Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock
Scholarship

The Leander Area Republican Women (LeanderARW) is a multi-generational, multicultural grassroots organization that empowers women from all backgrounds to engage in the political process and serve as leaders in their communities. One of our core objectives is to promote an informed electorate.
LeanderARW has created the Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock Scholarship to encourage young people in our community to read and explore the United States (U.S.) Constitution. By learning about this important document, students can better understand its impact on our country and their own lives, becoming more informed and engaged citizens.

Spring 2026 Scholarship Winners

The Leander Area Republican Women are proud to announce that three outstanding Leander and Liberty Hill area High School Seniors have been selected as the 2026 Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock Scholarship winner and runners up.  Safa Momin of Vandegrift High School is the winner. Anna Edwards from Cedar Park High School and Jack Pitchford from Liberty Hill High School were selected as runners up. 

All three students impressed judges with their exceptional essays celebrating the principles of the United States Constitution. Momin’s essay, “Separation of Powers: Separate Yet Intertwined,” stood out for being well sourced and argued, the use of the US vs. Alvarez case and strong literary style.  Both Edwards’s and Pitchfords’s essays were notable for their originality and insightful understanding of the U.S. Constitution. 

Momin is awarded a scholarship of $1,000, while Edwards and Pitchford will each receive a scholarship of $500. A special ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 10AM at the Texas Supreme Court, where Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock will present certificates to commemorate this significant honor for these three local seniors.

“The Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock Scholarship was created to encourage young people in our community to read and explore the U.S. Constitution,” said Barsa Harclerode, President of the Leander Area Republican Women. She continued with “By learning about this foundational document, students gain a deeper understanding of its impact on our country and their own lives, becoming more informed and engaged citizens. We are thrilled to honor these students for their outstanding work.” 

The Leander Area Republican Women would like to congratulate all the students who participated, each of whom will receive a personal copy of the U.S. Constitution as a keepsake of their efforts and dedication.