Spring 2025 Winner of the Justice For All Scholarship

Clay Coronado

Clay has had several experiences that solidified his interest in law throughout his life. From his grandfather's inspiring words to interning for a Congressman and a local law firm, he remains dedicated to using the law to protect people’s freedom. Congratulations, Clay— we admire your steadfast commitment to justice!

Read his essay here:

Law is more than statutes; it is a framework that preserves, protects, and empowers. At a young age I recognized the importance of safeguarding this framework as a result of growing up with two grandfathers who served in the United States Army. On November 11, 2009, I vividly remember my Grandpa Juan’s Veterans Day presentation to my second-grade class. He shared stories of his time in the Army and explained the meaning of sacrifice. My Grandpa detailed why he was willing to lay down his life—to preserve and protect the principles of the United States of America. His dedication to the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality left a lasting impression on me. Grandpa Juan’s stories and life lessons became a driving force of influence. He played a pivotal role in empowering my pursuits to learn more about issues like foreign policy, public education, and economic growth.

In 2016, as a freshman in high school, I was captivated by a new and unfamiliar territory—politics. The vibrant interplay of ideas and policies from the presidential debate germinated my interest in government and politics. My 15-year-old lens through which I viewed the world became clearer. I envisioned my actions to mirror what Grandpa Juan had worked toward for future generations, to provide a future where every American, immigrant, and persons abroad were able to comprehend the meaning of freedom. I knew I wanted to pave my own way by fighting for those who could not advocate for themselves. As President Ronald Reagan said, “There are no limits to growth and human progress when men and women are free to follow their dreams.” The union of my vision and this concept of freedom seemed to be God’s calling for me to preserve.

My youthful convictions continued to manifest as I pursued a degree in political science. Further expanding my knowledge of governmental frameworks both globally and domestically, I strengthened my understanding of how each branch of government, from root to node—is designed to serve the best interests of the people. While at Texas Tech University, I seized opportunities to move beyond theory. In 2021 during my sophomore year of college, I applied to the Texas Tech Government & Public Service Internship Program. After rigorous interviews and out of 400+ applicants, I was one of the twelve selected to work in the United States House of Representatives.

My time in Washington, D.C., as an intern for Congressman August Pfluger consisted of attending committee meetings related to Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, and Homeland Security. My days consisted of helping constituents with their concerns and collaborating on issues impacting their lives. I was the front line of defense whether it was a constituent needing a guide through federal agencies or giving school groups tours of the Capitol. My deep sense of fulfillment through serving others continued to intensify. For 112 days, my commute to work was surrounded by statues and monuments holding profound significance. My favorite statue to walk past and share during my Capitol tours was President Ronald Reagan’s. President Reagan’s statue and the fall of the Berlin Wall demonstrated his pursuit of freedom and the importance of democracy abroad.

Capitol Hill introduced me to the process of drafting bills and legislation. I had a front row seat to witness the laws that govern our country. Observing radical ideas deliberated between parties taught me a valuable lesson. The law is ever changing, and lady justice is always in need of safekeeping. My experiences led me to better understand that the law is as useful as a shield, as it is a sword.

At the conclusion of my congressional internship, I moved back to New Braunfels to spend my last summer of college interning at Casteel & Casteel P.L.L.C. To best describe that summer as a 21-year-old—trial by fire... I will never forget my first day working in the legal field. One of the senior attorneys handed me a paper with a directive, I was to write a memorandum and pull research from Westlaw to compare the specific facts of a case to the relevant statues at issue. I quickly learned the importance of legal research and applying the facts accordingly to the law. Once again, I had a front-row seat to the art of advocacy, but this time, I was watching a different stage. My internship encompassed the reality that family law often unveils human relationships' volatility while encouraging resolution and growth.

In the infamous words of Benjamin Franklin, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Grandpa Juan’s stories empowered me; my time working in Congress preserved my convictions; and my nearly two years learning from the Casteel family has reinforced the vital importance of protecting freedom.