Rotary of Marlin’s 2022 High School Scholarships
As part of our commitment to the community, Rotary Club of Marlin is pleased to offer scholarships annually to high school graduating students. It is proud to announce the three awardees of the 2022 Academic Scholarship Program, entering college.
   The increasing costs of tuition, food and board, books and transportation can be a financial burden to students and their families. Rotary Club of Marlin wants to be part of the solution. These academic scholarships are reflective of youth who excel in their studies, are leaders on their campus, and are invested in their community.
   Congratulations to the following students and their parents. LaKreshia Stocks, daughter of LaVenda and Jessie Stocks, is Marlin 2022 High School Salutatorian. After her completion of a B.S. in Biology at Texas A&M University, Ms. Stocks will continue her studies towards ultimately becoming a cardiologist.“I plan on using scholarship funds towards my college expenses as I study Biology. It gives me relief to have that much less to worry about now that I can start my dream,” Ms. Stocks explained.
    Ke’Untre Malik Thomas, son of LaTresha Thomas and Quinton Horne, will study Nursing at Tarleton State University. “Nursing is something with which I am comfortable; it runs in my family,” shared Mr. Thomas, further explaining, “I plan to have my BSN and to work in a hospital within five years. I’m thrilled to be able to study Nursing, then putting to use my education and passion to help people.”
    Zaria Iman Cleveland, daughter of Tamesha Polk and Delvin Cleveland, is Marlin 2022 High School Valedictorian. Ms. Cleveland will attend the University of Texas, first seeking a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Her goal is a career in the medical field as an Obstetrician/Gynecologist and General Surgeon. Ms. Cleveland shared, “In going to college, I want to show my younger family members that it is possible to achieve your goals, when you work hard to accomplish them…This scholarship will assist me in relieving the financial burden…attending college.”
    The one takeaway that each awardee shared from their high school experience was “just how important teachers are to us students in the classroom and the impact that they have on each of us.” Rotary Club of Marlin applauds and appreciates each educator from Pre-K to Grade 12. “We are excited to be able to help alleviate the costs of their higher education,” shared Jimi Lynn, Rotary Club of Marlin Scholarship Chair.
     Among the numerous tips and advice provided by Rotarians to the three awardees are: Experiences and friendships are important, seek them out carefully. Attend class. Stay focused on studies. Grasp how each professor teaches; each course requires different study methods. Be prepared.
     A final word from a former high school educator on scholarships in general, “Scholarships are easier to get if the student begins preparing early in high school, and some competitions allow him/her to enter before the senior year of high school, making the final search for scholarship opportunities that much easier for students who have planned ahead.”
    Rotary Club of Marlin provides initial higher education scholarships, made possible by donations of our community and business support through fund-raising efforts. Together, we Imagine Rotary: “We urge people to dream big and harness their connections and the power of Rotary to turn those dreams into reality.” (Rotary International President Jennifer Jones, Rotary’s first female President)
    PHOTOGRAPH L-R
LaKreshia Stocks, Marlin 2022 High School Salutatorian Ke’Untre Malik Thomas, Marlin High School Athlete and Band Member Zaria Iman Cleveland, Marlin 2022 High School Valedictorian.