TASA has named the 2025 recipients of its Johnny L. Veselka Scholarship, which the organization has awarded annually since 2014 to outstanding doctoral students pursuing careers in educational leadership, with particular emphasis on the superintendency.
The 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.
Each of the following recipients will receive a $2,500 scholarship and will be recognized during the 2025 TASA Midwinter Conference, to be held in Austin January 26-29.
 | David Lee, principal of Sunset High School in Dallas ISD, is pursuing his doctorate in educational leadership and policy in The University of Texas at Austin’s Cooperative Superintendency Program. “My journey as an educator and leader in Dallas ISD has been both challenging and rewarding, reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of education and the pivotal role leadership plays in shaping the future of our students,” he wrote in his application. “As a superintendent, I am eager to further hone and apply my leadership skills to realize my vision of inspiring and creating systems where every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to excel. As a superintendent, I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the field of education at the district level.” |
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 | Valerie Little, Prosper ISD’s executive director of student engagement, is pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. “In the role of superintendent, I am driven by the potential to influence policy, resource allocation, and overall strategy in ways that promote equity and excellence across every campus,” she wrote in her application. “My goal is to continue to advance the success of public education and ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. This career path allows me to channel my passion for education into making a difference for an entire district and, ultimately, contribute to the future of public education.” |
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. The program is facilitated by TASA with the support of its 2024-25 sponsor, PBK.
