Donations by Masonic Lodges assist PJC nursing students

Published or Revised October 26, 2017

Thanks to the generosity of two Lamar County Masonic Lodges, eight Paris Junior College nursing students have help reaching their goals this year. The Roan Oak Masonic Lodge #860 of Garrett's Bluff and The Paris Masonic Lodge #27 each donated scholarships of $500 the nursing students may use toward their tuition, fees and related expenses. "We are very appreciative of the continued support these Masonic lodges offer our nursing students to help further their academic achievement," said Nursing Director Stephanie Parker. Roan Oak Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master Paul Green awarded scholarships to Jaci Sikes of Brookston, Kelcie Stager and Madison Oats of Cooper, and Amanda Whitley of Paris. "Thank you for letting us continue our education," said Oats. "It means a lot." Paris Masonic Lodge Treasurer James Parsons awarded scholarships to Pamela Spier and Katy Spear of Brookston, Amber Sewell of Bonham, and Allison Lancaster of Paris. "Having children means that this will help pay for college a lot," said Spear. "Their donations are awesome." "Keep up the good work and keep your grades up," Green said to the students, "because remember, we'll do this again next year." Both the Paris Lodge, located at 3150 South Church Street, and the Roan Oak Masonic Lodge, located in Garrett's Bluff, received a match from the Texas Masonic Charities Foundation, Inc. for their local fundraising efforts. Roan Oak Masonic Lodge’s major annual fundraiser, a fish fry at the Lodge, is being held this Saturday, Oct. 28, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. and the public is invited to attend the fun event. For information about the event, call 903-732-3782. For more information about scholarships at Paris Junior College call 903-782-0425 and about PJC nursing programs call 903-782-0734.