Grants & Scholarships
Educate
Northeast Texas Chapter 416 provides direct funds to support educational programs. We support numerous K-12 educational efforts and are always looking for dedicated local sponsors for selected programs. Educators at any level are able to submit support requests. You can see types of community efforts by viewing our Program Info (link to the Programs page). Interested educators should email TX416.Northeast.President@afa.org and provide information on their program and detailed cost information for consideration.
Teacher of the Year
Northeast Texas Teacher of the Year (TOY) Northeast Texas AFA believes that recognizing those who educate America’s youth is an important aspect of what youth betterment is about. Recognizing teachers is critical and this award is focused on teachers providing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) education activities and recognizes exceptional performance at the local level.
Our Community Partners and AFA national combine to provide $750 and mementos to our Chapter Teacher of the Year recipient. Additionally, recipients are eligible and entered in the Texas state and national level programs as applicable with additional awards at those levels. Presentations to the TOY are made at a recognition event held in March-April each year.
Timeline
TOY Timeline Nominations for Teacher of the Year are due January 31st each year. Nominations are reviewed and selectees will be announced in March. Chapter leaders will reach out for additional information required for higher level state and national level recognition as necessary. State awards are due April 1st each year and drive entry requirements. A recognition event is scheduled in March-April time each year.
Nomination Form (Chapter-TOY-Application.pdf (afa.org), Signed letters from school principal and superintendent. Up to 3 pages of additional information about programs, etc. (View a Sample). You can nominate your teacher by sending the above information to TX416.Northeast.President@afa.org. If you have any questions, contact us. Nominations are due by January 31st each year however, you can reach out anytime to receive application requirements.
National Teacher of the Year
STEM teachers shape the future of our nation by introducing students to exciting new concepts and offering a glimpse into what’s possible. Along with grants and scholarships, the Air & Space Forces Association believes that recognizing those who educate America’s youth is an important aspect of what AFA is all about. Every year, AFA’s Teacher of the Year program sponsored by Rolls-Royce proudly honors the commitment and achievements of these extraordinary teachers. AFA National provides $250 as recognition for AFA Chapter TOY. View National Teacher of the Year Information.
Teacher of The Year Award
The Air Force Association believes that recognizing those who educate America’s youth is an important aspect of what AFA is all about.
Our teacher of the year program is a Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) focused program where teachers are recognized for exceptional performance in education at the local, state and national levels.
2026 Teacher of the Year
Joel Pitts
Greenville High School, Greenville, TX
Essay Contest Recipients
Essay Topic 2026 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE MILITARY: STRATEGIC ENHANCEMENT OR SERIOUS CONCERN?
Helene Hernandez, Judge Travis Ransom,
Congressman Keith Self, Julia Garcia-Ricker, Chad Chaffee
Helene Hernandez, Judge Travis Ransom,
Congressman Keith Self, Tapia Zahra, Chad Chaffee
Helene Hernandez, Judge Travis Ransom,
Congressman Keith Self, Mary Grace O’Neal, Chad Chaffee
Remaining Finalist and Scholarship Recipients
Two $750 scholarships were given to Riddhi Desai and Abigail Bautista. The remaining eight students received $500 scholarships.
Read brief bios of all scholarship recipients here.
Riddhi Desai
Greenville HS
Joseph Fry
Greenville HS
Abigail Bautista
Sulphur Springs HS
Kyson Herriage
Sulphur Springs HS
Abigail Williams
Sulphur Springs HS
Jaycee Bordelon
Woodson HS
Preston Nottingham
Sulphur Springs HS
Stori Shropshire
Sulphur Springs HS
Hope Mallorie Cannon
Union Grove HS
Lucy Ransom
Atlanta HS