Shelby County Today

May 29, 2019 Longview - Hana Bonner was named to the Spring 2019 Dean's List at LeTourneau University. The Dean's List recognizes students who have achieved a grade point average between 3.50 and 3.99 for the semester.

Hana Bonner is a 2017 graduate of Joaquin ISD and is majoring in Kinesiology.

LeTourneau University President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford said being named to the Dean's List is a significant academic achievement and honor.

"As the comprehensive Christian polytechnic institution in the country, our students are among our nation’s best,” Lunsford said. “I'm especially impressed with these honor roll students, and I expect them to have a significant impact on our future."

LeTourneau University is the Christian polytechnic university where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global community. LETU offers more than 140 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a range of disciplines and delivery models at LETU’s residential campus in Longview, Texas, hybrid options at centers in the Dallas and Houston areas and fully online programs.

Claiming every workplace in every nation as their mission field, LeTourneau University graduates are professionals of ingenuity and Christ-like character who see life's work as a holy calling with eternal impact. For additional information, visit www.letu.edu.

Related article: Hana Bonner Signs Intention Letter With Louisiana College at Pineville

May 28, 2019 - Members of Beta Sigma Phi Preceptor Upsilon Chapter presented the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library with a check for $2,200 Tuesday, May 28, 2019. Accepting this donation on behalf of the library was Sandra Davis, Library Director.

Sorority members present include Linda Miller, Ann Grant, Lisa McAdams, Kelly Lucas, Laura Rowe, Billie Sue Payne, Sue Russell, Montie Jones. 

Another donation the organization has made is to the Food Recovery program hosted by Center ISD and sponsored by Alease Copelin. The sorority donated $300 to the program.

Read more about the food recovery program by clicking this link.

May 21, 2019 - (Album) - The Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make our 2019 Spring Fundraiser a success.

The support of our community is what has kept our department growing for 47 years. This growth would not be possible without the generosity of local businesses like Dean’s Hardware, Brookshire Brothers, The Ram House Cafe, Subway, Joaquin Quick Stop, Whataburger, and many, many others.

We would especially like to thank the members of the community who came out to purchase BBQ plates, walk for cakes, and watch the Battle of the Bucket. The annual Cake Walk is successful because of the wonderful cakes donated by local bakers.

We would also like to congratulate the winners of the Battle of the Bucket. 1st Place went to the team of Firefighter Sunshine Carroll and Training Officer Stephen Ewing. Firefighters Nat Rodgers and David Pierce took 2nd Place, and Captains Rusty Wilson and Lance Cummings claimed 3rd Place.

We would also like to thank Lone Star Emergency Group, Ferrarra Fire Apparatus, and Municipal Emergency Services for providing the prizes for the event. 

May 20, 2019 - East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF) awarded $241,050 in scholarships to high school and college students from East Texas for the 2019-20 school years. Recipients were honored at a reception at The Tyler Civic Theater on Monday, May 20th. Scholarship amounts range from $450-$5,000 per student originating from 68 different scholarship funds at ETCF.

“East Texas Communities Foundation is honored to help these deserving students continue their education and grateful for the opportunity to fulfill the charitable goals of the many individuals, organizations, and families who have made it possible,” said Kyle Penney, President of East Texas Communities Foundation. “Each year we are impressed with the quality of students applying for these funds. The donors who have invested in these students through the creation of scholarship funds have given a lasting gift to all East Texans.”

Local Shelby County students who received a scholarship from ETCF:

John Harris Scholarship - 2019 Recipients are Zoie Eberenz and Scarlett Shires of Center High School
The John Harris Scholarship is the legacy of a man who was devoted to his community, his church, and education. Mr. Harris earned a degree in business and music at Baylor University, then returned to his hometown of Center, Texas to teach high school students. He was generous, articulate, and attentive to detail. This fund was established upon his death to help students from Center High School attend college.

East Texas Estate Planning Council Scholarship - 2019 Recipient is Rebecca Mathis of Timpson High School
The core value of the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils is that the team concept of estate planning best serves the client. This scholarship is open to graduating East Texas high school seniors who demonstrate the motivation to pursue a career in one of the primary disciplines engaged on the estate planning team such as accounting, law, finance, insurance, and philanthropic planning.

Click here for a complete listing of 2019 scholarship recipients

About ETCF
East Texas Communities Foundation is a nonprofit corporation serving 32 counties in East Texas. The Foundation distributed $15.4 million in grants in 2018 and currently manages over $100 million in assets distributed over 361 unique charitable funds which support non-profit organizations and student scholarships. The Foundation, which was formed in 1989, has awarded $87.6 million in grants and scholarships since its inception. Philanthropy builds community and changes lives. East Texas Communities Foundation supports philanthropy by offering simple ways for donors to achieve their charitable goals. http://etcf.org/