Tyler Junior College recently recognized its ninth class of Rusk High School graduates to attend TJC on the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise Scholarship.
In February 2014, the James I. Perkins Family Foundation — along with Citizens 1st Bank, Rusk ISD, TJC and the TJC Foundation — established the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise.
The first program of its kind in Texas, the Rusk Promise covers up to two years at TJC for Rusk students who graduate in the top half of their class with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Qualifying students must also reside in Rusk ISD and must have attended Rusk High School for grades 11 and 12.
Graduating scholars received cords to wear at last week’s TJC commencement, with their colors representing their status as alumni of both Rusk High School (red and black) and TJC (gold and black).
“Of the nine students graduating, six are graduating with honors,” said Megan Cumbee Burns, senior manager of TJC scholarships and the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise. “As a group, all students being recognized in this cohort have accomplished a 3.29 cumulative GPA, continuing to outperform their counterparts within the TJC student population in hours and cumulative GPA. This great accomplishment is due to the students’ hard work and dedication.”
Burns added that, within this group, seven students had siblings who had previously come through the Rusk Promise program.
The 2024 Rusk Promise scholars are:
• Preston Arnold, pursuing a degree in computer science
• Dallas Bouman, pursuing a degree in business
• Albert Gonzales, pursuing a degree in general studies
• Shelby Hassell, pursuing a degree in pre-nursing
• Kenyada Kincade, pursuing a degree in vocational nursing
• Cameron May, pursuing a degree in general studies
• Damian Mendez, pursuing a degree in network technology
• Lacy Smith, pursuing a degree in occupational therapy assistant
• Micah Solly, pursing a degree in pre-occupational therapy assistant
• Carolina Villa, pursuing a degree in pre-nursing
• Emma Bayless, graduating with a degree in psychology
• Elisha Blankinship, graduating with a degree in gaming and simulation development — programming
• Allen Dotson, graduating with a degree in general studies
• Collin Zane Lofton, graduating with a degree in criminal justice-law enforcement
• Christien Perez, graduating with a degree in business management
• Esther Reifel, graduating with a degree in art
• Lexie Stanley, graduating with a degree in general studies
• Carson Wallace, graduating with a degree in visual communications
• Kara Wofford, graduating with a degree in business
Burns added, “Four of these students have also been awarded the TJC/UT Tyler Promise Transfer scholarship that was established last year by the Perkins Family Foundation. This opportunity will allow students to attend UT Tyler, receiving $4,000 per year for a maximum award of $8,000 over two years. This year’s recipients are Allen Dotson, Shelby Hassell, Cameron May and Carson Wallace.”
Lofton and Reifel spoke on behalf of this year’s Rusk Promise scholars.
“I want to thank the Perkins Family Foundation, Citizen's 1st Bank staff, and the TJC faculty and staff for making these experiences possible for myself and my classmates,” Lofton said. “It’s because of their generosity that we get to be here and reach for our dreams, and we are all so very grateful for that.”
Reifel said, “I’d like to thank the Perkins family and the Citizens 1st Bank staff for making college education a reality for so many students. You have allowed us to make these lifelong memories and bonds. You are the ones who have pushed us to success. You have pushed us to push ourselves.”
She continued, “You’ve shown us that we can do what we put our minds to. Your generosity will not be forgotten. Your kindness has created our futures. As we continue forward, know that you have played a hugely important role in our lives. You are changing futures and changing lives for the better in so many students. You’ve made so much possible for so many people. Thank you so much for all you’ve done.”
For more on the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise, go to TJC.edu/RuskPromise.