PANOLA COLLEGE CONDUCTS 55^TH ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT  

On Friday, May 16, Panola College conducted its fifty-fifth annual commencement. Hundreds of family members, friends and well wishers hurried into the Arthur Johnson Gymnasium ahead of the weather to find a seat before the ceremony began. 

As Dr. Karen McBee, music instructor and Mrs. Joyce Hughes began to play Largo from Xeres, Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College led the processional of board members, faculty, staff and students into the physical education building. 

Following the invocation given by English instructor, Mr. Jason Graves, Dr. Powell welcomed the assembled and introduced the commencement speaker, Mr. Bill O’Neal. 

Long-time history instructor, noted author, and historian, Bill O’Neal gave an inspiring speech. He encouraged students to strive for greatness and not to let adversity deter them from their goals. 

Following the commencement address, Mrs. Evelyn Sharp presented the Lawrence R. and Debbie H. Sharp Scholarship to Ms. Mary Linn Gates. This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate of Panola College. The endowed scholarship fund was established in memory of long-time Panola County educators, Lawrence R. and Debbie H. Sharp by their children: Elizabeth Sharp Robinson, Frances Ann Sharp Milton, James A. Sharp, Sidney A. Sharp, and Thomas H. Sharp. 

Mr. Bill O’Neal then awarded the Buddy Lowery Award to Ms. Courtney Lynn Lewis and Mr. Omar Thomas. This scholarship was established by Mr. and Mrs. James E. “Buddy” Terry and the Exxon Education Foundation’s Matching Gift program. Buddy Terry attended Panola College and played on the championship football team. 

Following the Buddy Lowery Award presentation, Mr. Larry Allen, accounting and economics instructor presented Ms. Jennifer Tipton the Phi Theta Kappa All-American Scholarship.  

After the awards ceremony, Dr. Lillian Cook, Dean of Instruction, certified to Dr. Powell and members of the Panola College Board of Trustees that the 226 graduating students had completed all work necessary to graduate from Panola College. 

Following certification of the graduates, Dr. Powell and Mr. William Goolsby, Board of Trustees Chairman, awarded diplomas to the students. 

Dr. Barbara Cordell, Associate Degree Nursing Director, gave the benediction to end the ceremony. Dr. Powell then led the recessional as Dr. McBee and Mrs. Hughes played Water Music Suite by Handel. 

The 2003 Panola College Honor Graduates are as follows:

Summa Cum Laude
(cumulative GPA between 3.9 and 4.0) 

Gabriel Dargan Brooks, Carthage, TX

Cody Lynn Davis, Gary, TX

Donald Lee Nichols, Karnack, TX

Anne Golden Ortigo, Carthage, TX

Georgia Anne Robison, Mt. Enterprise, TX

Arrie Jennifer Tipton, Carthage, TX

Grady A. McDonald, Joaquin, TX

Magna Cum Laude
(cumulative GPA between 3.75 and 3.89) 

Shauna Rae Bushiey, Joaquin, TX

James Clinton Carroll, Joaquin, TX

Vicki Lynn Lane, Carthage, TX

Carolyn S. Lawson, Shelbyville, TX

Elizabeth W. Murry, Marshall, TX

Lyndsay Simpson, Longview, TX

Christopher D. Wood, Marshall, TX

Cum Laude
(cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 3.74) 

Gaylon Kaine Anderson, Carthage, TX

Keeli Shay Antee, Hemphill, TX

Nikki Marie Balduf, Big Sandy TX

George W. Britton, Jr., Gary TX

Allison Carol Campbell, Marshall, TX

Christina Renee Carroll, Joaquin, TX

Kayla Elizabeth Cayce, Carthage, TX

Staci Baker DeChamplain, Shreveport, LA

Rosa Dianne Denz, Carthage, TX

D’Leisa A. Graves, Carthage, TX

Christy Dawn Griffin, Long Branch, TX

Courtney Lynn Lewis, San Antonio, TX

Jodee Lyn Lightfoot, Nacogdoches, TX

Katie McKellar, Henderson, TX

Casey Leigh Spradley, Carthage, TX

Dorota Steinborn, Carthage, TX

Kristi Leehin Stringer, Joaquin, TX

James Duane Walker, Laneville, TX

Shelby Lane Ware, Elysian Fields, TX

Marc Alex Wilson, Beckville, TX

Stephanie Griffin Young, Carthage, TX