PANOLA COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM


NEWSLETTER


September 2025 | Issue 1

Panola College Launches the

Dan L Duncan Shelby County Promise


Panola College is excited to launch the Dan L Duncan Shelby County Promise, an expansion of the Panola College Promise Program that offers eligible Shelby County graduates the opportunity to attend college tuition-free.


Funded by a generous gift from an anonymous donor in honor of Dan L Duncan, the program covers up to three years of tuition and fees at Panola College. It is open to graduates from public, private, and homeschool settings who reside in Shelby County and meet program requirements.


“This Promise gives students the chance to pursue their goals without financial barriers,” said Lori Ballard, Promise Program Coordinator.


The program builds on the success already seen in Panola County and represents Panola College’s commitment to educational access and community growth.


To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit www.panola.edu/promise or contact the Panola College Promise office.

Policy Change: New Volunteer Hour Submission Process for Promise Students

We’re excited to announce an important update to the volunteer hour submission process for Panola College Promise Program participants. In response to student feedback and to better support your progress throughout the year, we’ve made a key change: students will no longer submit all 25 volunteer hours at once at the end of the school year.

Instead, you will now submit a separate form each time you complete service hours. This rolling submission process allows for easier tracking and ensures your hours are counted in real time.


Here's what you need to know:

  • Submit your hours online after each volunteer activity at: www.panola.edu/promise
  • Upload a photo from your service experience directly on the form (optional but encouraged!).
  • After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the number of hours submitted and how many you have remaining to meet the 25-hour requirement.


This change will help you stay on track and reduce end-of-year stress. We encourage you to submit hours regularly and keep your confirmation emails for your records.


If you have any questions, reach out to the Promise Program Coordinator or visit the Promise webpage for more information.


New Reconsideration Process


The Panola Promise Program now offers a formal Request for Reconsideration for students who face extraordinary circumstances impacting their eligibility. These circumstances may include events such as a death in the family, a serious accident, or a sudden illness.


How to Request Reconsideration

If you do not meet program requirements (e.g., GPA or volunteer hours), you can request reconsideration by submitting the following:

  • Completed Request for Reconsideration Form.
  • Verifiable Supporting Documentation (e.g., transcripts, medical records, or a plan to improve GPA).


Submission Method

You can submit your request online here: www.panola.edu/promise.


All requests must be submitted by the deadlines below. Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

  • August 1st for high school students
  • August 1st for Fall Semester and January 1st for Spring Semester for college students


**Important Information

  • This is a digital process; in-person requests will not be accepted. All requests must be submitted through the link on the website.
  • You are allowed only one reconsideration request during your time in the program.


For questions or assistance, please contact the Panola Promise Program.

Get Involved Today!

Volunteering not only helps you complete your required hours but also gives you the chance to make a positive impact on the community while gaining valuable experience. Start today by browsing our website for the latest volunteer opportunities near you!


** It is the student's responsibility to coordinate with the Point of Contact (POC)

 listed unless otherwise stated. **


Here are just a few upcoming & ongoing opportunities:

Panola County

September 6th @9:30 (Carthage)

9/11 Walk of Remembrance (Walking counts as hours)

POC: Carthage Fire Marshal


September 21st 12:00-3:00 -

St. Johns Episcopal Church 75th Anniversary (Carthage)

POC: Zach Sharp - (469) 371-5329



September 25-26 - Potlatch (Panola County)

POC: Lori Ballard (903) 693-2072 or

lori.ballard@panola.edu


September 11th - Mission Carthage Golf Tournament

POC: Jennifer Randall (903) 693- 4402 or jennifer@missioncarthage.com


October 18th - Community Yard Sale (Carthage)

POC: Keri Perot-Vance (Chamber of Commerce)

(903)693.6634


October 25th @ 8:30- 2:00pm

Push, Pedal, Run 2025 (Carthage)

POC: Keri Perot-Vance (Chamber of Commerce)

(903)693.6634




Panola Robotics Club (Biweekly)

Help with meetings and the

Electronics Recycling Program

POC: Dr. Nicola Ritter

(979-575-0617 & Ms. Howard

(620) 204-0959


Shelby County

October 4th - 10:00 - 4:00 First Methodist Church (Center) @ Poultry Festival

POC: Meg Camp (936) 591-6650 or campma585@gmail.com


October 2-4 - Poultry Festival (Shelby County)\


October 31st - 5:00PM First Methodist Church (Center)

POC: Meg Camp (936) 591-6650 or campma585@gmail.com


Resource for Shelby County:

https://shelbycountychamber.galaxydigital.com (Website for volunteer opportunities throughout Shelby County.)


There are many more opportunities listed at the link below. The sheet is updated frequently with new information.



You can use volunteer hours earned in other organizations for Panola Promise. If you volunteer for NHS, FFA, Key Club, etc you can use those hours to count towards your 25 hours each school year. The only stipulation is that the hours earned can not be for a grade and or for a service that you get paid for. It must be something done as a true volunteer.


Promise Program Coordinator

Lori a. Ballard

903-693-2072

1109 West Panola Carthage, TX 75633

lori.ballard@panola.edu

www.panola.edu/promise

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