The Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS® (GFWAR) Educational Scholarship Fund awarded eight graduating Fort Worth-area seniors with its annual scholarship. Each recipient received $2,500 for their higher education this fall.
“It is a complete joy to honor each of these students for the hard work and dedication they’ve exhibited throughout their education paths,” Shawn Buck, GFWAR 2026 President, said. “We are proud of this group of recipients, and we look forward to seeing them succeed in their next chapter.”
To qualify for the scholarship, the student must be attending an accredited college, university or vocational school, and the scholarship is based on financial need, character and academic achievement. The students honored include:
Kate Bearden is a graduate of Paschal High School in Fort Worth and hopes to attend the University of Texas at Austin. An AP Scholar, National Honor Society historian and varsity cheerleader, Bearden also became president of Build On, which gave her the opportunity to help build the foundation for a school in Nicaragua.
Keeli Clark is a Joshua High School graduate who is attending Texas Tech University. Active in 4-H and FFA, Clark excelled in both organizations’ public speaking contests. She served as president of her local FFA chapter and placed in several livestock judging competitions.
Gabrielle Fox is a current student at Texas A&M University, where she is pursuing a nursing degree with a minor in nutrition. Graduating from Timber Creek High School in 2025, Fox has gained valuable experience since then, becoming a certified phlebotomy and EKG technician while volunteering at Bryan Animal Center and maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
Lara Langford is a graduate of Southwest Christian School in Fort Worth who is attending the University of Massachusetts in Boston to study broadcast journalism. An avid sports fan, she also plays. Langford was the captain of her softball and basketball teams while earning a spot in the National Honor Society.
Emily Mendoza is a graduate of Arlington Heights High School and plans to attend Texas A&M University, where she plans to study political science. Mendoza showcased her leadership skills as the senior class president and team captain of her tennis team. She was also involved in cheerleading and debate, among other activities, while also volunteering at the Tarrant Area Food Bank.
Madison Nering is a Southwest High School, Fort Worth, graduate who plans to attend the University of North Texas in Denton to study philosophy and international studies with a concentration in human security. Nering is a National Merit Commended Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society. Additionally, he was active in the school’s theater and robotics programs.
McPherson Smith is a graduate of Mansfield High School and plans to attend Baylor University. Active in theater and choir, McPherson was an All-State Choir Area Finalist. Additionally, he became a National Merit Commended Scholar and a College Board AP Scholar with Distinction, while also serving on multiple mission trips locally, in Seattle, and in Mexico.
David Wardlow graduated from Christian Life Preparatory School in Fort Worth with plans to attend Abilene Christian University. An Honors student, Wardlow has been active in a variety of sports, including basketball, where he served as team captain, baseball, soccer and was a member of the high school sports business team.
GFWAR has given scholarships annually since 2020 with support from GFWAR members. Applications for the 2027 scholarship fund will open in February 2027. For more information, please visit the GFWAR Scholarship Fund.