy chapter itself is made up of over 80 local business and professional men and women who live out Rotary’s mission: to provide humanitarian service, uphold high ethical standards, and foster goodwill and peace.
The club meets every Thursday at noon at The Club at Falcon Point, where members gather to share a meal, plan fundraisers, and organize service initiatives that benefit both the Katy area and communities around the globe.
The Rotary’s guiding philosophy is summed up in its Four-Way Test, which encourages members to consider whether their actions are true, fair to all concerned, build goodwill and better friendships, and are beneficial to everyone involved. These principles guide all of the Rotary’s efforts, including its long-standing investment in youth education through scholarships.
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Investing in Katy’s Future
For the third consecutive year, the Rotary Club of Katy awarded $125,000 in scholarships, continuing a growing legacy that now totals $771,500 awarded to 222 students since 2013. Applicants go through a comprehensive process that includes interviews and evaluations based on both merit and financial need. It’s not just about grades—Rotary looks for young people who demonstrate integrity, leadership, and a desire to serve.
Funding for the scholarships comes from three major Rotary-led events that have become community staples:
- Katy Triathlon (returns August 30, 2025)
- Katy Rice Harvest Festival (returns October 8–10, 2025)
- Wild West Brewfest (returns March 27–28, 2026, at Typhoon Texas)
Fifty percent of the proceeds from the Rice Harvest Festival and 100 percent of Triathlon profits directly fund scholarships. Meanwhile, Brewfest proceeds and the remaining festival funds support a wide range of local charities and causes.
2025 Rotary Club of Katy Scholarship Recipients
This year’s 23 honorees hail from high schools across Katy ISD, each bringing a unique story of growth, dedication, and ambition. The club proudly celebrates the students listed below:
Katy High School
Bryce Bowman, Brandt Crowell, Chrystalyn Garner, Andrew Holycross (not pictured), Baylee Pelzer, Moji Samuelm, and Noah Sarver
Taylor High School
Jacob Baker, Madison Darling, Ava Janek, Jack McGowan, Calysta Quigley, Megan Toups (not pictured), Jordan High School, Jeffery Au (not pictured), Mikayla Flores (not pictured), Violet Hardy, Natalie Mikhaiel, Oriana Mafioli, and Rohan Moghe
Paetow High School
Emma Bailey and Richard Snowden
Seven Lakes High School
Dominik Davis (not pictured)
Morton Ranch High School
Ivan Torres
These students will soon embark on journeys to colleges and universities across the state and beyond, their next steps powered by the encouragement of a community that believes in them.
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Get Involved with Rotary
As part of Rotary’s Five Avenues of Service—Club, Vocational, Community, International, and Youth—the scholarship program exemplifies the club’s dedication to supporting education, one of Rotary International’s six core focus areas. The Katy chapter welcomes all who are interested in learning more about Rotary and invites potential members to attend a weekly meeting.
To learn more about joining, sponsoring, or volunteering with the Rotary Club of Katy—or to support upcoming events—visit katyrotary.com or follow them on social media.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
