Holly Pender, 19, of Van Buren, has been awarded a $1,000 Mary E. Loughead Scholarship to help underwrite her studies at Three Rivers College. The scholarship is administered by the Three Rivers Community College Foundation.
Pender, a 2017 graduate of Van Buren High School, plans to become an elementary school teacher, according to her application essay. In high school, she was active in Beta Club, Science Club and played basketball. She is the daughter of Angie Meade of Van Buren.
Pender wrote that her third grade teacher influenced her career decision. "Miss Dawson had a special place in her heart for her students. . .She always made me feel important. I want to be able to impact children's lives the way (she) impacted mine," said Pender.
The Mary E. Loughead Scholarship is funded by a gift to the Three Rivers Community College Foundation from Mary Loughead and the late Dr. John R. Loughead, of Poplar Bluff, who died in 2013. The scholarship is based on merit and need and is given to a Three Rivers student or recent graduate working toward a career in education.
The late Dr. John Loughead was one of the physicians involved in establishing the former Lucy Lee Hospital, which eventually became Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. His father, the late George R. Loughead, was superintendent of Poplar Bluff Schools for more than three decades. Mary Loughead is a career homemaker.
The TRCC Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt corporation offering donors substantial tax deductions for their contributions. The foundation administers numerous scholarships and special projects that benefit Three Rivers College and its students. For additional information, contact Executive Director Judith Scott at (573) 785-3743.