PANOLA COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM

NEWSLETTER

February 2026 | Issue 6

Important Reminders for the Class of 2026

Applying to Panola College is a requirement. To apply go here: Apply Today (If you are a current Dual Enrollment student this school year, you are already accepted.)
Complete your FAFSA online. You can do that here: FAFSA Online
Complete the Panola College General & Endowed Scholarship Application. It is open from Feb. 1st - March 31st. You can complete it here: Scholarship
Complete your volunteer service hours by May 15th. You can log your hours here: Submit Hours Here
Make sure your GPA is good. Must be 2.0 or greater.

Panola College Preview Day

February 21

You’re invited to experience Panola College Preview Day on Saturday, February 21. This event is designed to help you explore campus, discover academic and extracurricular opportunities, and get a real feel for student life at Panola College.

During Preview Day, you’ll have the chance to:

Explore academic programs and pathways that align with your goals
Meet faculty and staff, ask questions, and make connections
Enjoy theatre performances showcasing student talent
Attend exciting Panola College basketball games
Experience campus life, resources, and student support services firsthand

Current Promise Program students are encouraged to attend. I will be there and will have a special gift just for our Promise students who attend.

Whether you’re interested in academics, athletics, the arts, or campus involvement, Preview Day offers a well-rounded look at how Panola College can support your future—both inside and outside the classroom.

Reserve your spot today:

https://www.jotform.com/form/252924434296160

Feel free to share this opportunity with a friend or family member who may be considering Panola College. We look forward to welcoming you to campus.

Program Spotlight: Cosmetology at

Panola College

The Cosmetology Program at Panola College offers students a hands-on pathway to a creative, in-demand career. From hair styling and coloring to skincare, nail services, and professional client interaction, students gain real-world experience that prepares them for licensure and employment in the beauty industry.

One of the biggest benefits for eligible students is that the Promise Program will pay for your tuition and fees for this program. This means you can focus on building your skills, gaining experience, and preparing for your future career—without the burden of tuition costs.

With experienced instructors and a learning environment that mirrors a professional salon, Panola College cosmetology students are turning passion into a career.

For Promise students, cosmetology is just one of many career-focused pathways where you can earn your future while receiving a high-quality education close to home.

CONGRATULATIONS BRILEE RAY!!

We are excited to recognize Brilee Ray as the winner of our Holiday Service Challenge!

Brilee went above and beyond during a busy holiday season, giving back to her community and truly living out the values of the Promise Program. Her dedication and service earned her a special Panola Promise surprise, and we couldn’t be more proud!

Thank you to all Promise students who participated and logged volunteer hours over the holidays—your combined efforts made a big impact.

Way to go, Brilee, and keep earning your future one hour at a time!

Clean Up Panola County Day

Saturday, March 7th

I am putting together a team of Panola Promise students to participate in Clean Up Panola County Day on Saturday, March 7, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and I would love for you to join us.

We’ll kick off the morning with donuts before we get started, then wrap up our hard work with hotdogs once we’re done.

Please be sure to wear your Panola Promise t-shirt so we can represent the program while serving our community. If you need a t-shirt, please let me know ahead of time so I can make sure I have one there for you.

This is a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours and make a real impact right here at home. Grab a friend, bring your gloves, and help us make a difference—one bag at a time.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, March 7
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Arrival Time: Please arrive between 8:30–9:00 AM
Location: Chamber of Commerce Building, 300 W. Panola Street, Carthage, TX

To participate, just simply show up.

Don’t forget to log your volunteer hours after the event. Let’s show what Promise students can do when we come together to serve our community.

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:

FEBRUARY OPPORTUNITES

Carthage Athletic Boosters

Baseball/ Softball Game Concessions

Multiple Dates available

POC: Julie Dieter 903-299-6394 or jdieter@carthageisd.org

Activities: Help at the concession stands at games.

MARCH OPPORTUNITES

Panola College Purse Bingo Prep Work

Mar 3rd and 10th from 3:30-5:30. (Come right after school)

Help is needed to prep items and giveaways for PC Purse Bingo

POC: Lori Ballard (903) 693-2072 or lori.ballard@panola.edu

Esquire Theater Concession Stand (3 Shows)

Mar 7th at 7pm, Mar 14th at 7pm, and Mar 28th at 7pm

Help is needed for about 1-2 hours each show

POC: Cindy Deloney (903) 693-0160 or cdeloney@carthagetexas.com

Carthage Athletic Boosters

Baseball/ Softball Game Concessions

Multiple Dates available

POC: Julie Dieter 903-299-6394 or jdieter@carthageisd.org

Activities: Help at the concession stands at games.

APRIL OPPORTUNITIES

Community Garage Sale

Panola County Chamber of Commerce

April 25th from 8:00-3:00

Help is needed in a variety of jobs

POC: Keri Vance @ (903) 238-3661

Carthage Athletic Boosters

Baseball/ Softball Game Concessions

Multiple Dates available

POC: Julie Dieter 903-299-6394 or jdieter@carthageisd.org

Activities: Help at the concession stands at games.

ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES

Shelby County Volunteer Hub

https://shelbycountychamber.galaxydigital.com/agency

Website for volunteer opportunities in Shelby County

Panola County Chamber of Commerce

POC: Keri Perot- Vance @ (903) 693-6634 or kperot-vance@carthagetexas.com

Activities: A variety of activites through out the year.

Panola County Historical and Geneological Association

Activities: It is office work for example filing papers and typing on computers.

Information: Volunteers are welcome Monday-Saturday 8:30am to 6pm.

Carthage Athletic Boosters (Mainly in the spring)

POC: Julie Dieter

Activities: Help at the concession stands at games.

Mission Carthage

POC: 903-693-4402

Main Street Carthage & Texas Country Music Hall of Fame

POC: Cindy Deloney (903) 693-0160 or cdeloney@carthagetexas.com

AccentCare Hospice

POC: Pam Fletcher @ pamela.fletcher@txhha.com

accentcare.com/volunteer

Beckville Community Church Wacky Wednesday

POC: Pastor Wade Skinner @ (972) 358-8086

***Volunteer must be 18 and over.

Pine Grove Nursing Home (Center)

POC: Wellness/ Activity Department @ (936) 598-6286 or pglec@lifetimewellness.com

Activities: Volunteers to help with a variety of activities with residents.

Click for More Volunteer Opportunities & Ideas

We Need Your Help!!

We’re collecting short comments or quotes from current Promise students about your experience.

Tell us:

• How has the Promise Program impacted you?

• What’s a moment you’re proud of?

• What inspires you to keep your Promise?

Your words could be featured in an upcoming newsletter, website, or promotional material (with your permission).

📩 Share your comment or quote today via email to lori.ballard@panola.edu

Your story may inspire the next class of Promise students!

Words to Inspire

Quote of the Month

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

This quote is a powerful reminder that service is not just something we do—it’s a reflection of who we are. Volunteering allows us to look beyond ourselves, strengthen our communities, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Every hour you give matters, and together those hours create real impact. As Promise students, your commitment to serving others helps shape a stronger future for our community and for yourselves.