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From left Panola College Presidednt Greg Powell, Don Clinton, Angie Key, Sue Daughtery, Ricky Griffin, Chet Strain, Travis Adams and Van Patterson.

Bull riders develop a passion that is second to none. 

Josh Edward “Turtle” Griffin of Garrison, TX, was no exception.  From birth, he dreamed of being a cowboy, and a “Cowboy” he was, riding and spurring everything in the yard, including a propane tank.  Many people hope to get “15 minutes of fame”; bull riders just want 8 seconds at a time.   Josh always told his family that if he died, he hoped it would be riding a bull.  On February 1, 2009, at the age of 27, Josh died doing the thing he loved best.

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Turtle Griffin

Family and friends pulled together to raise approximately $24,000 in Josh’s memory. The money was given to the Panola College Rodeo program to establish Josh Edward Griffin Memorial Scholarship fund to help qualified individual and aspiring young cowboys continue their education and rodeo dreams.  

An annual bull riding rodeo has also been developed to help replenish the scholarship fund each year.  If you are interested in giving to this fund, please send donations to the Panola College Rodeo Program, Josh Edward Griffin Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1109 W. Panola, Carthage, TX 75633.