Yoselin Bustamante, a senior at Tyler High School, has been named a 2025 Terry Foundation Scholar, earning a prestigious full-ride scholarship valued at more than $100,000. This highly competitive scholarship provides financial support covering tuition, fees, books, and on-campus living expenses at one of the 13 Terry-affiliated public universities in Texas.
As a proud first-generation college student, Yoselin expressed the profound impact of the scholarship, saying, “To me, this scholarship is more than just financial help—it’s a door opening into the future I’ve been working toward. Most people don’t see the work that happens behind the scenes, but I do. This reminds me that hard work really does pay off. I’m beyond grateful knowing I can focus on my goals without worrying as much about money.”
Yoselin’s selection for the Terry Scholarship was based on three equally weighted criteria: demonstrated leadership and strong character, academic excellence, and financial need. Yoselin’s 3.93 GPA and a class rank of 16 out of 492 students showcase her academic dedication, while over 100 hours of community service highlight her commitment to giving back to others. Her well-rounded achievements reflect her deep passion for leadership and making a positive impact on her community.
This fall, Yoselin will attend the University of North Texas, where she plans to major in social work. Her long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree and become a licensed clinical social worker specializing in therapy for children from underrepresented or underserved communities. Yoselin explained, “Advocating for mental health, particularly in communities where it is often considered taboo, is incredibly important to me. Coming from a Hispanic household, I understand how hard it can be to ask for help. I want to make that process easier—especially for children.”
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Yoselin has made a significant impact at Tyler High School through her leadership roles and extracurricular involvement. She serves as Treasurer for both the National Honor Society and Student Council, demonstrating her financial acumen and commitment to student leadership. She is also a Texas Bank and Trust Student Board Member and represented the Tyler Rose Festival’s Viva La Rosa Organization.
Yoselin’s diverse talents extend to athletics and the arts. She competed in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), managed the powerlifting team, and participated in both cross-country and track and field. These extracurricular activities have further enhanced her character and leadership, earning her statewide recognition, including the 2nd Team Academic All-State honor from the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) and the Artistic Achievement Award from the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).
As a Terry Scholar, Yoselin will be required to live on campus during her first year in a Terry-designated residence hall and maintain good academic standing to continue receiving support throughout her undergraduate career. Yoselin shared, “Getting this far hasn’t been easy. It’s taken discipline, motivation, and a belief that settling for less than I deserve isn’t an option. Most importantly, I’m thankful to God. I’ve leaned on my faith through the hard times. I believe this opportunity is part of a bigger plan—and I’m ready for what’s ahead.”
For more information about the Terry Foundation Scholarship, visit terryfoundation.org.
