2013 Commencement sees nearly 800 graduate

Published or Revised May 14, 2013

Nearly 800 students were awarded diplomas and certificates during Paris Junior College's commencement ceremonies held Friday at Noyes Stadium. The stands were overflowing with family and friends. Dr. Pamela Anglin, Paris Junior College President, led the Board of Regents, faculty and graduates in procession from the Rheudasil Learning Center. “795 individuals are graduating from PJC this spring with certificates or associate degrees,” said Dr. Anglin, “44 percent are male, 56 percent are female. Tonight we have graduates who have been recognized with state and national honors, we have members of a softball team who leave on a bus at 8:00 a.m. in the morning to play in a national tournament. It’s the first time in history a women’s team has done that from PJC. We have baseball team members graduating who are not here because they’re playing in a regional tournament. “Our graduates range in age from 17 to 72. If you’re thinking about going to college, know that it is never too late,” she said. “These graduates come from all over the United States, all over the state of Texas and across the globe. Tonight’s graduates represent 36 Texas counties, 25 different states, two foreign countries, Mexico and South Korea, and we have a graduate from the U.S. Territory of Guam.” Next, Dr. Anglin recognized the 2013 Master Teacher, math instructor Chastity Woodson, and presented her with a medallion and plaque. Woodson started at PJC in the Talent Search program in 2002, taught Developmental Math on an adjunct basis and became a full-time Developmental Math faculty member in 2006. In their comments, faculty members nominating Woodson said that she sets an example for the rest of the faculty in the department, goes well beyond the expected time of being available for students, is firm with student expectations, and encourages students to achieve their goals. She willingly tries new teaching strategies or support materials in an effort to improve student success. Woodson meets every day with a pleasant and positive manner and passes this on to those around her, whether student or other faculty. “Woodson spends countless hours working with students one on one to make sure they have a good grasp of math concepts and can often be found in the Math Center,” nominators said. “From personal experience, I would have to say that although math is a necessary course, it is not the most loved course in college, and it takes a unique individual to be able to make the math experience bearable for many students. She has that ability. Very rarely have I seen her alone in her office in the afternoon for there is always a student with a chair pulled up next to her as she patiently tutors.” Lynsee Parish of Yantis was presented the Distinguished Service Award. The award recognizes academic achievement and service to the community by an outstanding graduating student. PJC’s faculty and professional staff select the recipient of this award. Parish serves as president for the Sulphur Springs Blend Club and organized a canned food drive for the Can Help Food Bank last semester. She is also vice-president of the Sulphur Springs Phi Theta Kappa. She was named to Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges and has maintained excellent academic status, being named to the President's honor list for two years. Voted Miss PJC, she also attended Community College Day in Austin this spring and received the Creative Writing English award. After PJC, Parish will transfer to the University of Texas at Tyler to pursue her degree in elementary education. Parish also delivered the invocation at the beginning of the program. Other graduating sophomores nominated for the award were Ashley Reed of Clarksville and Rose Lindsey of Dallas. Whitney Palmer of Paris sang “Whenever Your Remember,” and Reed gave the benediction at the conclusion of the program.