Donor-Supported Scholarships Open Doors to Higher Education for Choctaw Students

Donor scholarships come from the hearts of people who desire to give back, honor the legacy of someone they love, or to invest in the future of the Choctaw people.
This year, we witnessed the creation of new donor-supported scholarships and the funding of long-term ones. We spoke with recipients to find out just how much these scholarships are impacting lives. Read a few of their stories here, along with a hearty yakoke (thank you) to all the donors for your commitment to these students and the sustainability of the Choctaw Nation.

DESSIE WADE LOCKE AND EDWARD LOCKE SCHOLARSHIPS

Edwina Locke established a scholarship in memory of her late mother, Dessie Wade Locke, who was the daughter of Sheriff Lawrence Wade, Pushmataha County, Oklahoma, and who retired from SW Bell Telephone Company after thirty-three years of service. Marli Nagel received this scholarship.
Wanting to follow in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother with having a career in medicine, Marli decided to pursue a chemistry/biology double major at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
“I’m grateful the scholarship exists because it takes some of the financial strain off my family and me,” she says. “Thank you for your generosity. It’s helping a lot of Choctaw Nation kids, and I’m proud to have people helping us like that.”
Ms. Locke also established the Edward Locke Scholarship in memory of her late father, Edward Locke, a residential builder. Saylor Payne was awarded this scholarship.
Living in Grant, Oklahoma, Saylor makes the drive to Paris Junior College (PJC), where she is a full-time student. The scholarship helps cover travel expenses and assists with the cost of books. After this semester and finishing her basics, Saylor is looking toward being one of the 20 applicants for the Radiology Technology Program at PJC.
“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has helped me through the journey I’m on,” she says. “I truly appreciate it.”

JONES ACADEMY ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP

In appreciation for the education and life opportunities that were given to them by Jones Academy, alumni of the school like Choctaw Tribal Council Member Jennifer Woods donate to this scholarship.
Sometimes college seems out of reach for Jones Academy students like Erin Willis, who is this year’s recipient.
“When I got that scholarship, I knew for sure I did want to go to college,” she says.
Erin is currently attending Eastern Oklahoma State College for her associate’s degree and is considering changing her major from criminal justice to mass communication. She works at the radio station on campus, discovering enjoyment in the technical aspects of the work.
“I want to finish this associate’s degree and then go on to a four-year college,” she says. “I would like to tell the donors ‘thank you’ for giving me such an opportunity.”

THE KIAMICHI COMMISSIONED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (KCOA) EDUCATION FOR THE FUTURE SCHOLARSHIP

The KCOA established this scholarship in 2018 to support students majoring in health-related degrees. Maryanne Attee is one of the recipients.
“I wanted to do something towards biomedical engineering specifically because I felt it would challenge me the most, but still be in an area I enjoy,” she says.
Being awarded this scholarship is helping Maryanne fulfill her lifelong dream of attending the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
“The scholarship guaranteed I could come here financially stable and pursue what I’ve always wanted to do,” Maryanne says. “I want to say a huge thank you to the donors. Without the scholarship, I probably wouldn’t have come to the University of Arkansas. It’s a huge support, especially with my mom as a single parent. My dad passed away last year, and school would’ve been very hard without the scholarship.”
Another recipient, Trinity Fox, has a passion for helping people. She is pursuing that through a future career in nursing. Currently taking night classes at Kiamichi Technology Center (KTC), she is earning her Phlebotomy Certification and completing her prerequisites to apply for the nursing program.
“The scholarship allows me to get through school and help pay for it without becoming in debt,” she says. “It lets me get my school done without having to worry. I very much appreciate the donors that help students like me.”
Marcos Terrazas is also a recipient of the scholarship. Growing up in Wister, Oklahoma, he spent time in nearby Poteau. His mother began speaking with doctors at the clinic there, and Marcos was introduced to them, something that prompted the decision for his future career. He is attending OU for his bachelor’s in biology.
“The scholarship has helped me stay on the path to hopefully getting a degree and applying to medical school,” Marcos says. “It’s a big part of my future. The donors and them wanting to help allowed me to get this far. It’s been absolutely amazing, and I’m grateful.”

Credit: Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer