New Paris Masonic Lodge awards PJC nursing scholarships
Published or Revised January 13, 2017
The Paris Masonic Lodge #27 presented three $1,000 scholarships to current associate degree nursing students. Recipients include (front row, left to right) Jordan Graves, Paris, Taylor Slagle, Chicota, Anna Watson, Paris, and Interim Director of Health Occupations, Stephanie Parker. Back row: PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin, Roan Oak Masonic Lodge Treasurer Larry Slagle, Paris Lodge Worshipful Master Dale Gordon, and Lodge Secretary James Parsons.
Through the generosity of the Paris Masonic Lodge #27 and the Texas Masonic Charities Foundation, Inc., three Paris Junior College nursing students were awarded $1,000 scholarships recently. This was the first time the Paris Lodge has presented scholarship funds, though Masonic Lodges in Lamar County have been generous with PJC students for a number of years.
Recognized were associate degree nursing students Taylor Slagle of Chicota, and Jordan Graves and Anna Watson of Paris. Making the presentation on behalf of the Paris Lodge was Worshipful Master Dale Gordon. Gordon shared with the recipients how they were selected and spoke of the pride it gave him in the selection of each student.
“It makes my heart happy to have the opportunity to present this gift to you,” said Gordon.
Watson successfully completed PJC's LVN program in May. Slagle works as an LVN in the Emergency Department at Paris Regional Medical Center and Graves works as an LVN at Genesis Pediatric Home Health Services.
The Paris Lodge is located at 3150 South Church Street and was chartered January 24, 1845 and is celebrating 171 years of Freemasonry. The local Lodge receives dollar-for-dollar matching funds from the Texas Masonic Charities Foundation, Inc., headquartered in Marble Falls.
“We are thankful for the Paris Masonic Lodge’s contribution to further the education of these three outstanding students," said PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin. "The RN nursing program is very challenging and I know this gift will lighten the burden for each student.”
“We are so appreciative to the Paris Lodge for assisting our nursing students,” said Mrs. Parker. “PJC's nursing program demands a lot from our students and this help is very welcome to them.”
The Lodge raises funds through fish frys and pancake breakfasts. For more information about scholarships at Paris Junior College call 903-782-0425 or to learn more about PJC nursing and health occupations programs call 903-782-0734.
