Four Scholarships for Future Trailblazers Presented to Duncanville and DeSoto High Schools

The inaugural Parrish Classic football game between Duncanville and DeSoto high schools at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, provided more than a thrilling competition between arch-rivals. During half-time, four scholarships to UNT Dallas were presented to the schools’ head coaches – 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 G. Parrish, the pioneering entrepreneur and CEO of Parrish Restaurants, for whom the Parrish Classic is named. State Sen. 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, along with Sen. West and Mr. Parrish, presented the four checks to the Duncanville and DeSoto 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 – future Trailblazers – 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," said President von Eschenbach. "We built this university for students like you: passionate, driven and ready to realize your dreams.” 

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. Our admissions and enrollment teams are always available to answer questions and offer assistance.

“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.”

DeSoto beat Duncanville 21-20, overcoming not only the challenge of a top-notch competitor, but also food poisoning that struck the team earlier in the week, showing amazing resilience – just like UNT Dallas Trailblazers do.

Watch the entire inaugural Parrish Classic game on YouTube.