Dakota Haney

2008 Recipient: $25,000 Scholarship

Congratulations to Dakota Haney, recipient of the first-ever $25,000 Moral Courage Scholarship, awarded May 2008 in Waxahachie, Texas.

School: Waxahachie Preparatory Academy, Class of 2008

Church: First Baptist Church of Waxahachie

Church Involvement

  • Served on the Kitchen/Hospitality Team
  • Prepared and served meals to Hurricane Katrina and Hurrican Rita evacuees
  • Helped hurricane evacuees relocate from temporary shelter to apartments
  • Vacation Bible School leader for 4- and 5-year-olds
  • Sunday School teacher for 4-year-olds
  • Church childcare worker
  • Member of Ellis County Christian Disaster Relief Team

Community Service

  • Therapeutic Riding of Texas (TROT) volunteer, helping special needs riders of all ages and backgrounds discover the recreational and therapeutic benefits of horse riding
  • Meals on Wheels volunteer

Academic Involvement

  • Student Leadership Team
  • Valentine Banquet and Auction volunteer
  • Canned Food Drive co-leader
  • Race for Education fundraiser participant
  • Yearbook Staff

Future Plans

  • Navarro College
  • Dallas Baptist University (majoring in Business Management)

"After college, I plan to go to Pagosa Springs, Colorado to become a Parelli Instructor (horse trainer) and establish my own barn in order to operate an equestrian program for inner city kids ... In addition, I also feel that God is leading me toward the pediatric nursing field. It may be that my equestrian program will include therapeutic riding for children with chronic or terminal illnesses. I believe that with all of my experience working with the children at church and TROT, God is forming a career path that will honor Him."