HISPANIC DEBUTANTE ASSOCIATION OF FORT WORTH
2013-2014 STUDENT APPLICATION
Name_______________________________________________ Phone No. ( )_________________________
Date of Birth___________________________________________ Male/Female_________________________
Address (C/S/Z)____________________________________________________________________________
Father’s Full Name & Occupation______________________________________________________________
Mother’s Full Name & Occupation_____________________________________________________________
School Presently Attending____________________________________________________________________
E-mail Address:____________________________________________________________________________
Classification Fall 2013_______________________________________________ GPA___________________
Employment (Address, Phone & Position)________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
University/College You Plan to Attend __________________________________________________________
Career Field You Plan to Pursue _______________________________________________________________
Honors, Achievements, Awards _______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Clubs/Organizations In Which You Are an Active Member __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Hobbies __________________________________________________________________________________
Sponsor (Name, Address, Phone Number)________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Along with this Application, Please Submit:
1. Most Recent Official School Transcript
2. Letter of Recommendation from Teacher
3. Essay on Future Goals
Mail Application:
HDAFW
P.O. Box 1656
Ft. Worth, TX 76101
Applications can be e-mailed to hdafw@hotmail.com.
12 students will be selected to participate in the program
Deadline April 15, 2013
THE HISPANIC DEBUTANTE ASSOCIATION
OF FORT WORTH
Our association was founded in March 1985 as a reaction to the high drop-out rate among Hispanic
students, and the fact that Hispanic women have the lowest percentage of attendance in accredited
colleges, universities, and vocational schools. In 1997, the Hispanic Debutante Association decided to
expand and to allow young men to participate in the program.
The Hispanic Debutante Association of Fort Worth is a non-profit organization. Our main goal is to
encourage Hispanic students to complete high school and continue their education in an accredited two
or four year-college, university or vocational school. We aid in this endeavor by providing social,
cultural awareness, exposure to business leaders, and financial support in achieving a higher education.
Our association believes that these are areas in which we can have a positive impact on the Hispanic
Community in Fort Worth.
Eighty percent of our students have completed high school and are attending or have attended a college
or university. Some of the colleges and universities include: Texas Christian University, University of
Texas in Austin, Texas A & M, University of Texas at Arlington, University of North Texas, Boston
College, St. Edward’s University, Texas Woman’s University, Texas Wesleyan University, Tarrant
County College, Baylor University, University of Mississippi, Texas State University, St. Mary’s
University, Trinity University, Notre Dame and Stanford University.
Our fund raising activities include soliciting donations from the community, business leaders, and
corporations. We also sponsor other fund raising events such as scholarship dances, fashion shows,
golf tournaments, raffles, bingo, and program advertisements. The highlight of our year is the Annual
Debutante Ball, in which our students are formally presented.
Each year we accept up to 12 Hispanic students between the ages of 16 and 21 who meet our
requirements. To date, the association has presented over 250 students and has awarded over $350,000
in scholarships.
In addition to the financial assistance awarded by our association, we have also obtained matching
scholarships from Texas Christian University.
Due to continued participation from past students, the Hispanic Debutante Association now continues
to financially assist students until they complete their studies as long as they maintain active
participation in the association. Students now have the opportunity to continue earning funds and to
purse Masters Degrees or higher.
STUDENT RULES AND REQUIREMENTS
ELIGIBILITY:
The Student must be 16 to 21 years of age (at time of presentation), single, nor previously married, not have borne a
child, and be of good moral character. The students must be attending a high school or college and must maintain a 2.5
GPA in school.
The Student must complete and submit an application form with the following items attached 1) Most recent OFFICIAL
school transcript, 2) Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher, Counselor, or Employer, and 3) Essay on future goals
(500 words). ESSAY MUST BE TYPED AND DOUBLE SPACED.
ATTENDANCE:
Students must attend all scheduled monthly meetings, rehearsals, and participate in all fund raisers. Students must also
participate in 2 community service activities that will be set up by the organization. The general meetings are scheduled
on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. Meetings are held in the Coors Hospitality Room (located off of 35 N on
Mechum Blvd exit). Students are expected to have at least one parent present at each meeting. JEANS ARE NOT
ALLOWED AT MEETINGS. If the student or parent wears jeans to a meeting, points will be deducted. You will
receive a calendar of events that has all the dates of meeting and functions. It is in your best interest to attend ALL
functions as there are additional scholarships that are awarded based on participation.
The Community Service Projects will be determined by the association. Students will be given notice of events
scheduled and are expected to participate.
Students are also required to participate in 1 golf tournament. Our Spring Golf Tournament is scheduled in April.
Students must recruit a minimum of 4 players for each tournament. Students will be asked to solicit prizes for this event.
A form letter that you can use will be provided.
Our Dancing through the Decades Dance is in November. Students will be assigned a “decade” and will be expected to
dress in that decade and decorate their table in that decade. Guests of students are encouraged to dress in the student’s
decade also. This will allow the student to earn extra points. Students are REQUIRED to sell a minimum of 10
admission tickets to the dance and 50 raffle tickets. Students are also asked to solicit raffle prizes for this event. A form
letter will be provided for you to use.
