The directors of the Taylor-Odom Foundation have selected nine students from local high schools as the recipients of this year’s scholarships. The students collectively will receive $166,000 in college scholarships for the 2021 calendar year.
Twenty-seven students from Dayton, Hardin, Hull-Daisetta, Liberty and Tarkington submitted applications that were reviewed by the Taylor-Odom Foundation directors before final selections were made. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide financial aid to graduating high school seniors who otherwise might not be able to afford advanced education.
Eligible students must reside in Liberty County and graduate from one of the high schools mentioned above. The amount of the scholarship varies based upon a student’s pursuit of a four-year degree, a two-year degree or vocational/technical certification from accredited institutions in the State of Texas.
Riley Bautsch 
Shelby Carouthers 
Chase Contreras 
Rakan DeVito 
Devin Fregia 
Marco Garcia-Lopez 
Jaime Hernandez 
Courtney Reed 
Landon Wood
Evaluations were also made with respect to the applicant’s character, general attitude, initiative, leadership and potential for achievement.
This year’s recipients are:
- Riley Bautsch, Hardin – $6,000
- Shelby Carouthers, Hull-Daisetta – $20,000
- Chase Contreras, Chrysalis School, Liberty – $20,000
- Rakan DeVito, Tarkington – $20,000
- Devin Fregia, Liberty – $20,000
- Jaime Hernandez, Hardin – $20,000
- Marco Garcia-Lopez, Liberty – $20,000
- Courtney Reed, Liberty – $20,000
- Landon Wood, Dayton – $20,000
This is the fourth year for the granting of scholarships by the Taylor-Odom Scholarship. The Foundation was founded to honor two parents, Davey Lee Taylor and Douglas E. “Doc” Odom, who instilled in their children that knowledge through higher education and hard work are keys to a good life.