903-737-7400 ext.4285 pef@parisisd.net

Endowments

Paris Education Foundation

“I Love Paris”

LOREN STEPHENS

This endowment was established through the 2019 I Love Paris event.  Contributions were made by our generous community and friends and family of Loren Stephens.  Loren was a cherished employee and administrator of PISD for over 45 years.

 


 

ANN & PAUL TRULL

This endowment was established through I Love Paris in 2013, in honor of Ann & Paul who retired from PISD in June of that year.  Paul retired after 12 years as the PISD Superintendent and Ann retired after 35 years as the PISD Director of Elementary Education and Director of Gifted and Talented. Ann had a total of 45 years of service in education and Paul 44 years.  Most of those years were making a positive difference for students and staff through their pursuit of excellence for PISD.

 


 

PHS CHAMPIONS OF THE 1970’S – 1980’S

 


 

PHS CHAMPIONS OF THE 1930’s – 1960’s

State Champions in athletics, fine arts and academics for the school years 1930’s-1960’s.

 


 

EAST PARIS SCHOOL

Established through 2007 I Love Paris by past East Paris School attendees.

 


 

PEF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 1990-1995

This endowment was created in honor of the PEF scholarship recipients during our early years.

 


 

RAYMOND EMMETT BERRY

PHS graduate, played football at SMU.  Drafted by the Baltimore Colts, he held many receiving records teaming with Johnny Unitas.  Coached in NFL including New England Patriots for 5 years. 

 


 

GLENELLE and DR. RAYMOND ARMSTRONG

Life-long learners.  Dr. Armstrong, served on original PEF Board. As a minister was involved in civic and hospital leadership.  Nel worked in garden clubs, Community Theater and as pianist and organist for several clubs.

 


 

ELAINE BALLARD

For 36 years she worked in Paris ISD, first as a teacher then to administrative duties and finally superintendent of the system.  Longest serving woman superintendent in Texas.  Tireless civic leader on many boards.

 


 

DEE CUNNINGHAM

An educator for all of his adult life, he had time for church and community.  He was principal of Paris High School for 24 years, served in leadership roles in Chamber of Commerce, Girl Scouts, Lions , RSVP.  A 32nd degree Mason.

 


 

JOAN REESE MATHIS and JUNE & KERMIT REESE

Joan is a long time educator from elementary to Master Teacher at Paris Junior College.  Lucky are the students who are in her class.  She inspires all to succeed.  An avid community worker.  June and Kermit were Joan’s aunt and uncle.

 


 

GEORGIA B. and WALTER BASSANO

The family published The Paris News for more than 60 years.  They worked in various forums for education, beautification,  agriculture, scouting and general development of the Red River Valley

 


 

DR. JAMES M. BRUNETTE

Has enormous influence in Paris.  Dentist, civic leader, mayor.  Largely responsible for the building of the Love Civic Center.  Member of Lions, Chamber of Commerce, others

 


 

RAYMOND BERRY

Football coach at Paris High School from 1938-1963.  Positive influence on his players.  Won 152 games and several championships.  Member of the Texas Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

 


 

FRANK HOMER

Arriving in Paris 40 years ago to open the first Sonic in Texas, he began to help young people through generously providing jobs.  Known for his encouragement.  Received awards from Boy’s Club, Optimist and Sonic Corporation.

 


 

IMY and BOBBY WALTERS

Both are natives of Paris and longtime advocates for education advancement.  Bobby was president of Paris Junior College from 1988-2003, but taught there for 39 years.  They belong to many civic, educational, and cultural organizations.

 


 

TOM WELLS

Lawyer who served as Lamar County Attorney for 20 years. Worked with Optimist and Boy�s Club teams.  An ardent supporter of the Salvation Army.  Belonged to state and local legal organizations.  He was a member of PEF Board

 


 

JO ANN PARKMAN

A lady who has taken the lead as president on many civic organizations- Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, hospital board- where men formerly served.  She is longtime manager of TP&L offices.  She is a Paris High School graduate.

