Scholarship Programs

Why we are here...

We offer two scholarships yearly to individuals wishing to pursue degrees in education, athletics, and/or various trades. Each scholarship is contingent upon donations collected throughout the year, but never less than $500.00 each.

Lance VanZandt Memorial Scholarship

Lance Vanzandt or “Coach” as he was called had an impressive career coaching at Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Texas Tech and Alabama, and for the NFL's New Orleans Saints and St. Louis Cardinals. His career in coaching inspired others to follow in his footsteps. Lance faced every coaching opportunity with hard work and determination. He was an intelligent strategist and a wise teacher. He freely shared the things he’d learned through life experience and his various coaching opportunities. In every challenge, he insisted, once you start, you do not quit. Education to Lance was an important stepping stone to realizing your full potential. Candidates for this scholarship should share Lance’s determination and work hard to achieve their goals and exhibit that “no quit” attitude. It is with that attitude we achieve goals and become effective leaders.

Barbara LaVergne Education Scholarship (BLES)

A hairdresser by trade for over 50 years, Barbara served Orange County through her business Magic Touch Hair Salon. Everyone seemed to know her and those who knew her well loved her. From humble beginnings, she grew a clientele that stood by her until her passing in January of 2023. No one could do hair like Barbara. Not only was she known for her skill, but she was known for giving back to the community, participating in various charity events where at times she would give without knowing or caring who it blessed - extreme giving - just giving because there was a need. Barbara always said education was very important, so much so, when her daughter or grandchildren’s grades were slipping, she was at the school in full force wanting to know how she could help get them back in line. She was so involved with her “babies” education teachers and principals greeted her by her first name when she visited the school. Not to mention she did most of their hair. Barbara believed that you learned to do SOMETHING to be self sufficient and build a future whether it was a earning degree or learning a trade.

Donnis T. Hunter Sr. Allied Health Scholarship

Donnis T. Hunter Sr was born October 30, 1941. He graduated from Silsbee High School class of 1960, After graduating, Donnis enlisted in the US Navy where he proudly served his country for four years. After being honorably discharged, He went on to become an offshore electrician and worked for several companies before retiring.

Donnis was a Godly , soft-spoken man. He enjoyed reading and studying his bible. Donnis could fix anything - friends and family were amazed at his ability to take something broken and repair it to new. He instilled this work ethic in his children and that you could accomplish anything you wanted if you worked hard to achieve it.

He enjoyed spending time with his wife and children and other family and friends, fishing, playing cards and dominoes. In recognition of the health care providers that help take care of him and family during that time. The scholarship has been designated for an Allied Health student at Lamar State College Port Arthur.

Apply For a Scholarship

It is only fitting that we offer these scholarships in Lance and Barbara's names to further the education of a unique individual wishing to mold the minds of our future leaders. Each application must be accompanied by an essay that tells us about you. Not what you want to be, but you. Click the link below for instructions on how to apply..

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Donate to a Scholarship

If you wish to contribute specifically to the scholarship fund, you are more than welcome to do so, and we THANK YOU for you generous contribution! All scholarship donations go 100% to the scholarship fund, and are tax deductible!

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