PANOLA COLLEGE PROMISE PROGRAM

NEWSLETTER

March 2026 | Issue 6

Important Panola Promise

Reminders & Updates for Seniors

Volunteer Hours (Seniors)

Official deadline: May 15
Seniors are encouraged to submit hours by April 15 so certificates can be prepared for Senior Awards/Scholarship Night
Only students verified before the ceremony will receive a certificate that evening
Hours submitted by May 15 will still keep students eligible for Promise, but certificates may be issued at a later date.
This adjustment is due to some ceremonies occurring before May 15

FAFSA

Complete the FAFSA and be sure Panola College is listed

Admissions, Scholarship Application & System Blackout (March 19–31)

Students must apply and be accepted to Panola College and have a Panola College email address before they can access the scholarship application
Submit the Panola College scholarship application by March 31
The system blackout March 19–31 may temporarily affect both admissions processing and scholarship application access
See previous emails from the Panola Promise Program for more information
If you experience login issues, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement for assistance

Complete the Survey & Be Entered to Win!

Complete the Senior Survey to help us prepare for Fall enrollment and ensure you stay on track with Promise requirements.
All seniors who complete the survey by April 1st will be entered into a drawing to win a special gift from the Panola Promise Team!
Survey Link: https://www.jotform.com/251403760654151

If you need help completing any of these steps, please reach out. I’m happy to help.

Spring Into Service: A Season of Renewal

Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and fresh beginnings. It’s also a great time for Panola Promise students to give back to their communities and make progress toward completing their volunteer hours.

Volunteering can take many forms. Students might help a local nonprofit, assist with a community event, volunteer at a church, lend a hand to a neighbor in need, or participate in community clean-up efforts. Even small acts of service can make a big difference and count toward Promise volunteer hours.

Remember to log and submit your volunteer hours using the official Panola Promise Volunteer Submission Form after completing your service.

As the season changes and communities begin to bloom again, it’s the perfect reminder that even small acts of service can create lasting impact. Let’s Spring Into Service and continue making a difference in our communities.

Program Spotlight:

Nursing at Panola College

The Nursing Program at Panola College prepares students for rewarding careers in healthcare through hands-on training, experienced faculty, and strong partnerships with regional healthcare providers. As the demand for skilled nurses continues to grow, Panola College is committed to equipping students with the knowledge and clinical experience needed to succeed in today’s healthcare environment.

The program’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) pathway prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs). After completing prerequisite coursework, students enter a four-semester program that combines classroom instruction, simulation labs, and supervised clinical experiences. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, the national exam required to become a registered nurse.

Panola College also offers Vocational Nursing (VN) and transition pathways that allow Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and other healthcare professionals to advance their credentials and pursue RN licensure.

Students gain valuable real-world experience through clinical rotations at healthcare facilities throughout East Texas, allowing them to apply their skills in real patient care settings. In addition, advanced simulation technology provides opportunities to practice complex clinical scenarios in a safe learning environment.

With a focus on student success and community healthcare needs, the Panola College Nursing Program continues to prepare compassionate, highly skilled nurses who make a difference across the region.

Clean Up Panola County Day (NEW DATE)

Saturday, April 11th

I am putting together a team of Panola Promise students to participate in Clean Up Panola County Day on Saturday, April 11th, 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, April 11th
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

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:

MARCH OPPORTUNITES

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

“My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can.” — Jimmy Carter

Spring is a season of growth and renewal, reminding us that even small actions can make a meaningful difference. Former President Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving others and believed that helping where you can, when you can, is what truly strengthens a community.

For Panola Promise students, volunteering is not only a program requirement but also an opportunity to give back and make a positive impact. Every hour of service—whether helping at a community event or lending a hand to someone in need—helps build a stronger community and reflects the spirit of the Promise.