SAN ANTONIO — It’s more than an eight-second ride!
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is known by many for its thrilling arena shows, fun concerts and celebrations of western culture, but one of the highest priorities for the organization is educating the next generation.
Since the SA Rodeo’s inception, students have received awards in many forms, including scholarships, grants, endowments and various youth rodeo programs. This week, Executive Director and CEO Cody Davenport announced the organization’s educational commitment exceeds $210 million, which has already benefited 21,219 Texas students this year alone.
“We hope (the community) feels these numbers and these ‘wins,’” Davenport said.
Among the 21,000 student recipients was Jamie Carpenter, a debt-free graduate of Tarleton State University who started her journey as an SA Rodeo volunteer at age 14.
“I still look back and think of how I wouldn’t have been able to experience all the opportunities I have if I was trying to support myself through college,” she said.
The efforts from the 2019 rodeo hosted in February pushed the organization above and beyond their $200 million milestone. Although this wasn’t Davenport’s first rodeo, this was his first year serving the organization as CEO.
“It’s not work! When you’re looking at rewards and you’re really touching people like that, it’s not a job. It’s fun to come," he said. "It’s fun to carry this mission."
Tickets for the 2020 SA Rodeo are now available. Portions of proceeds from money spent on the grounds and from ticket sales contribute to the student scholarships. Click here for more information.