Four PJC nursing scholarships awarded by Roan Oak Lodge
Published or Revised July 03, 2013
The Roan Oak Masonic Lodge #860 of Garrett’s Bluff, Texas, awarded $500 scholarships to four PJC nursing students. At left, from left are: Lodge Master of Ceremonies and scholarship committee member Allen Tapp, Lodge Worshipful Master Dale Briggle, Hailey Shirley of Bogata and Britney Richardson of Bonham, Lodge Secretary James Parsons, and Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District No. 2 (Lamar County) James Cooke. Other recipients are Greg Sherrill of Bogata (top right) and Matthew Cox of Brookston (lower right).
Once again the Roan Oak Masonic Lodge #860 of Garrett’s Bluff, Texas, has awarded $500 scholarships to four Paris Junior College nursing students.
Receiving the scholarships are second-year nursing students Hailey Shirley and Greg Sherrill of Bogata, Texas, Britney Richardson of Bonham, Texas, and Matthew Cox of Brookston, Texas.
“We raise the funds through Roan Oak Lodge and the Grand Lodge matches the donation,” said Lodge Worshipful Master Dale Briggle. “We do this because of our Masonic principles of charity and brotherly love. We want to help our community by contributing to the PJC nursing program. These people can then help others in the community.”
The assistance is gratefully received.
“The financial burden of school is huge for any nursing school,” said Shirley, “so I get to breathe a little easier.”
“This means the difference in being in school and not,” said Sherrill. “It’s very appreciated for people to go above and beyond to make sure others succeed.”
“This will help me with gas and I live 30 miles away so I don’t have to worry as much,” said Richardson. “I also don’t have to work as much which helps with classes.”
“The help with fuel costs and book expenses is going to be greatly appreciated,” said Cox. “It’s a great feeling that people help in the community because if not, our goals couldn’t be reached.”
“We are grateful for the continued support from the Roan Oak Masonic Lodge as these gentlemen provide scholarships for the nursing students at Paris Junior College,” said PJC Health Occupations Director Marcia Putnam. “The nursing program demands a tremendous amount of time and effort from the students, and the scholarships are greatly appreciated in assisting the students to continue in the program of study.”
Roan Oak Lodge’s major fundraiser, a fish fry at Garrett’s Bluff, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5 and everyone is invited to attend. For information about the event, call 903-732-3782. For more information about PJC nursing programs call 903-782-0734.