 


 

DR. JEAN CAMPBELL

With a doctorate in theater and a charming personality, she has “all children” wanting to be in her synchronized swim classes or plays at the Paris Community Theater.  Civic interests include helping the needy.

 


 

GAYNELL and RALPH RODGERS

As principal of Travis Middle School, he capped a distinguished career in education including teaching science in Paris High School.  He served on the Paris ISD Board of Trustees. He continues to work for a sense of community and racial uplift

 


 

LOUIS B. WILLIAMS

President of Paris Junior College, 1968-1993.  Worked tirelessly to improve educational , economic, social and health opportunities in the area.  Served on many local boards.

 


 

JUDGE HENRY BRASWELL

Judge of the Sixth Judicial District of Texas for 23 years. Graduate of the University of Texas.  Respected legal scholar known for fairness, friendliness, humor and love of the law.

 


 

GINNA and DR. LARRY WALKER

They met in Blossom elementary school.  Love of education. Active in many school, college, and medical organizations.  Dr. Walker was a family physician, on original PEF Board.  Ginna served on Paris ISD and Paris Junior College boards.

 


 

BONNIE and J.C. “JAKE” COKER

A team of champion educators.  Bonnie was a primary teacher and “Jake” principal at J. G. Wooten school, eventually principal of PHS.  Jake was active in Boy’s Club and Bonnie in YWCA and Community Theater.

 


 

BOB McCARLEY

Longtime businessman in the lumber business.  He came to Paris in 1961 and joined in church and city affairs, including The Salvation Army, (donating land for their building), Chamber of Commerce, and others.

 


 

FELIX “HOOT” GIBSON

Superintendent of Paris ISD who began his educational career as basketball and football coach at Paris High School.  He worked at Texas A&M and Paris Junior College also.  As a retiree he was active in many civic organizations.

 


 

RUTH ANN and GENE STALLINGS

Paris natives who have excelled in their lives.  Now working with civic organizations nationwide, Bebes was football coach at Alabama, Texas A&M,  St. Louis Cardinals.

 


 

FRANCES ARNOLD ELLIS

Her professional career with the Texas Extension Service, in radio and in journalism spread to many civic endeavors important to Paris and its environment.  Received many awards.

 


 

MARVIN GIBBS

Longtime businessman who provided leadership for Paris to develop a strong business community. Recruited 28 industries that provided 5000 area jobsMember of original PEF Board. 

 


 

IRENE and FLOYD WEGER

Excellent music teachers in Paris ISD for more than 40 years.  Their students won many awards in Texas and nationally.  Mr. Weger directed the Paris Municipal Band.

 

EDDIE CLEMENT

This endowment was established by Eddie’s friends, family and various community leaders.  Eddie was very involved in the Paris Community and a tireless volunteer for the Paris Education Foundation.

 


 

ANNA OATES MATHEWS

This endowment was established in memory of Anna by her family, friends and former students.  She was a cherished, retired teacher of the Paris Independent School District.

 


 

NORRIS BALLARD

This endowment was established in memory Norris by his family and friends.

 


 

JUSTISS FAMILY ENDOWMENT

This fund was established by the Justiss Family in memory of Mr. Thomas Justiss who was a beloved PISD Administrator.

 


 

PAUL CHELIUS

This endowment was established by Paul’s family.  Paul was killed in a tragic accident and his family wished to honor him by helping others though this Paris Education Foundation Scholarship Endowment Fund.

 


 

SANDRA GIFFORD

Established by family, friends and colleagues of this long time employee and administrator of the Paris Independent School District. Sandra was a member of the Paris Education Foundation Board of Directors at the time of her death.

 


 

STEVE NASH

Established by Steve’s family and friends.  Steve was a former graduate of Paris High School and the son of Becky & Gary Nash.

 


 

BARBARA KOHLS

Established by her family in honor of this active citizen of Paris.  Barbara was a past president and cherished board member of the Paris Education Foundation.  She was involved in numerous organizations in Paris.

