PANOLA COLLEGE CONDUCTS 57^th ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT  

On Friday, May 13, hundreds of family members, friends and well wishers met in the Arthur Johnson Gymnasium to watch Panola College’s annual commencement. 

Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College began the ceremony as he led a processional of board members, faculty, staff and students into the gymnasium. Once everyone had been seated, Professor Kevin Rutherford gave the invocation. He was followed by Dr. Powell who introduced Mr. Clarence Chadwick, the commencement speaker for the evening.

Mr. Clarence Chadwick

Mr. Chadwick is Senior Vice President of The Grocers Supply Co., Inc., the largest independent wholesale grocery supply company in the world. Chadwick provided students with a brief glimpse at what they could expect in the future. He explained that there are “No short cuts to success” and that they would need to work hard to achieve their goals. Chadwick also told students to stay away from drugs and similar vices. Chadwick then encouraged the graduates to embrace the concepts of “Faith, Hope and Love, for these qualities would help them through difficult times.”

Following the commencement address, Dr. Gregory Powell presented the Lawrence R. and Debbie H. Sharp Scholarship to Ms. Katie Marie Blackwell. 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. 

Professor Larry Allen then awarded the Buddy Lowery Outstanding Athlete Award to Ms. Brandi Johnson and Mr. Philip Lynch. This prestigious award is presented annually to a male and female athlete who exemplifies the highest standards in morals, scholarship and athletics.  

Ms. Katie Marie Blackwell and Dr. Gregory Powell	Ms. Brandi Johnson and Professor Larry Allen

Mr. Larry Allen also presented Mr. Andy Reynolds the Phi Theta Kappa All-American Scholarship. Reynolds is an All-USA Academic Team nominee from Panola College and a member of the All-Texas Academic Team.

Dr. Powell then announced the Panola College Alumni Association Alumnus of the Year, Mr. Joe Lawless.  

Mr. Andy Reynolds and Professor Larry Allen	Mr. and Mrs. Lawless and Dr. Gregory Powell

Mr. Lawless attended Panola College from 1949 to 1951.  Lawless was active in many student organizations and activities and served as president of the graduating class in 1951. Mr. Lawless has shown his support for Panola College by serving three terms on the Alumni Association Board from 1997 to 2003.  Mr. Lawless and his family have also endowed numerous scholarships to benefit the next generation of Panola College students.

After the awards ceremony Dr. Lillian Cook, Vice President and Dean of Instruction, certified that the graduating students had completed all work necessary to graduate from Panola College, and Dr. Powell and Mr. William Goolsby, Board of Trustees Chairman, awarded diplomas to the students. 

Professor Freddy Mason gave the benediction to end the ceremony.  

The 2005 Panola College Honor Graduates are as follows: 

Summa Cum Laude (cumulative GPA between 3.9 and 4.0)

Magna Cum Laude (cumulative GPA between 3.75 and 3.89)

Cum Laude (cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 3.74)