Three area high school students received Lamar-Delta Retired Teachers and School Employees Association scholarships at the organization’s spring luncheon held at the Paris Junior College Ballroom on Monday. The $1,000 scholarships are awarded to seniors in public school in Lamar or Delta counties who plan to pursue the field of education at Paris Junior College.
Haley Hostetler, Christine Essary and Bailee Ballard received their awards from Scholarship Committee Chair Flo Plummer.
Hostetler, of North Lamar High School, is the daughter of Josh and Catherine Hostetler of Sumner, and is active in the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, volleyball, basketball, softball, student council, and various community service activities. Her awards this year include Honor Roll; All-RRV Volleyball First Team, All-District Blocker of the Year; All-District First Team Basketball; Texas Scholar; and Distinguished Diploma.
“A teacher touches the lives of the future,” Said Hostetler. “Teachers in early years are an extension of ‘mother.’ In later years, teachers help students mature into responsible adults. I want to touch the future by being a teacher who can help students develop to their fullest potential.”
Christine Essary, of Chisum High School, is the daughter of Brad and Debby Essary of Paris. Her activities include Key Club, Beta Club, First Priority, Peer Leadership, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Red River Down Syndrome Society (Buddy Baseball and Hannah’s Horseshoes for Hope), softball, and golf. Her awards include All-Area and All-District Softball Teams, All-District Academic Team, and she was invited to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Paris Junior College with a 4.0 GPA for 18 hours completed.
“If someone said, ‘I want to teach to make a difference in the younger generation,’ that would be so cliché, but that’s really what every teacher’s attitude should be,” said Essary. “What’s wrong with wanting to change the world? For me, teaching would be a privilege and also a huge responsibility, but I’m up for the challenge. I can’t wait to begin my journey towards becoming a teacher.”
Bailee Ballard, of Prairiland High School, is the daughter of Jeff and Patti Ballard of Blossom. Her activities include Beta Club, Student Council, Future Farmers of America, basketball and track. Her awards include Texas Scholar, Top 10 of Graduating Class, Student of the Month, and Second Highpoint Individual Greenhand Quiz.
She stated, “One of my biggest goals when I become a teacher is to expand the minds of all my students. I would love to make learning an enjoyable time for all my students. I want to be able to wake up every morning and be happy about going to work as well as have my students be happy about getting to come into my class. Learning should be fun and not dreadful.”
The honorees and their families were guests at the luncheon and award presentation.