January 8, 2024 – The Roan Oak Masonic Lodge #860 of Garretts Bluff helped six Paris Junior College nursing students breathe easier last month when they awarded them $500 scholarships. Present to bestow the scholarships were Worshipful Master Logan Thomas, Senior Deacon Pat Thomas, and Master of Ceremonies/Scholarship Committee Chair Alan Tapp.
“It’s always a great pleasure to work with PJC and their nursing program,” said Tapp.
Receiving the scholarships were Kelsey Evans, Crystal Fuller, and Isaac Castillo of Paris; Leticia Hernandez of Sulphur Springs, Jordan Martin of Powderly, and Brenda Martinez of Blossom.
“This allows me to cover costs for my nursing career,” said Castillo, “and it takes away stress and allows me to keep going.”
“Because of this scholarship, I am able to complete nursing school and still take care of my kids at home,” said Evans.
Roan Oak Lodge #860 is chartered through the Grand Lodge of Texas, AF&AM, and raises funds through an annual Fish Fry and pancake breakfast.
“The scholarship takes a big financial burden off and helps me further my education,” said Martinez.
“This is fun,” said Roan Oak’s Thomas, “and it goes to a good cause and supports our community. It’s a privilege to do this every year.”
For more information about scholarships at Paris Junior College, call 903-782-0425; call 903-782-0734 for PJC’s Health Occupations Division.
“We’re always appreciative of the Roan Oak Masonic Lodge’s support of our students,” said PJC Director of Nursing Tamera Lewis. “We’re very grateful. This is a wonderful partnership that goes back a long way.”
Photo cutline: Shown, from left, are Roan Oak Masonic Lodge Senior Deacon Pat Thomas, Worshipful Master Logan Thomas, Master of Ceremonies/Scholarship Chairman Alan Tapp; nursing students Kelsey Evans, Crystal Fuller, Leticia Hernandez, Jordan Martin, Brenda Martinez, and Isaac Castillo; Director of Nursing Tamera Lewis; Dr. Michael Erny, Vice President of Workforce Education; and Dr. Pam Anglin, former PJC President.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
