Jaela Wideman, an incoming freshman at Tyler Junior College, was this year’s recipient of the Tyler Smith County NAACP scholarship.
Ms. Wideman was presented with two $1,500 checks representing the NAACP scholarship and a matching scholarship from TJC, for a total of $3,000. Making the presentation were Cedrick Granberry Sr., president of the Tyler Smith County NAACP, and Dr. Mike Metke, TJC president.
Ms. Wideman is a 2017 honor graduate of John Tyler High School, where she was active in concert and marching band, student council, National Honor Society and a number of other organizations. She was also head drum major and class vice president. She has volunteered in various capacities at the Tyler Public Library, Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital and Junior Achievement. Ranked No. 11 in her high school class, she graduated with 27 college credits.
“We are excited that Jaela selected TJC as her first choice for higher education,” said Dr. Metke. “Jaela has accomplished quite a lot during high school, and we look forward to her being actively involved in the student life here at TJC.”
“All of the scholarship applicants were highly qualified, and Jaela was selected based on her exceptional works, which speak for themselves,” Granberry said.
“On behalf of the Tyler NAACP Executive Committee, we know none of this would be possible without the support of our members, sponsors and Tyler Junior College. It is very rewarding to invest in our own students. The Tyler NAACP would also like to thank the members of the scholarship committee for their commitment in choosing the most qualified applicant.”