Texarkana College Celebrates First-Generation College Students at Annual Luncheon

Texarkana College celebrated its first-generation students Thursday, November 5, with a luncheon honoring the determination, perseverance and accomplishments of students who are paving the way for themselves and future generations. Held in conjunction with National First-Generation College Celebration Day, this year’s event centered on the theme “Built for This.”

Approximately 66% of Texarkana College students identify as first-generation college students. The luncheon brought students, faculty and staff together to recognize their accomplishments and highlight the importance of providing support, mentorship and resources to help students achieve their educational goals.

“At Texarkana College, 66% of our students identify as first-generation, and we are proud to celebrate their resilience, determination, and achievements. This year’s theme, ‘Built for This,’ reminds our students that they have the strength and ability to overcome challenges and achieve excellence. We want every first-generation student to know they belong, they are supported, and they are built for success,” said Lee Williams III, Dean of Student Life at Texarkana College and event organizer.

The featured speaker was Terry L. Taylor, a retired educator, longtime student advocate, leadership mentor, and proud first-generation college graduate who dedicated 40 years to education. Taylor also previously served on the Texarkana College Board of Trustees.

The program included the presentation of two special awards: the Student Life Unsung Hero Award and the TRIO-Education Opportunity Center (EOC) Partnership Award. The college also recognized recipients of the TRIO-EOC Overcoming Barriers Scholarships and TRIO- Student Support Services (SSS) Academic Scholarships, including student leaders Lizette Hernandez, Student Government Association president, and Randi Miller, SGA vice president.

“Being a first-generation student has come with challenges, but each obstacle has helped me grow,” said Hernandez, a recipient of a TRIO-EOC Overcoming Barriers Scholarship. “To me, ‘Built for This’ means that even when the journey is difficult, I am capable of overcoming barriers and achieving my goals. Texarkana College has provided me with support, resources and encouragement that have helped me succeed.”

Miller, a recipient of both a TRIO-EOC Overcoming Barriers Scholarship and a TRIO-SSS Academic Scholarship, said, “I started college with dreams bigger than my circumstances. Today, I graduate knowing that I didn’t just change my life. I changed what is possible for the generations after me.”

Additional recipients of the TRIO-EOC Overcoming Barriers Scholarship included Breonnie Easter, Emily Boyd, Seoren Neroes, Tanekka Brown, Aliana Lewis, and Tashara Partee.

Additional recipients of the TRIO-SSS Academic Scholarship included Casey Arnold, Kara Duff, D’Kihya Cooper, Ryan Edmonds, Baylee Crosby, Mary Elliot, and Korey Davis.

The Student Life Unsung Hero Award was presented to Texarkana College’s Facilities team, while the TRIO-EOC Partnership Award recognized the Bowie County Women’s Center.

The awards and scholarships recognize students, individuals and organizations who embody this year’s “Built for This” theme through their dedication to overcoming barriers, creating opportunities, and supporting first-generation student success.

National First-Generation College Celebration Day is observed annually on November 8, bringing colleges and universities across the country together to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of first-generation students.

Through its continued commitment to student success, Texarkana College works to ensure first-generation students have the resources, encouragement, and opportunities they need to achieve their educational and career goals. For more information about TRIO programs at Texarkana College, visit https://www.texarkanacollege.edu/student-life/student-support/academic-support-outreach-trio/

About Texarkana College:

Texarkana College is a public community college committed to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality educational opportunities that prepare students for success in the workforce, further education, and life.

About TRIO SSS and EOC: Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) are federally funded programs designed to help individuals overcome barriers to higher education. SSS supports active college students with academic advising, tutoring, financial literacy, and career planning to boost retention and graduation. EOC guides adults through the college admissions process, provides financial aid information, and assists with applications and enrollment.

About the National First-Generation College Celebration
Observed annually on November 8, the National First-Generation College Celebration honors students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Co-launched by FirstGen Forward and the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) to mark the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the initiative features the theme “Built for This” to highlight the strengths and resilience of the first-gen community. Learn more, access resources, and view nationwide events at FirstGen Forward and COE. Join the movement on social media using #CelebrateFirstGen.