Tyler Junior College recently recognized its 10th class of Rusk High School graduates to attend TJC on the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise Scholarship.
In February 2014, the James I. Perkins Family Foundation — along with Citizens 1st Bank, Rusk ISD, TJC and the TJC Foundation — established the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise.
The first program of its kind in Texas, the Rusk Promise covers up to two years at TJC for Rusk students who graduate in the top half of their class with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Qualifying students must also reside in Rusk ISD and must have attended Rusk High School for grades 11 and 12.
Graduating scholars received cords to wear at TJC’s spring commencement ceremonies, with their colors representing their status as alumni of both Rusk High School (red and black) and TJC (gold and black).
“This year’s cohort included five students who graduated early — either a year ahead or at least a semester early — and have already moved on to their transfer universities or into the workforce,” said Megan Burns, TJC senior manager of scholarships and the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise. “Even though many of them come to us with many dual credit hours, they still chose TJC as the right next step after high school. At a time when going straight into a university can feel like the obvious choice for students with that many hours, it really says something.”
The 2025 Rusk Promise scholars are:
• Madelene Baldwin, pursuing a degree in occupational therapy assistant
• Ciara Colston, pursuing a degree in general studies
• Molly Davis, pursuing a degree in associate degree nursing
• Skylar Denny, graduating with honors with a degree in history
• Kaylie Dotson, pursuing a degree in business
• Tucker Goff, graduating with honors with a degree in art
• Cadence Harris, pursuing a degree in general studies
• Jessica Humphries, pursuing a degree in social work
• Hope Jinkins, pursuing a degree in associate degree nursing
• Dylan Loden, pursuing a degree in engineering
• Dianne Loredo, graduating with a degree in general studies
• Kryz Martinez, graduating with honors with a degree in power plant technology
• Grayce McCarten, graduating with a degree in education
• Katelyn McDaniel, pursuing a degree in vocational nursing
• Bailey Posey, pursuing a degree in veterinary technology
• Xavier Torres, graduating with a degree in surveying and mapping
• Katelynn Simmons, graduating with honors with a degree in psychology
• Paden Wilcox, graduating with a degree in general studies
Burns added, “Five of these students have also been awarded the TJC/UT Tyler Promise Transfer scholarship that was established last year by the Perkins Family Foundation. This opportunity will allow students to attend UT Tyler, receiving $4,000 per year for a maximum award of $8,000 over two years. This year’s recipients are Tucker Goff, Jessica Humphries, Katelynn Simmons, Paden Wilcox, and Madalynn Woodruff.”
Simmons spoke on behalf of this year’s Rusk Promise scholars.
“College is a time not only to gain knowledge but to discover who you are and what truly matters to you,” she said. “The Rusk promise scholarship provided me the opportunity to start my higher educational journey. This is my final semester at TJC as I am graduating and, due to the continuous support of the Perkins family, I will be continuing my education at UT Tyler in the fall.”
For more on the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise, go to TJC.edu/RuskPromise.