DAVEY O’BRIEN HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
FORT WORTH, Texas (Nov. 10, 2025) – The Davey O’Brien Foundation has announced the six finalists for the 40th Annual Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship Award. The scholarship, underwritten by Higginbotham and Simmons Bank, is presented each year to an exceptional senior student-athlete in North Texas.
This year’s finalists, in alphabetical order, are Coleman Cravens (Arlington), Jonas Dalton (J.J. Pearce), Mariella Davies (Wakeland), Maile Farden (Southlake Carroll), Nia Harrison (Greenhill School) and Matthew Holloway (Hebron).
“Once again, the High School Scholarship Award has delivered a truly remarkable group of finalists,” David O’Brien Jr., Chairman of the High School Scholarship Selection Committee, said. “We are so honored to have these outstanding young people, and all of those who were nominated by their respective schools, associated with the Davey O’Brien Foundation.”
The recipient of the $30,000 scholarship will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the High School Scholarship Luncheon at The Fort Worth Club. The Foundation will also award $2,500 scholarships to each of the five remaining finalists. Recipients of the High School Scholarship Award are chosen based on scholastic achievements, community service, character, leadership and varsity sports participation. As part of the selection process, the committee will interview all six finalists this week.
The Foundation has distributed over $1.4 million in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field to leadership in life. The winner will be formally honored at the 49th Davey O’Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
–www.DaveyOBrienAward.com–
About the Finalists
Coleman Cravens (Arlington High School)
Coleman Cravens is a three-year starting varsity quarterback on the football team, and has earned varsity letters in bass fishing and track. A two-time all-district quarterback, he is a two-time Offensive Team MVP and two-year captain. Cravens has earned AP Scholar with Honors accolades and participated in the UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest as a viola player in the orchestra. He has been involved with Mission Arlington, the Mayor's Youth Commission and Youth Leadership Arlington, and earned 2024 Cinderella Charity Ball Volunteer of the Year honors for his work with the Boys and Girls Club.
Jonas Dalton (J.J. Pearce High School)
Jonas Dalton has been a member of the cross country and track and field teams all four years of high school and is a varsity team captain as a senior. A National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, he has achieved AP Scholar with Distinction and AP Scholar with Honors plaudits. Dalton is also a member of the varsity orchestra and jazz band who earned all-state solo honors in piano from the Texas Federation of Music Clubs. Additionally, he is a volunteer through the Network Community of Ministries, mentors freshmen through the school’s Lifeguard/SOS program and serves as an elementary school peer helper.
Mariella Davies (Dr. Justin Wakeland High School)
Mariella Davies is a four-year varsity tennis letterwinner who has been named to the UIL Class 5A Super Elite Team. She was the 2024 5A runner up in girls doubles and reached the 2025 quarterfinals in mixed doubles. Additionally, Davies is a three-time first-team all-district performer in both singles and doubles. An AP Scholar with Distinction, she is a member of the National Honor Society. She has earned the Presidents Volunteer Service Award and been recognized for community service by the Frisco Chapter of the National Charity League, working with groups including CatMatchers and the Landing at Watermere Assisted Living.
Maile Farden (Southlake Carroll High School)
Maile Farden is a four-year standout and two-year captain in water polo for the Dragons and has secured additional varsity letters in swimming and wrestling. She has earned UIL All-District, All-Region and All-State honors and is a four-time Academic All-American with Outstanding Honors from USA Water Polo. Farden has represented Team USA in Serbia and earned First Team All-America accolades at the Junior Olympics. An AP Scholar with Distinction, she also earned National Merit for Indigenous People honors. Additionally, she received the prestigious Nick Johnson Leadership Award twice for athletes who exemplify integrity, sportsmanship and leadership.
Nia Harrison (Greenhill School)
Nia Harrison is a four-year track and field athlete and one-year volleyball participant at Greenhill School. A three-time track team captain and All-Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) performer, she owns the SPC record in the high jump (5-10). A four-time All-American at NIKE and USATF events, Harrison is a Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays champion in the high jump and finished second at the 2025 USA Track & Field U-20 National Championships. She is the Greenhill School Black Student Union Co-President, member of the school’s Link Crew and earned a President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Matthew Holloway (Hebron High School)
Matthew Holloway is a varsity wide receiver, team captain and Hawk Award winner on the football team. An AP Scholar with Distinction, he has held leadership positions in National Honor Society and Student Council and is a member of both the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board and Principal’s Student Advisory Board. Holloway has served as president of the Young Men’s Service League and Hebron’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has been recognized for his community service involvement. In addition, he has been a business development intern with Quiet Light Business Brokerage.