Mia Hairston, a standout athlete and top-performing senior at Montwood High School, was surprised on Feb. 11 with a $2,000 scholarship from the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) El Paso Chapter. The scholarship will support her pursuit of a future career in nursing.
As she walked through the school’s front entrance, she was greeted by cheers from friends, family, SISD administrators and the school’s drumline, all celebrating her achievement.
“It was an amazing surprise!” Mia Hairston said. “I've worked so hard, so just to see that all my work that I've put in really paid off, it just feels awesome.”
Mia Hairston is a championship athlete in basketball, cross country and track. In September, she was named the Greater Texas Ford Female Athlete of the Month by The Greater Texas Ford Dealers. She is now in the running for the prestigious 6A Female Athlete of the Year award, which will be announced in June 2025.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Hairston is ranked in the top 10% of her class at Montwood High School’s Rams Early College. She earned an associate degree from El Paso Community College in December, ahead of her high school graduation this June.
Orlando Hairston, her father and head coach for cross country and track, emphasized that his daughter's achievements both academically and athletically have made her a role model not only for her younger sister but also for the entire Montwood High School community.
“We're very proud of the way she carried herself and represented herself. She definitely has left a legacy here at Montwood with all the successes and accolades that she was able to accomplish,” Orlando Hairston said.
Enrique Herrera, SISD assistant superintendent and TALAS El Paso member, said that Mia Hairston was awarded one of six scholarships from a pool of 100 applicants. They were recognized for their academic achievements, leadership qualities and community involvement.
Students submitted videos sharing their personal stories and highlighting the positive impact they have made in their communities.
“The videos that we watch from kids throughout the region just really show the need and the efforts that these kids go through in their high school years in preparation for post-secondary,” Herrera said. “And so, Mia's just one of many kids that every single year as seniors, they provide videos, essays, and apply for many scholarships so that they can continue on and do great things post-secondary.”
Mia Hairston said her video highlighted the many opportunities that she has been able to take advantage of, which have helped her succeed and prepared her for life after high school. She said the scholarship will help pay for her tuition at the University of Texas at El Paso this fall.
“The video was actually about the opportunities that Socorro ISD has given me and how the education system that we have to help us get through high school, and like all the opportunities that they can provide to us, and all the teachers that help us get these opportunities,” Hairston said.