PGCD Announces 2015 Scholarship Winners

In 2002, Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District (PGCD) established a scholarship program for graduating seniors throughout the District. The applicants are required to write a 500-1,000 word essay on a topic chosen by PGCD and to enroll as a full-time student at the college of their choice the fall semester immediately following selection. Also, they are to maintain at least a 2.5 college GPA. A committee of four board members and a staff member select the winners. The student awarded first place receives a $4,000 scholarship, second place receives $3,000, and third place receives $2,000. The scholarship total is paid out over four years.

PGCD’s topic this year was “Due to continuing drought conditions in many parts of the state and a growing population, Texas is considering alternative water sources such as Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) and use of Brackish Groundwater. In your opinion, what would the advantages and disadvantages be to the use of ASR and Brackish Groundwater?” PGCD had seventeen applicants this year and is proud to announce Kati Adams, Yesenia Soria, and Meghan Collier as the top three winners of PGCD’s scholarship.

Kati Adams, daughter of Lon and Nicki Adams of Hedley, is our first place winner. Kati will graduate first out of her class of seven from Hedley High School with a 4.0 GPA. She will be attending Clarendon College in the fall and majoring in Agriculture.

Yesenia Soria, daughter of Gerardo and Maria Soria of Pampa, received second place. Yesenia will graduate second out of two hundred twenty-eight from Pampa High School with a 4.0 GPA. She will attend Baylor University in the fall and majoring in Business Administration.

Meghan Collier, daughter of Mark and Tracy Collier of White Deer, received third place. Meghan will graduate first out of her class of twenty-two from White Deer High School with a 4.0 GPA. She will be attending Texas A&M University in College Station in the fall and majoring in English.

PGCD wants to thank all of the applicants and congratulate the winners. We thoroughly enjoyed each essay and perspective on the topic. We wish you all the best of luck on your future endeavors.