Roan Oak Lodge awards 2 PJC scholarships

Published or Revised September 21, 2011

Two Paris Junior College nursing students recently received $500 scholarships from the Roan Oak Masonic Lodge #860 of Garrett's Bluff, Texas. Jillian Smith of Bonham, Texas, and Erica Hamilton of Powderly, Texas, were awarded the scholarships, which are intended for a resident of Lamar, Red River, Delta or Fannin counties. Both are second year students in the PJC nursing program. Lodge Treasurer Ben Mooring presented the scholarship funds, saying, "I feel excited about this. We really believe in trying to help others. We have the fundraisers and raise money from local people to try to help good causes, including Paris Junior College." "I have two children and this helps with making ends meet, it helps with everything," said Smith. "The Lodge is on both sides of my family and I've been to a number of Lodge events." "I would like to get my Bachelor's of Science in Nursing after this," said Hamilton. "This helps with tuition, books, gas – everything. I'm very grateful they were able to award me this scholarship." The next fundraiser for the Roan Oak Masonic Lodge is the annual fish fry at Garrett's Bluff from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. For information about that event, call 903-732-3784. For more information about scholarships at Paris Junior College, call 903-782-0425; call 903-782-0734 for PJC's Health Occupations Division.