How To Apply

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Each fall application forms will be emailed to counselors at all accredited public and private high schools in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise County. Each school may nominate only one student through a process determined by the school. Click HERE to view all eligibility requirements.

The online form must be submitted by your nominated student or high school counselor through the online portal and received no later than: October, 3, 2025. 

The digital packet must include, in this order: 

1. A completed digital application form. 

2. A high school transcript through the applicant’s junior year and senior year enrolled classes

3. A listing of activities broken down into the following categories: Honors & Awards, Athletics, Extracurricular Activities, Community Service and other. For each category, list the activity, followed by the year(s) of participation in reverse chronological order. Information is encouraged on special interests that required a large time commitment, including but not limited to employment and religious activities. Offices held should specify whether elected or appointed and by whom. For athletic competition include level (i.e. school, district, state, etc.).

4. A one-page essay answering ONE of the following questions: 

   1. What personal challenge(s) have you encountered and had to overcome? 

   2. What makes you happy? 

   3. Describe a facet of your identity, background or story that is essential to who you are.

5. No more than two, signed letters of recommendation. One must be from a varsity coach; the other can be from a high school counselor, teacher, civic or religious leader. Please keep the recommendation letter to a maximum of one page. You may adjust the font size as needed to meet this requirement.

6. The five finalists’ counselors will be notified by phone in early November, at which time finalists will be scheduled for an interview with the Selection Committee. All finalists must be present for their interviews, as well as, for the High School Scholarship Luncheon at which time the 2025 recipient will be announced. The recipient will be honored at the Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner in February.

   • Finalists Interview November 12, 2025.

   • High School Scholarship Luncheon November 18, 2025. Recipient to be announced.

   • Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner February 16, 2026. Recipient must be in attendance.

7. Please submit all required documents via the digital application below. Questions? Email: Emily@daveyobrien.org or call (817) 338-3488

PLEASE NOTE: INCOMPLETE PACKETS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED