COMMERCE, Texas – Jessica Locke, a junior agricultural sciences and technology major at Texas A&M University-Commerce, was awarded the 2010 Mayo Scholarship at the Mayo Scholarship Luncheon on Wednesday for her efforts in the classroom and the community.
“This award is one of the most prestigious academic undergraduate scholarship awarded at our university,” said Dr. Yvonne Villanueva-Russell, A&M-Commerce sociology and criminal justice department head and associate professor.
Locke was selected for the honor after submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and an essay detailing her experience as a volunteer at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum in Commerce. She worked with children, learned about the community and met several community members during her time at the museum.
“Hearing such positive feedback about Commerce made my love for this place and the university grow even deeper,” Locke wrote in her essay. “The people’s smiles and thankfulness helped reassure me that I was an asset to this community. The dream of becoming a principal and serving Commerce as a community was reinforced.”
Locke was raised in Nocona, Texas and graduated from Nocona High School in 2007 after just three years. She has been active in the community, volunteering for the Little Hands in the Farm booth at the Dallas State Fair and at Angola State Prison, as well as participating in a clothing drive for the people of Chernobyl. She is currently a member of the Women’s Agricultural Society on campus and was selected to represent to Ag department as an agricultural ambassador.
To qualify for the scholarship, a student must have completed at least 48 credit hours, have a composite GPA of 3.5 or better, have completed 15 hours at A&M-Commerce the previous semester, be enrolled in at least 12 hours in the spring, and be returning for at least two semesters during the 2009-2010 school year.
Locke will receive $3,000 for her scholarship, and Delisa Johnson, Christine Siler, Kristen Eudy and Hikma Jemal will receive $1,500 scholarships after being named honorable mentions.
“Although each of them come from very different backgrounds and are interested in pursuing varied career goals, each of them are true scholars and deserving of our highest praise not only for their academic achievement, but also for their civic engagement and their strong work ethic,” said Villanueva-Russell.
Dr. Allan Headley, A&M-Commerce dean of graduate studies and research, also presented graduate school scholarships to Nancy Sal and Holly Keddington. Sal is currently working towards a master’s in early childhood education and was the recipient of the Keith and Nancy McFarland Graduate Scholarship. Keddington, a doctorate student in educational psychology, claimed the H.M. Lafferty Doctoral Scholarship.
“Congratulations on what you have earned and the very best of luck,” said Dr. Dan Jones, A&M-Commerce president. “We wish you great success.”