A Texas teen who did her homework in between her dad’s chemo appointments has landed a full-ride college scholarship – after graduating top of her class.
Gracie Strange’s father was diagnosed with stomach cancer in June 2025, midway through her junior year at Somerville High School. She became his ride to appointments and, some days, his ride home from surgery.
“I’d have to do my schoolwork at doctor’s appointments, and I’d have to drive them home sometimes because of surgeries,” Strange said.
Somehow, she still graduated as her class’s valedictorian this spring while stacked into band, powerlifting, cross country, the National Honor Society and a full slate of dual-credit college courses. She served as her school band’s drum major, made all-region band, and advanced to the state competition with a saxophone quartet.
Then came the scholarship. Strange was named a Texas Leadership Scholar, a state-funded program that hands full rides – tuition, room and board covered for all four years – to just 250 students statewide. She’s headed to Sam Houston State University this fall to study music education, the first in her family to land a full ride to college.
“I really worked hard for what I got,” Strange said.
Her father’s treatment continues and her scholarship starts in the fall.
