Earlier in the month, Italy High School hosted the Senior Scholarship and Award Program inside Italy Coliseum. Lee Joffre, high school principal, emceed the annual event.

The ceremony began with James Hobbs awarding the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award to Brandon Jacinto.

The top 10% graduates were also recognized: Reid Jacinto, Meagan Hooker, Brett Kirton, Cole Hopkins and Alyssa Richards.

Distinguished graduates included: Katie Byers, Paul Harris, Meagan Hooker, Cole Hopkins, Reid Jacinto, Brett Kirton and Alyssa Richards.

Tina Richards recognized the National Honor Society seniors who were: Gus Allen, Katie Byers, Meagan Hooker, Cole Hopkins, Reid Jacinto, Brett Kirton and Alyssa Richards.

Carter Blood Care Honor Cords were awarded to: Gus Allen, Katie Byers, Brianna Guerrero, Paul Harris, Paola Mata, Chase Hamilton, Meagan Hooker, Caden Jacinto and Reid Jacinto. These cords are for students who donated blood twice within the school year, according to Dee Dee Hamilton, school nurse.

Scholarships were awarded to the following students:

Lone Star Cyclists, presented by Paul Tate, $500 each:

• Katie Byers
• Courtney Russell
• Caden Jacinto
• Gus Allen

Italy High School Band Booster Scholarships, presented by Mark Stiles:

• Reid Jacinto, $2000
• Gus Allen, $2000
• Brett Kirton, $2000
• Timothy Fleming, $1,500
• John Hughes, $1,000

Stafford Alumni Scholarship, presented by Pam Williams:

• Timothy Fleming

Italy Ex-Students Association Scholarship, presented by Kim Varner, $1,000 each:

• Courtney Russell
• Brett Kirton

M.E. Singleton Scholarship, presented by Diego Garcia:

• Meagan Hooker

Italy Youth Buyers Scholarship, presented by Russ Lewis:

• Katie Byers
• Yonatan Davila

Walter Upchurch Memorial Scholarship, presented by Lee Joffre:

• Caden Jacinto

Josten Renaissance Scholarship, presented by Heath Hall:

• Alyssa Richards, $500

W.R. Gorman Memorial Masonic Education Scholarship, presented by James Hobbs:

• Courtney Russell

Jewell Major Scholarship, presented by Ben Major:

• Meagan Hooker

Joann Knott Aldridge Scholarship, presented by Lee Joffre

• Katie Byers

Lions Club Scholarship, presented by Lee Joffre:

• Yonatan Davila

Kayrene Uehlinger Scholarship, presented by Charles Wade:

• Brett Kirton, $1,800

Shelley Nance Memorial Scholarship, presented by Cynthia Nance:

• Gus Allen, $1,000

DCI Scholarships, $500 each:

• Meagan Hooker
• Brett Kirton

Tom F. Steele Memorial Scholarship, presented by Blake Godwin:

• Katie Byers
• Yonatan Davila

Italy ISD George E. Scott Memorial Scholarships,
$500 per semester for up to four years, presented by Wanda Scott:

• Meagan Hooker
• Reid Jacinto
• Brett Kirton
• Logan Owens
• Alyssa Richards

Dale Hanson Scholarships, presented by Lee Joffre

• Morgan Cockerham
• Paul Harris

Opportunity, presented by Lee Joffre:

• Paul Harris, $1,000

Bluebonnet Bells, presented by Lee Joffre

• Katie Byers

Mary Hardin-Baylor, presented by Lee Joffre:

• Cole Hopkins, $31,500

Tennessee Tech University, presented by Lee Joffre:

• Alyssa Richards, $45,000

Majestic Outdoors Foundation, presented by Lee Joffre

• Meagan Hooker, $28,000

Texas Brigade Scholarship, presented by Lee Joffre

• Meagan Hooker, $1,250

Denny Burris Memorial Scholarship, presented by Lee Joffre

• Meagan Hooker, $500

Ellis A&M Scholarship, presented by Lee Joffre

• Meagan Hooker

The closing was given by Italy ISD Superintendent Barry Bassett.

Thank you, seniors, for continuing the rich traditions associated with being Gladiators including academic achievement, athletic success, keeping the harmony, friendship, citizenship and always displaying school pride. You have followed the path set forth long ago and extended it in style for future Gladiators to follow. For all your accomplishments, we raise our swords in salute!

Special thanks to all scholarship contributors and award presenters.