Wilson N. Jones Community Foundation awarded $25,000 in scholarships at a Community Scholarship Awards Banquet on April 19th held at the Austin College Wright Center. The Community Scholarship Fund was initiated in 1996 by a group of caring community leaders. The Wilson N. Jones Community Foundation awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Grayson and Fannin counties.

Julie Mitchell, Executive Director of Wilson N. Jones Community Foundation, welcomed students and their guests and expressed congratulations on behalf of the Foundation. Ms. Mitchell added, “The Foundation is excited to be able to contribute to the continuing education of the young people within our communities.”

Marty Richardson, WNJ Foundation Board Member and Scholarship Chair, offered her congratulations and added that, “One of the goals of the Wilson N. Jones Community Foundation is to further advance the educational opportunities of the youth through providing these scholarships. We are here tonight to celebrate the culmination of many years of work and dedication on the part of these wonderful students and their parents.”

Mrs. Richardson presented each student with the scholarship award and a laundry bag filled with a box of laundry detergent and fabric softener.

The following students received $1,000 scholarships: Colby McKelva, Haley Walker, Bonham; Jacob Lodigiani, Collinsville; James Conrad, Kaitlyn Dowling, Icis Finley, Crystal Nichols, Kaylem Renfro, Samantha Stubbs, Deanna Wood, Jillianne Wylie, Denison; Shihei Williams, Dodd City; Kristina Sorenson, Ector; Hayden Perry, Gunter; Hailey Rater, Honey Grove; Madison Kirby, Howe; Jordan Baker, Leonard; Samantha Bandemir, Cole Miller, S&S; Natalie Brasher, Savoy; Sasha Giger, Erin McCoy, Kaitlyn White, Sherman; Jacqueline Panos, Texoma Christian; and Megan Gibson, Van Alstyne.