Eight Dallas ISD Seniors Receive Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarships

Dallas —6/2025— Today, Deloitte*, the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA), and United Way celebrated the eight recipients of this year’s Deloitte/NTPGA Fairway to Success scholarships – a program that has now awarded more than $2.9 million to 104 Dallas ISD (Independent School District) students over the past 18 years.

Natalie Aranda, Clarissa Gamez, Maryah Smith, Karina Herrera, Natalie Guerrero and Crystal Soto each received a $20,000 college scholarship, which are funded through donations from Deloitte partners, principals, managing directors and professionals in North Texas.

Additionally, in collaboration with the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas), a full, four-year scholarship to the university was awarded to Quintasia Isby. And, Jocelyn Ancelmo was awarded a full, four-year scholarship in collaboration with the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).

Brittney Scott, University of North Texas at Dallas, Financial Aid Counselor-Scholarship Coordinator, comments on her involvement in Fairway to Success by saying, “Synergetic, invigorating and emotional. Serving as an earnest contributor to the Fairway to Success program for the first time was both positive and rewarding. To have seen firsthand what all goes into the interview and award processing was instrumental, yet nothing short of true dedication and passion. Each member explored and offered valuable recommendations based on their personal and professional experiences. This collaboration helped ensure that each scholarship recipient not only received what they needed monetarily but also outside resources that would guarantee their future collegiate success. Truly, I am very proud to have been selected and served on such an invaluable committee. WAY TO GO, Fairway to Success!” 

Established in 2007, the Fairway to Success program annually awards scholarships to students based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement and financial need. The program spans four DISD high schools – W.W. Samuell, Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln and David W. Carter – and includes introducing students to golf and the life lessons of discipline, honor and integrity that are central to the game.

As we conclude another successful Fairways to Success season, I’m appreciative of the collaboration with North Texas PGA and look forward to celebrating the achievements of this year’s scholarship recipients.” said Dan Berner, North Texas Managing Partner, Deloitte LLP. “Supporting and mentoring young talent in our community is a priority for Deloitte, and I am continually inspired by the dedication our professionals show in helping these students thrive. I look forward to seeing how the skills and experiences gained through this program will empower these students as they pursue their academic and career goals.”

During the 2024-2025 school year, 163 DISD students took part in a college prep program led by Deloitte professionals as well as an after-school golf program. Students learned the basics of golf from PGA professionals, and graduating seniors who qualified by participating in the program had the chance to apply for the scholarships.

Fairway to Success also includes a mentorship component to support the scholarship recipients throughout their college careers. Scholarship recipients interact with Deloitte mentors who share their insights gained from working in a professional services environment. Mentors also help students explore potential career opportunities in the business and STEM-focused fields of study.

"Fairway to Success continues to open doors of opportunity for our P-TECH and CTE students, not only through generous scholarships but by reinforcing the value of hard work, perseverance, and community support. Through exposure to the game of golf, students gain unique experiences that build confidence, expand their professional networks, and teach life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to building pathways to college and career success,” said Dr. Nevels, Deputy Chief of College Readiness at Dallas Independent School District.

The NTPGA also employs past Fairway to Success recipients as interns each summer, furthering the recipients’ golf education that began on their high school campuses through Fairway to Success.

The 2025 Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success scholarship recipients are:

Natalie Aranda – Thomas Jefferson High School 

Natalie Aranda, a 2025 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, will be attending Tarleton State University, where she plans to major in education. At Thomas Jefferson, she was a member of the varsity volleyball team and served as the manager for the softball team. She also participated in the UT OnRamps program, was involved with the ASP Ambassadors, and worked as an office aide. Natalie is excited for a fresh start, to explore her future career in education, and to grow more independent as she begins this new chapter.

Clarissa Gamez – Thomas Jefferson High School

Clarissa Gamez is a 2025 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and will be attending Texas A&M University. At A&M, she will be majoring in early childhood education. During her time at Thomas Jefferson, she was a part of the yearbook committee, the debate team, the dance team, and she was a part of the Spanish Honor Society. Clarissa is looking forward to creating an independent schedule that works for her classes and extracurricular activities, as well as making new friends in a new environment. 

 Maryah Smith – Booker T. Washington High School of Performing and Visual Arts

Maryah Smith is a 2025 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School of Performing and Visual Arts and will be attending Hampton University. At Hampton, she will be majoring in psychology with a concentration in marriage and family affairs. During her time at Booker T. Washington, she performed in multiple works of art like Dallas Black's "Dance Africa" and Michelle Gibson's "Brazz and Jazz in the Park,” while serving as the "David W. Carter Calicos" for two seasons as a co-captain. Maryah also attended Friendship West Baptist Church, where she served and helped the South Dallas community. Maryah is looking forward to becoming the best version of herself and experiencing new things.

Karina Herrera – W.W. Samuell High School 

Karina Herrera, a 2025 graduate of W.W. Samuell High School, will be attending the University of North Texas, where she plans to major in education. During her time at Samuell, she was a member of the cross country, soccer, and girls flag football team, and also served as the team manager for the volleyball team. Karina is an EIF Scholar and is excited to step into this new chapter of her life, looking forward to gaining independence and new experiences as she embarks on her college journey.

Natalie Guerrero – W.W. Samuell High School

Natalie Guerrero is a 2025 graduate of W.W. Samuell High School and will be attending the University of North Texas. At UNT, she will be studying art education. During her time at Samuell, she was a part of the National Honor Society, the Art Club, Student Ambassadors, and the Student Voter Empowerment Club. Natalie is looking forward to meeting new people and expanding her knowledge in art.

Crystal Soto – W.W. Samuell High School

Crystal Soto is a 2025 graduate of W.W. Samuell High School and will be attending the University of Texas at Austin. At UT, she will be majoring in public relations. During her time at Samuell, she was a part of Student Ambassadors, National Honor Society EIF Scholars, and SVEC. Crystal is also the 2025 Valedictorian. Crystal is looking forward to being in a new city and making new friends with this newfound independence.

Quintasia Isby – Lincoln High School (UNTD Full Ride Recipient)

Quintasia Isby is a 2025 graduate of Lincoln High School and will be attending the University of North Texas-Dallas. At UNTD, she will be majoring in social work. During her time at Lincoln, she was on the track and field team as well as the cross-country team. She was in the National Honor Society, Leaders in Training, and was the senior class secretary during her time at Lincoln. Quintasia is looking forward to meeting new people, learning new life skills, and building relationships with new people in her community. 

 Jocelyn Ancelmo – W.W. Samuell High School (UTA Full Ride Recipient) 

Jocelyn Ancelmo, a 2025 graduate of W.W. Samuell High School, will be attending The University of Texas at Arlington, where she plans to major in computer science. During her time at Samuell, she was actively involved in the Student Ambassadors Club and served as senior class president. She also participated in the EIF Scholarship program, supporting fellow students as they prepared for their futures. Jocelyn is eager to step outside her comfort zone, explore her identity, and embrace the opportunities that come with this new chapter. She is ready to take her first steps into adulthood and face any challenges that come her way.

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