Today, the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) announced the recipients of the 2023 Johnny L. Veselka Scholarship, awarded each year to outstanding doctoral students pursuing careers in educational leadership, especially the superintendency.
Tyler ISD Chief of School Leadership Cassandra Chapa was named one of two recipients. Ms. Chapa is pursuing a doctorate in education leadership from Southern Methodist University.
“As a potential superintendent candidate, I value community,” Chapa said. “Learning from a family of educational leaders, I understand that leadership means making difficult decisions, but making decisions that are based on building community, not pride.”
Ms. Chapa also wrote in her application that “by utilizing data-driven decision-making practices, focusing on building leadership capacity, and maintaining a strong goal focus, I hope that I can ensure that families, educators, and students of a potential community I may serve have the opportunity to thrive.”
The scholarship recognizes the leadership of Dr. Johnny L. Veselka, who dedicated nearly 44 years of service to the association, including 32 years as TASA’s executive director.
Recipients were selected from among a pool of applicants by the TASA Johnny L. Veselka Scholarship Committee, a group of Texas school superintendents and other public school district administrators.
Chapa will receive a $2,500 scholarship and be recognized during the 2023 TASA Midwinter Conference, held in Austin from January 29 - February 1.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.