May 21, 2026 - East Texas Communities Foundation has named Center High School (CHS) graduates Eliezer Leon, Laribel Galvan and Nathan Newton as recipients of the John Reagan Harris Scholarship.
Mr. Leon plans to attend University of Texas at Austin in the fall focusing on a career in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Leon was active in band serving as Drum Major, National Honor Society, and UIL Academics as a student at Center High School. He will graduate as Valedictorian of his class.
Miss Galvan plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin majoring in occupational therapy. Throughout high school, she participated as a member of the National Honor Society, Junior Chamber of Commerce, UIL One Act Play, and was a member of the Roughrider band.
Mr. Newton is also headed to the University of Texas at Austin, seeking a degree in the Psychology in an effort to one day become a licensed professional counselor. He participated in UIL One Act Play, UIL Journalism, UIL Speech & Debate, served as Center High School Class Vice President, and was a member of the National Honor Society.
The John Reagan 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 $18.7 million in grants in 2025 and currently manages over $150 million in over 510 unique charitable funds which support non-profit organizations and student scholarships. The Foundation, which was formed in 1989, has awarded over $190 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.
