Helah Leialoha Rivera Selected as 2025 Presser Scholar at Texas Lutheran University

Texas Lutheran University is proud to announce that senior Helah Leialoha Rivera, a trombonist who is majoring in music education, is the recipient of The Presser Foundation's 2025-26 Undergraduate Scholar Award. The award is designed to encourage and support the education of a music student who has achieved a high level of musical and academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and service, and contributed to an inclusive community.

"Helah is an accomplished student and performer and in addition to being a member of the bands has also been a dedicated member of TLU Jazz Band, TLU Mariachi Oro y Negro, TLU Orchestra, and chamber music ensembles," said TLU Director of Strings Dr. Eliza Jeffords, who also serves as Rivera's advisor. "More than that she is always interested in getting to know pieces and composers more in depth than the average student and does everything with great enthusiasm and attitude."

TLU Director of Bands Dr. Brett Richardson agrees. "Helah Rivera has been one of the most selfless, dedicated, and committed members of the TLU Bands during my tenure here. She has performed with nearly every ensemble the instrumental area TLU has to offer and contributed greatly. Being a New Braunfels ISD graduate and (soon to be) TLU graduate, she is the quintessential 'local girl done good.' She is hard-working and has a world of potential within her. Congratulations!"

"I'm incredibly grateful to be named a Presser Scholar," says Rivera. "As a future music educator, this recognition means a lot and reminds me why I'm so passionate about helping students find their place in music."

The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 under the will of the late Theodore Presser. It is one of the few private foundations in the United States dedicated solely to music education and music philanthropy.