 


 

REX BRAY

This endowment was established by the J.B. Brown family along with the P.H.S. Class of 1966 in honor of Rex who was the first African American gradute of Paris High School and was killed in action in Vietnam in 1969.

 


 

ALLYSON FASKEN

Established by her friends and family in memory of this beloved PISD teacher.

 


 

THOMAS S. JUSTISS

Established by his family in honor of this PISD teacher, principal and superintendent.  Mr. Justiss served the Paris Independent School District as superintendent from 1946 to 1968.  Hs total career with Paris ISD was 46 years.  The Justiss Elementary School is named in honor of Mr. Thomas Justiss.

 


 

ROBERT HIGH

Established in honor of this employee of over 40 years with the Paris Independent School District.  Mr. High worked in various departments of PISD and this endowment was established upon his retirement by colleagues, friends and family.

 


 

JERRY BAWCUM

Established by his family in honor and memory of this active community member and long time citizen of Paris.

 


 

ZOE WHITE RAINS

Established by her family in memory of this outstanding woman.

 


 

PHS CLASSES

The following PHS Classes have endowed funds that have been established by alumni from each class.

Classes of the 1930’s, Class of 1943, Class of 1945, Class of 1946, Class of 1948, Class of 1950, Class of 1951, Class of 1953, Class of 1954, Class of 1955, Class of 1958, Class of 1959, Classes of the 1960’s, Class of 1960, 1961 & 1962, Class of 1966, Class of 1967, Class of 1968, Class of 1969 and the Class of 1977.

 


 

DR. CHARLES CAIN

Established by a friend in honor of this outstanding man.

 


 

VIRGINIA JESSEE

Established by friends and family in memory of this Paris citizen who had a love for education.

 


 

DREW NELL KEESLING McABEE and ROBERT McABEE

Established by friends and family in honor of these outstanding residents of Paris.

 


 

PARIS HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES

Each of these classes has an endowed scholarship fund:  Classes of the 1930’s, 1942/Polly Majors Waldron, 1943, 1945, 1946 for Judge Henry Braswell, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1958, 1959, Classes of the 1960’s, 1962, 1966, 1968 and Class of 1977.

 


 

CHARLES E. TAYLOR

Established by his grandson in memory of this long time citizen of Paris. Mr. Taylor opened the Taylor Glass Shop which is still in business in Paris, Texas.

 


 

WILLIAM ST. JOHN

Established by friends and family in memory of this former Paris High School Teacher who had a love for family, friends and his students.

 


 

PAMELA JEAN KYLE

Established by her sister for this successful business woman who was a product of Paris.  She was an adventurous, sweet spirited, southern gentlewoman who had a love for life and her family and friends.

 


 

ANONYMOUS ENDOWMENT

Established by an anonymous donor for outstanding students in need of financial assistance.

 


 

MATTIE BELLE CROOK

Established by Joyce and Walter Rinehart in memory of this long time PHS English teacher.

 


 

THELMA CROOK JOHNSON

Established by Joyce and Walter Rinehart in memory of this active Paris citizen.

 


 

BILLIE VIEHE

Established by friends and faculty in honor of this Travis Jr. High Principal.

 


 

ROSEMARY GARRET WELCH/JOHN WELCH, JR. MUSIC

Established in memory of Rosemary by her husband, John W. Welch, PHS 56′ of College Station.  Rosemary, PHS 59′, excelled in music and the arts.  A few years later, their son, John Welch, Jr. was added to the endowment after his death.

 


 

JAMES P. SCOTT

Established by the “Red” Scott Family Foundation. A successful businessman and 1944 Paris High School graduate

 


 

JIM PRESTON

Established by the Aikin Parent Association in honor of the first principal of the school.

 


 

THOMAS JUSTISS MEMORIAL

Longtime educator in Paris.  Principal of the high school and superintendent of the Paris school system.

 


 

KAY SZEKELY HOLLEMAN

Established by friends and family.  A 1966 Paris High School graduate.

