Three remarkable Katy ISD 2025 graduates were awarded this year’s KPRC 2 Senior Scholarship, among only 21 recipients chosen from thousands of regional public high school nominees, the district announced in a June 4 press release.

In surprise ceremonies before family, school staff, classmates and teammates, Mayde Creek High School’s Johnaton Haywood, Katy High School’s Tanisha Parikh and Jordan High School’s Mariana Rondon each received a $2,500 award from KPRC 2 and the scholarship program’s sponsor, American Furniture Warehouse.

“Thank you to KPRC 2 and American Furniture Warehouse for investing in our students’ futures and recognizing these amazing scholars for their accomplishments,” said Ronnie Edwards, Katy ISD’s assistant superintendent for school leadership & support. “There are many deserving students across the Houston area, and it’s a testament to Katy ISD to have three recipients this year.”

In addition to their reviewing nominees’ compelling personal stories, the station’s scholarship committee selects recipients based on academic achievement, involvement in extracurricular activities and community service.

This is Katy High School’s fourth consecutive year to net a scholarship recipient. While Haywood and Parikh were surprised with presentations during the school year, Rondon received this year’s 21st scholarship after graduating from Jordan. The 21st scholarship is typically awarded to a recent graduate who exhibits extraordinary merit.

In its eleventh year, KPRC 2 and its sponsors have awarded more than $550,000 to deserving seniors across the Houston metropolitan area.