Shelby Costilla

Shelby Costilla is heading into her third year at ELEVAR, the inclusive program at the University of North Texas, this fall as this year’s Ruby’s Rainbow Hayes Nicholas Chappell Scholarship Award recipient, studying Fine Arts with graduation expected in Spring 2028.

Getting into the ELEVAR program is an accomplishment Shelby worked hard for and is truly proud of. Her goals ahead are clear: land a steady job somewhere in the fine arts, and walk across that graduation stage.

A huge BTS fan, Shelby loves listening to K-pop, along with scrapbooking and working out at the gym. Shelby is also a person who stutters, and she’s not ashamed of it. In her own words: “When I meet new people in person, please be patient with me to give me time to say what I want to say.”

Shelby, your honesty and confidence are inspiring. Cheers to a wonderful junior year!