Donor: Melanie Uriegas
Available to: Miss Texas delegates
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
Scholarship Qualifications & About:
The Shine On Jesse Uriegas Music Scholarship honors Jesse’s life, creativity, and love of music. Largely self-taught, Jesse had an ear for music and could play every instrument in his home, often learning songs by ear long before he knew how to read sheet music. Toward the end of his young life, he began writing his own music and sharing his creativity with others. Jesse would take his guitar to school and play for his friends, classmates, and teachers, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who heard him. He also shared his musical gift with his church playing drums for youth group praise and worship. This scholarship supports young musicians who use music to express themselves, connect with others, and bring light into the world. It also promotes mental health awareness by encouraging compassion, support, and talking with others when struggling. Through this scholarship, we celebrate Jesse’s legacy by inspiring students to keep creating, keep playing, and shine on.
Application Requirements
-Must be a current high school senior or college student
-Must be enrolled in classes for Fall 2026 (A picture or screenshot of class registration is required as proof)
-Must have a passion for music in some form (instrumental, vocal, production, songwriting, dance, etc.)
-Submit a 500 word essay responding to the following prompt:
“Describe how you use music in your everyday life. How has music helped you navigate or overcome challenges, including mental health or other personal struggles? In what ways do you hope to use music to impact others?”
*Please submit your essay in PDF format via the submission button below.
-Create a public social media post that:
Tags @Limelights, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (@AFSPNational), and @AFSPntx, Highlights your love for music, Mentions the Shine On Jesse Uriegas Music Scholarship, Honors Jesse’s legacy by encouraging others to “shine on” through creativity, connection, and knowing they are not alone
*Please submit a pubilc link to your post(s) in the submission box below