Big Spring Area Community Foundation

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the Big Spring Area Community Foundation recognized and celebrated its 2026 scholarship recipients.

In addition to $32,500 granted to Howard College for its Greg Henry New Horizons scholarships and Open Roads scholarships, the BSACF awarded a total of $98,500 to seniors from area high schools.

Emily Kocak, the recipient of the Foundation’s first Mansfield-Wrightsil Scholarship in 2023, was the evening's guest speaker. Kocak, having recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas Tech, shared advice about what to expect from the college experience.

BSACF Spotlight on Education:
Peyton Beck, a 2025 graduate of Runnels Academy, received a $2,500 scholarship from the Big Spring Area Community Foundation. She is the daughter of Jason and Marisha Beck and recently completed her freshman year, attending Dallas Baptist University during the fall semester before transferring to Howard College in the spring. Peyton is pursuing a degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with the goal of becoming an audiologist.

Reflecting on the past year, Peyton said the highlights were making new friends, having the freedom to choose her own classes, and becoming involved in the Baptist Student Ministry. She also enjoyed performing with the Howard College Show Choir and singing the national anthem at a Howard Hawks basketball game. One of her biggest challenges was ensuring that the courses she selected aligned with the prerequisites for her intended major.

Looking ahead, Peyton plans to complete her prerequisite courses at Howard College before transferring to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to earn her bachelor's degree in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences and her Doctor of Audiology degree.

The Big Spring Area Community Foundation is proud to support students like Peyton as they pursue their educational goals and wishes her continued success.

BSACF Spotlight on Education:

Amber Nikole Hallford, a 2025 graduate of Forsan High School, received a $3,300 Scholarship from the Big Spring Area Community Foundation. She is the daughter of Billy and Cecilia Hallford and recently completed her freshman year at Howard College, where she is pursuing a cosmetology license.

Reflecting on the past year, Amber said one highlight was meeting new people and forming lasting friendships. Looking ahead, she plans to earn her cosmetology license and participate in continuing education courses to stay current with the latest styles and techniques, allowing her to provide the best possible service to her future clients.

The Big Spring Area Community Foundation is proud to support students like Amber as they pursue their educational goals, and we wish her continued success.

BSACF Spotlight on Education:

Ella Braden, a 2025 graduate of Garden City High School, received a $2,500 Dora Roberts Rehab Center Scholarship from the Big Spring Area Community Foundation.

Ella completed her freshman year at Texas Tech University, where she is pursuing a dual degree in Human Sciences and Nursing (BSN).

During her first year, Ella embraced leadership opportunities and was elected President of a pre-health organization on campus, allowing her to build meaningful connections with fellow students. She plans to apply to nursing school this summer and hopes to begin the program in the spring. After gaining clinical experience, Ella intends to continue her education and become either a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or a Nurse Practitioner.

Ella is the daughter of Keith and Darcy Braden.

What a wonderful day for Big Spring!

Today, the Big Spring Area Community Foundation awarded grants to local organizations that work hard to serve and strengthen our community.

Year after year, the Foundation continues to invest in agencies and programs that make Big Spring a better place to live, work, and call home.

The Big Spring Area Community Foundation is honored to recognize these scholarship recipients and the promise they represent for the future. Their achievements reflect commitment, perseverance, and the support of families, friends, and teachers who have cheered them on along the way.

Congratulations, Buffaloes—we can’t wait to see where your next chapter takes you! 🦬

Congratulations to these outstanding students on receiving scholarships from the Big Spring Area Community Foundation.

We are so proud of their hard work, determination, and all they have accomplished. It is a privilege to celebrate these students as they prepare to take the next step beyond high school.

Thank you to our donors and community partners who make these scholarship opportunities possible. Your generosity continues to make a lasting impact on local students and families.

Go Steers! 🖤💛🖤

Congratulations to the Coahoma Bulldog students who received scholarships from the Big Spring Area Community Foundation!

We are proud to support these outstanding students as they take the next step in their education. Their hard work, dedication, and bright futures are worth celebrating, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish.

Way to go, Bulldogs! 🐾 🎓 🐾

(Pictured left to right: Ben Rubio, Paisley Osborn, Bentley Grant, Nora Loya, Madisyn Renteria, Lyndee Davidson, Kobi Olivas, and Executive Director of the BSACF, George Bancroft.)

Congratulations to Brik Fryar and Vallory Espinoza on receiving the Big Spring Area Community Foundation Scholarship!

We are so proud of you and excited for what’s ahead! 🎓✨ 🎓

The Big Spring Area Community Foundation was proud to present scholarships to two very deserving seniors at Grady High School this evening.

Congratulations to these outstanding students!

Go Wildcats!