Eddie Cantu Urges Scholarship Recipients to Pursue Education With Purpose and Perseverance

June 20, 2026 - 04:04

Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Eduardo "Eddie" Cantu delivered a keynote address at the 2026 McAllen Housing Commission Scholarship Banquet, urging scholarship recipients to approach their education with discipline, faith, and determination. The event took place June 18 at the Verta Hotel in McAllen.

Cantu spoke directly to the students, telling them that receiving a scholarship is not the finish line but the starting point. He emphasized that true success in higher education requires more than just showing up. It demands a clear sense of purpose and the perseverance to push through obstacles.

"Education is a privilege, and with that privilege comes responsibility," Cantu said during his remarks. He encouraged the recipients to stay grounded in their values and to remember the communities that helped them along the way.

The banquet celebrated local students who earned scholarships through the McAllen Housing Commission. Cantu's message focused on the idea that academic achievement is hollow without character and hard work. He challenged the students to set high standards for themselves and to keep their faith strong when the coursework gets tough.

The event drew families, educators, and community leaders who gathered to honor the next generation of leaders. Cantu's speech served as a reminder that the path to success is rarely straight, but those who stay focused and determined will find their way.