SPONSORSHIP:
Students shall be sponsored by a business, organization, or an individual(s). Sponsorship fee is $250.00 and is used to
underwrite expenses of the ball presentation program. Sponsor names and fees are to be turned in by January. ALL
STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A SPONSOR. Your sponsor will receive recognition at all of our events, a
ticket to the Debutante Ball and a ticket to the Awards Dinner.
DRESS CODE:
Students shall abide by the rules and dress code set by the association. Dress code for monthly meetings is casual attire.
(NO JEANS, NO SHORTS, NO TENNIS SHOES, ETC)) !! Dress code for evening functions is “After 5” (knee or tea
length). NO mini dresses, mini skirts, halter styles, or low cut styles are permitted. Use common sense and good taste.
POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED IF PROPER ATTIRE IS NOT WORN.
PRESENTATION BALL:
Student Pictures will be taken at the January meeting. Ladies must wear a black drape, pearl stud earrings, and single
strand pearl necklace. (Drape will be provided by association). No hair accessories are to be used. Gentlemen must
wear a dark suit with tie. Ladies must submit debutante gown for review by January. Dress code for ladies will be an all
white gown, no low cut back, no fitted gowns, shoulders are to be covered, no transparent net or lace and no off the
shoulder styles. Gown must be floor length. It is advisable to have mentor review dress before it is purchased.
Accessories for ladies will be plain white gloves fitted to gown sleeve (arms are not to be seen), pearl stud earrings,
single strand pearl necklace, no hair accessories unless approved by student committee. Shoes must be all white,
preferably white satin and have a maximum 2 inch heel.
Gentlemen will dress in approved rental tuxedo and accessories only.
Female escorts for male students must wear approved purchased black gown (no low cut back, no fitted gowns,
shoulders are to be covered; no transparent net or lace, and no off the shoulder style). Gown must be floor length and no
hair accessories must be worn. Female escorts must attend mandatory meeting one month before ball and all rehearsals.
Fathers and male escorts must wear approved rental tuxedo only. The association will provide a retailer that will take
measurements of the fathers and male escorts at the January meeting. A deposit of $30.00 is due at the time
measurements are taken.
Mothers are required to wear a floor length gown for the Debutante ball. No low cut, backless or transparent gowns are
allowed.
IF ANYONE IN THE DEBUTANTE PARY IS NOT DRESSES APPROPRIATLEY (RENTED TUX REQUIRED),
YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO DEBUT.
COMMITMENT:
All students shall be active in the association for one year after the presentation.
NEWSLETTER:
You are invited to submit any information you would like to see included in the newsletter – accomplishments,
promotions, announcements, etc. Information must be submitted to the newsletter chairperson by the designated
deadline.
RECEIVING SCHOLARSHIP MONEY EARNED:
The money you earn during your association with HDA is for your continuing education. As such, all money will be paid
directly to the college or vocation school of your choice. This will ensure the proper application of all funds towards the
student’s continuing education and provides a link from HDA to the college, university, or vocational institution.
The following is needed in order for proper credit to be made in the student’s name;
- Application for funds must be made AT LEAST TWO WEEKS in advance of the start of a new semester.
- Estimate of class load and hours, and tuition costs turned into the HDA Scholarship Committee with
application form (see attached).
- Name of Bursar and mailing address
- Student ID or other information for proper credit
Funds are available after the beginning of a semester, but only after the 9th week and with a proper receipt from the
bursars office indicating hours taken.
SPONSORSHIP POINT SYSTEM
Scholarships are awarded to current students by a point system based on participation in all functions
and events during the fiscal year.
The point system is will be outlined by the student coordinator and given to each student.
The scholarship money awarded by the point system is received from fund raising events and
contributions.
Additional scholarship money can be earned through the sale of adds for the ball program. 100% of ad
money goes to the student. Past students also receive 100% of money earned from sale of ads.
Additionally, the outstanding student and past student will each receive a scholarship from the Maria K.
Garcia Memorial Fund. In past years, the amount of both scholarships has been $300.00.
Two Linda Mercado Memorial Scholarships are also awarded to present and past students. The student
is selected by the Board to receive this scholarship. Each student receives $250.00
HISPANIC DEBUTANTE ASSOCIATION OF FORT WORTH
RULES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I do hereby acknowledge that I have completed the student application truthfully and correctly. I
understand and make a firm commitment to all requirements and rules set forth by the Hispanic
Debutante Association of Fort Worth. I understand that any deviation from the rules set forth by the
Association may result in my forfeiture of membership in the Association and/or exclusion from
presentation at the annual ball and/or forfeiture of any or all scholarships.
___________________________________________
Student Signature
___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
___________________________________________
Date
___________________________________________
Received By:
Orientation and student interviews will be held in August 2013. Students interested in participating in
the HDAFW for the 2013-2014 year are REQUIRED to attend with at least one parent.
It is the goal of this association to help you learn, grow, and enjoy this coming year. If at any time you
feel you are not being informed or helped, please contact the President of this association.
Application for HDA Scholarship Funds
Student Name:
Student Number/ID/Acct with Institution:
University, College, or Vocation Institution:
Bursar Name and Mailing Address:
Estimate of Credit Hours/Number of Classes in Current Semester:
Estimate of Costs for Current Semester:
(only include tuition and books)
HDA Information:
Student Available Funds:
Current Status: (active, student, returning, inactive)
Latest GPA: