Paris ISD Paraprofessionals Awarded Grow Your Own Scholarship

Posted Date: 11/19/2024

Paris ISD Superintendent Althea Dixon recently awarded the prestigious "Grow Your Own" Scholarship to three dedicated paraprofessionals. This initiative aims to support Paris ISD employees who are pursuing a teaching degree, providing them with financial assistance as they further their education. 

Lametria Wallace and Savannah Peralta from Justiss Elementary, and Pamela McCarty from Aikin Elementary were awarded this scholarship in front of the Paris ISD Board of Trustees. These individuals exemplify dedication to their roles and to the students of Paris ISD. Their hard work and commitment to education are recognized and rewarded through this scholarship.

The "Grow Your Own" Scholarship is specifically designed to aid Paris ISD staff members who are enrolled in college and working towards a teaching degree. Each scholarship amounts to $3,000 annually and can be awarded for up to three years. If awarded for the maximum duration, the total potential value of the scholarship is $9,000. This financial boost is intended to ease the burden of tuition and other educational expenses, with recipients receiving $1,500 per semester.
 
To be eligible for the "Grow Your Own" Scholarship, recipients must fulfill specific criteria:
•    Employment Duration: Candidates must have been employed by Paris ISD for at least three years, showcasing sustained dedication to the district and its students.
•    Academic Progress: Recipients are required to have completed at least 30 college credit hours with a 3.0 GPA or higher toward their teaching degree.
•    Service Commitment: As a condition of receiving the scholarship, recipients agree to provide one year of teaching service to Paris ISD for each year of scholarship funds received.
This scholarship not only supports the educational goals of its recipients but also ensures that Paris ISD retains talented and committed educators who are well-acquainted with the community and its needs.