PANOLA COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM

NEWSLETTER

January 2026 | Issue 5

Grades & Attendance Matter

January is the perfect time for a mid-year check-in. Taking a moment now to review your grades and attendance can make a big difference in staying on track with the Promise Program. To remain eligible, students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and even small improvements this semester can have a big impact by the end of the year.

Although not a Promise Program requirement, attendance plays an equally important role in your success. Missing class often means missing instruction, assignments, and important information that can affect both grades and eligibility. Being present, on time, and engaged helps you stay organized, reduces stress, and keeps you moving toward your Promise goals. If you are struggling in any class, now is the time to reach out to teachers, counselors, or tutoring resources for support.

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.

Why Panola College Is a

Great Place to Start Your

College Journey

Starting your college journey at Panola College is a smart and practical choice for many students. Panola offers smaller class sizes, supportive instructors, and a welcoming environment that helps students transition confidently from high school to college. Students receive personalized support while building the academic and career skills needed for long-term success.

Panola College provides flexible pathways for students who plan to transfer to a four-year university or enter the workforce through career and technical programs, all while earning college credit close to home.

The Panola Promise Program helps make this opportunity even more accessible by covering tuition and required fees for eligible students. By staying committed to academic expectations, attendance, and community service, Promise students can begin their college journey at Panola College tuition and fee free, reducing financial stress and allowing them to focus on their education and future goals.

Holiday Service Challenge Results:

Thank You for Giving Back!

Thank you to all of our Promise students who participated in the Holiday Service Challenge! December is a busy time, and we are incredibly proud of those who chose to give back to their communities while balancing school, family, and holiday commitments. Your service truly reflects the values of the Promise Program and the positive impact students can make when they step up to serve.

During the Holiday Service Challenge, Promise students earned a whopping 156 volunteer hours. This is an amazing accomplishment that shows how small efforts add up when we work together. Every hour served helped support local organizations and strengthened our communities.

As we move into the spring semester, remember that the volunteer hour submission deadline for the year is May 15th, and it will be here before you know it. Don’t wait until the last minute. Keep logging your hours as you earn them and stay on track with your Promise requirements.

Thank you again for your service and for continuing to earn your future through commitment and community involvement.

THE WINNER OF THE CHALLENGE IS

BRILEE RAY!

Congratulations Brilee! Your hard work has earned you a special Panola Promise Surprise!

Note: All of those who submitted volunteer hours they did over the holidays by

January 12th were entered into a program where a name was randomly selected.

Promise students in action over the holidays!!

Alexis Web Helping out the City of Joaquin

Carthage Christmas Parade - Mission Hot Cocoa

Lylah Aguilar Packing Stockings for The Asbury House

1st Picture: Alexis Webb Serving on the Joaquin Decorating Crew

2nd Picture: Multiple Students helping with Operation Hot Cocoa at the Carthage Christmas Parade

3rd Picture: Lylah Aguilar helping stuff stocking for the Asberry House.

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

Esquire Theater Concession Stand (4 Shows)

Feb 5th at 7pm, Feb 6th at 7pm, and Feb 7th at 2pm & 7pm

Help is needed for about 1-2 hours each show

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

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

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

“Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.”

— Robert Collier

Robert Collier was a well-known motivational writer who believed that long-term success is built through consistency, not perfection.

This quote is a great reminder that staying eligible for the Promise Program doesn’t come from one big moment—it comes from daily choices like attending class, keeping grades up, and steadily earning volunteer hours. Small efforts made consistently over time truly add up and move you closer to your future goals.

Promise Program Coordinator

Lori a. Ballard

903-693-2072

1109 West Panola Carthage, TX 75633

lori.ballard@panola.edu

www.panola.edu/promise

Our Company | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy