A financial award honoring State Rep. Steve Cookson will benefit students in Southeast Missouri after its recent establishment by the Three Rivers Community College Foundation.
Foundation executive director Judith Wangelin Scott said Cookson has been an outstanding contributor to public education in the region and has represented Missouri House District 153 exceedingly well during his eight years in office. Cookson joined the TRCC Foundation Board of Directors in 2011.
"He has always served the interest of others," Scott said. "The opportunity to present this award to the community is a distinct honor for the Three Rivers Community College Foundation."
Cookson will leave office in January due to term limit restrictions. Prior to his work in the legislature, he retired from a career in public education.
Endowed by Friends of Steve Cookson, the monetary award will serve as a tribute to his lifelong dedication to education and public service by giving priority to students pursuing degrees in either field.
Open to both traditional and non-traditional students, the award will be granted to those who demonstrate a desire to succeed and a willingness to work hard in order to achieve, Scott said.
Students must be enrolled full-time at Three Rivers College, take a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a 2.5 grade point average. The award may be renewed for a second year if the student continues to meet all criteria, Scott added.
John Stanard, chairman of the Three Rivers Community College Foundation board of directors, cited Cookson's "outstanding" career in public education and in the Missouri General Assembly.
"During his career as a school teacher, coach and administrator, and in his tenure in the Missouri House of Representatives, Steve Cookson has built an exemplary record of public service to his fellow Missourians," Stanard said.