Texarkana, Texas – On Thursday, Texarkana College hosted a special luncheon to honor students who are the first in their families to attend college. The event, part of the National First‑Generation College Celebration Day, carried the uplifting theme “Built for This,” reminding attendees that perseverance and support can turn dreams into lasting family legacies.
College leadership praises student resilience
College President Jason Smith expressed deep gratitude for the dedication of faculty, staff, and families who have helped these scholars succeed. “The first‑generation students are the backbone of Texarkana College,” Smith said. “They set a new standard for their families and will transform those families for generations to come.”
Honors and scholarships spotlight achievement
The ceremony featured several awards, including the Student Life Unsung Hero Award and the TRIO‑EOC Partnership Award. Recipients of the TRIO‑EOC Overcoming Barriers Scholarships and TRIO‑SSS academic scholarships were also recognized for their academic excellence and community involvement.
One of the honored scholars, Cassie Arnold, a fall 2026 TRIO‑SSS Academic Scholarship recipient, shared her excitement: “It’s amazing to be surrounded by so many incredible people, and this celebration reminds us of what we can do.”
Data shows strong outcomes for first‑generation students
President Smith highlighted a key metric: the first‑generation student completion rate at Texarkana College now stands at 61.8%. This figure reflects the college’s focused efforts to provide academic support, mentorship, and financial aid tailored to the unique challenges faced by these students.
Lee Williams III, dean of Student Life, added that the event aims to inspire continued perseverance. “They have the resilience to do this, they have a support system, and they can accomplish anything they put their mind to,” Williams said.
Community impact and future outlook
The celebration underscored the broader impact of first‑generation education on the Texarkana community. By empowering students to earn degrees, the college helps strengthen families, boost local workforce readiness, and foster a culture of upward mobility rooted in faith and traditional values.
As the college looks ahead, it plans to expand mentorship programs, increase scholarship funding, and deepen partnerships with local businesses and faith‑based organizations. These initiatives aim to ensure that every student, regardless of background, can access the tools needed for academic and personal success.
Texarkana College’s commitment to first‑generation scholars reflects a shared belief that education is a cornerstone of strong families and thriving neighborhoods. The celebration served as both a recognition of past achievements and a hopeful promise for future generations.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
