ETCF Recognizes Center High School Students with Scholarship

May 11, 2021 - East Texas Communities Foundation has named Center High School (CHS) graduates Baileigh Barrera, Angel Garcia and Kristen Orsak as recipients of the John Harris Scholarship.

Miss Barrera plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University in the fall focusing on a career in accounting. Miss Barrera was active in volleyball, softball, National Honor Society and was a member of the yearbook staff as a student at Center High School.

Mr. Garcia plans to attend Panola Junior College majoring in chemistry. Throughout high school, Mr. Garcia participated as a member of the National Honor Society, the robotics club, and participated in UIL academics.

Miss Orsak is headed to Texas A&M University in College Station seeking a degree in the field of healthcare. Miss Orsak participated in debate, One Act Play, band, served as a Lieutenant on the CHS Chaparral drill team and participated in the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

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, and then returned to his hometown of Center, Texas, to teach high school students. This scholarship was established upon his death to help students from Center High School attend college.

About ETCF.org
East Texas East Texas Communities Foundation is a nonprofit corporation serving 32 counties in East Texas. The Foundation distributed $9.2 million in grants in 2020 and currently manages over $124 million in over 400 unique charitable funds which support non-profit organizations and student scholarships. The Foundation, which was formed in 1989, has awarded over $108 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.