 


 

FELIX “HOOT” GIBSON, J.C. “JAKE” COKER, TOMMY DUNCAN

All three were principals in Paris ISD.  Fund established by their teaching associates.

 


 

J. T. DAVIS

Established in honor of this teacher and golf coach at Paris High School.  The J.T. Davis Memorial Golf Tournament is held every year by the  Paris Education Foundation in his honor.

 


 

NANCY DELLA CRUSE

A memorial fund established by family in memory of this accomplished pianist and 1917 Paris High School graduate.

 


 

RONALD BILLMAN

A memorial fund established by friends and family of this longtime Paris CPA and 1968 Paris High School graduate

 


 

MORRIS BASS

a 1932 Paris High School graduate who set up this scholarship fund

 


 

CAROLYN TIDWELL

A memorial fund established by her family and friends. Carolyn was a retired teacher of the Paris Independent School District.

 


 

SANDRA RANDALL

A memorial fund set up by parents and teachers of the Head Start Program.  She began as a volunteer in the Head Start Program and because of her love for children later became an employee of Paris ISD.

 


 

PARIS HIGH SCHOOL BAND BOOSTERS CLUB

Family of band students set up this fund.

 


 

MIKE INNISS

A memorial fund established by his 1963 classmates and family.

 


 

TINDA GREEN

She was a teacher of gifted middle school students. Memorial fund to be used for her students and then to someone in the top ten of the senior class.

 


 

JIM FARRIS

He was a businessman and agricultural specialist.  Brought industry to Paris.  Served on hospital board

 


 

JEFF DAVIS

A memorial fund established by parents and friends.

 


 

ANDY BREWER

A memorial fund established by friends, family and classmates in memory of this young man who had a love for life.

 


 

RAYMOND BERRY, PETER BARNETT, SONNY FAGAN and PAUL LIVELY

Established in honor of these former coaches at Paris High School by their friends.

 


 

STAN AVERY

a memorial fund established by friends and family of this Law Enforcement Officer and 1984 Paris High School graduate

 


 

HOMER L. THORNTON

Established in honor of his 75th birthday by his family. Retired CPA and active community member. Past PEF President and  Board Member.

 


 

LARRY WAYNE PULLIAM

A memorial fund established by his mother.  He was the 1965 Student Council President of Paris High School.

 


 

DR. DONALD LEWIS

A memorial fund established by family and friends.  A 1937 Paris High School graduate.  Physician and civic leader.  

 


 

ANNE HUTTO

A memorial fund established by family and friends.  A 1967 Paris High School graduate..

 


 

ELLA BESS AND DR. CLARENCE GILMORE YOUTH SERVICE

Dr. Gilmore was a pediatrician in Paris for 50 years.  He and his wife set up the fund for a student planning on a medical or nursing career.

 


 

ADA MILLER ESTES, EMILYN ESTES MARTENS AND ROBERT ESTES

This is a memorial fund established by the friends and family of these 3 outstanding citizens.

 


 

CROCKETT PARENT ASSOCIATION

Scholarship money provided by the parent association in Crockett School.

 


 

CONLEY MARIE BILLS MEMORIAL

A memorial fund established by her family and friends. Conley’s mom, Misty, is a former Executive Director of the Paris Education Foundation.

 


 

TONY BENNINGFIELD

A memorial fund established for this Crockett Middle School math teacher.  He had a love for kids and enjoyed coin collecting and playing chess.

 


 

JOHN C. AMIS

a 1946 Paris High School graduate who set up this scholarship fund.

Pass-through scholarships are given annually by individuals, businesses, civic and financial institutions or as memorials. These include:

PAT BARBEE

DR. JAMES CLIFFORD

MARY FISHER

MARTHA & GORDON STROM

MARY & PAUL HARMON

HARDY MOORE

NELL SCOTT LOVE

A.T.P.E. (Association of Texas Professional Educators)

LAMAR COUNTY HEADSTART

JUSTISS FAMILY ASSOCIATION

MONICA CLEMENT

CHRIS WHITAKER

OFFICER ROBERT MILTON

COACH JEFF CHAPMAN