Retired teachers award three PJC scholarships

Published or Revised May 07, 2015

Three area high school students received Lamar-Delta Retired Teachers and School Employees Association scholarships at the organization’s spring luncheon held in the Paris Junior College Ballroom. The $1,000 scholarships are awarded to seniors in public school in Lamar or Delta counties who plan to pursue the field of education at Paris Junior College. “As retired teachers and school employees, Lamar-Delta is very interested in the achievements and successes of the students in our schools,” said association president Sandy Lassiter. “We have projects that target students from head start through high school. Those projects include conducting the Children’s Book Project, supporting the Jr. Livestock Sale, and providing scholarships for graduating seniors who plan to attend Paris Junior College in preparation to become a teacher.” Receiving their awards from Scholarship Committee Chairman Ruth Wigley and Lassiter were Christopher Michael Barnett, Michael Craig, and Elise Winter. Barnett attends North Lamar High School and is the son of Amanda and Keith Barnett. He has participated in Band, Beta Club, Dylan’s Drivers Fundraiser, United Way Fundraiser, and North Lamar High School Veteran’s Day Program. Awards and honors received in high school included Bandsman of the Week. “I chose the teaching field because I feel education is very important in molding the child,” said Barnett. “Furthermore, my mother played a big role in my decision to become a teacher. Without seeing her work throughout the classroom and seeing her interact with the kids I would not have known how enjoyable teaching could actually be.” Craig attends North Lamar High School and is the son of David Craig and Kristen Craig. He has participated in Marching/Concert Band, Football, Power Lifting, Key Club, UIL - Science Team, Peer Tutor and Carter Blood Care - Senior Red Cord Honor Program. Awards and honors received in high school include First Chair Saxophone - Section Leader, and UIL second place Science Team. “A goal of a teacher should be for the student to gain real knowledge and retain that knowledge so that if can be used throughout the pupil’s life,” said Craig. “ By my junior year I began to tutor some younger students in my high school. This newfound love for teaching made me realize why my mother, grandmother, and grandfather all chose the path of education. Now my goals are finishing my basics at Paris Junior College, and then transferring to Texas A&M – Commerce where I will major in education with a minor in Science.” Winter attends Paris High School and is the daughter of Daniel and Sheri Winter. She has participated in Varsity Volleyball and Soccer, was the Little Spikers Volleyball coach for younger Paris students, tutored English students, Key Club (secretary three years), Student Council (Executive Secretary Senior year, Representative Junior year, Secretary Sophomore and Freshman years), Althea Garden Club, Crime Stoppers (Secretary Junior and Senior years), Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FFA, National Honor Society, and Young Life. Awards and honors received in high school included Sophomore of the year - Kiwanis, Althea Garden Club Crape Myrtle Princess - 3 years, All Red River Valley First Team - Volleyball, All District First Team - Volleyball, Red River Valley Athlete of the Week - Volleyball, Net Ole dance competition - first place, and National Honor Society. “The main reason that I strive to teach others someday is to help them learn and grow the way I have been helped to learn not to give up too easily and that you can do anything that you set your mind to,” said Winter. The honorees and their families were guests at the luncheon and award presentation.