Smokin' on the Rio Scholarships
Scholarships
Smokin’ on the Rio is committed to helping Rio Grande Valley youth achieve their educational goals. In 2014, it started its scholarship program awarding college scholarships to eligible students pursuing higher education.
In 2016 Smokin’ on the Rio initiated a new opportunity for students interested in pursuit of a vocational degree in honor of long-time supporter Arnold Medellín by creating the Arnold Medellín Memorial Scholarship for his dedicated service to Smokin’ on the Rio.
Eligiblity Requirements
* Graduating Senior (May 2026)
* Must be currently enrolled in 4-H or FFA in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, or Willacy Counties.
Guidelines
* Must be completed, signed and submitted (postmarked) by February 15th. (UPDATE as of 2/14/2026 10:26 CST) - DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 1, 2026.
* Must include all appropriate signatures and required transcript upon submission.
Smokin On The Rio 2025 Sponsors
| HEB |
| City of Mercedes |
| Mercedes EDC |
| 3C Ag Services |
| Boots N' Jeans |
| Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Sellman |
| Dickerson Farms |
| Glazer's Beer & Beverage |
| Krenmueller Farms |
| MVEC |
| Ryner Construction |
| Ross Gin |
| Texas National Bank |
| Wadkins & Associates Insurance |
| A-W Produce |
| Capital Farm Credit |
| Cita's Boutique - Harlingen |
| Cita's Boutique - Brownsville |
| Doggett Heavy Equipment |
| Gowan Seed Company |
| Lackey Financial |
| Nowell Borders LP |
| Rio Bank |
| Simplot |
| Texas Regional Bank |
| Wilbur Ellis |
| Mr. Billie D Simpsom |
| Chapotal Farms |
| Depot Crop Insurance |
| Frontera Materials |
| KBW Supply |
| The Medicine Shop |
| Reid Farms |
| Ron Hoover |
| Texas First Rental |
| Valent USA, LLC |
| Mrs. Audrey Eoff |
| Bicycle World RGV |
| Crop Guard Insurance |
| Foremost Paving |
| Hovada Farms |
| Lone Star Citrus Growers |
| Payne Auto Group |
| Rios of Mercedes Boot Co. |
| Sun Valley Dusting |
| Timothy Belcher Farms |
| McAfee Insurance |
| Bullrider Western Wear |
| Davis Equity |
| Freedom Bank |
| Johnny's True Value Hardware |
| Mr. and Mrs Mark Brunnemann |
| Progreso Coop |
| Mr. and Mrs. Robert McAllen |
| Texas Farm Credit |
| Troy Bradford Farms |
| Amigo Loan |
| Burton Companies |
| Cooper Concessions |
| Eberle Materials |
| Hanka Sod LLC |
| Listos Properties |
| Mr. and Mrs. Paul McDaniel |
| Rio Rico Farms |
| Southern Star Transport |
| Thomas Charolais |
| Xtreme Outdoors |