Roland Parrish and State Sen. Royce West fund scholarships valued at up to $40,000 for students at the two high schools
DALLAS (Sep. 12, 2026) – Today’s Parrish Classic football game between Duncanville and DeSoto high schools provided more than a thrilling competition between arch-rivals. During half-time at the Cotton Bowl , four scholarships to UNT Dallas were presented to the schools’ principals – each valued at up to $10,000.
The scholarships are funded by two donors, both dedicated to education and public service. Two were provided by Roland Parrish, the pioneering entrepreneur and CEO of Parrish Restaurants, for whom the Parrish Classic is named. State Senator Royce West, who was instrumental in getting UNT Dallas built in southern Dallas, provided the other two. UNT Dallas is the only four-year public university in the city of Dallas.
UNT Dallas President, Warren von Eschenbach, PhD, presented the four checks to the Duncanville and DeSoto principals on the 50-yard line of the historic stadium.
“On behalf of the University of North Texas at Dallas, I’m honored to help present four $10,000 scholarships that will open doors for DeSoto and Duncanville students,” said President von Eschenbach.
Each school will receive one scholarship named for Mr. Parrish and one named for Senator West – a $20,000 investment in DeSoto High and a $20,000 investment in Duncanville High, for a total combined gift of $40,000.
The four recipients have not yet been chosen; they will be graduating seniors in spring 2027 and will be named at a later date. The scholarships apply to the 2027-2028 UNT Dallas academic year, beginning in August 2027.
“To every student in this stadium — thank you for considering UNT Dallas. We built this university for students like you: passionate, driven and ready to realize your dreams,” said President von Eschenbach.
Beyond the scholarships presented today, UNT Dallas offers numerous additional scholarships, grants and financial aid opportunities to assist students and families. Through the Trailblazer Tuition Trust, launched in May 2026, Texas high school graduates whose family incomes are $100,000 or less a year can attend UNT Dallas completely free of tuition and fees.
“Congratulations again to the DeSoto Eagles, the Duncanville Panthers and every student who calls these schools home,” said President von Eschenbach . “UNT Dallas is proud to empower students, transform lives and strengthen communities.”
About UNT Dallas
The newest member of the UNT System, the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) is the city’s only public four-year university. Located in southern Dallas and serving more than 3,500 students, UNT Dallas offers students a world-class, innovative education focused on career readiness and socioeconomic mobility. UNT Dallas is passionately committed to developing, nurturing and empowering the next generation of servant leaders in North Texas. For more information about the University of North Texas at Dallas, visit untdallas.edu
