Schools - page 4

Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) has once again broken a graduation record with 327 degrees and certificates awarded to 244 graduates at commencement on Friday, December 15, 2023. This represents more than a 12% increase in the number of graduates from last year’s Fall commencement in December 2022.

“Commencement is, without a doubt, my favorite event at Lamar State College Orange,” President Thomas Johnson said. “Each and every one of these students has accomplished something incredible. I’m forever grateful that I get to play a small part in such a momentous occasion in their lives.”

Seventy-nine percent of graduates are considered first generation students representing the first in their families to attend college. LSCO takes pride in being a place where hope meets opportunity and knows that a college certificate or degree can significantly impact a student’s future, as well as the future of generations to follow in their footsteps.

“We are thrilled to see so many graduates walking the stage each semester to receive their diplomas,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Wendy Elmore. “None of this would be possible without the constant support of our dedicated faculty and staff. They are invested in the success of every student and beam with pride when a student they’ve taught turns their tassel on stage.”

Graduates this semester come from all over the state of Texas & Louisiana, with 62% living in Orange County, 12% in Jefferson County, 9% from Parishes in Louisiana, 7% from Jasper County, and 6% from Hardin County. Sixty-seven percent are graduating with a technical certificate or degree, while thirty-three are receiving an academic certificate or degree.

Lamar State College Orange takes immense pride in celebrating these record-breaking graduation numbers with the community.

The National FFA awarded Orangefield High School a $3700.00 grant to purchase welding equipment for the CTE program. This program and grant help prepare OISD students for the workforce.

Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) unveiled its first satellite location in Lumberton with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The newly renovated, 3,000 square foot site located at 344 S. Main Street houses two multi-purpose classrooms, a reception area, a conference area, and office space for support staff.

LSCO has seen record growth recently, with an impressive 11.73% enrollment increase from Fall 2021 to Fall 2022, making the college the second fastest-growing institution out of the 53 two-year colleges in Texas. Currently, LSCO is home to more than 550 students from Hardin County, accounting for nearly 20% of total enrollment.

“Lumberton and Hardin County have seen some incredible expansion over the past decade,” said Dr. Tom Johnson, President of Lamar State College Orange. “We believe that this building represents just the beginning of a growing relationship between LSCO and the Lumberton and Hardin County communities.”

LSCO’s dual credit partnership with Lumberton ISD is vibrant and expanding, with more than 450 students currently enrolled in dual credit courses. Students have the opportunity as early as their 10th-grade year to earn college credit in programs like nursing, criminal justice, welding, business, and more.

“Our dual credit partnership with Lumberton ISD gives students an amazing opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school in high-demand programs that are critical to the continued growth of Lumberton and Hardin County,” said Dr. Wendy Elmore, Provost and Executive Vice President of LSCO.

The building previously served as a medical clinic for Lumberton area residents before it was purchased by LSCO in 2022. Renovations began in January 2023, and classes are slated to begin in Spring 2024.

“Our mission at LSCO is simply transforming lives and communities. This new facility is in the right place at the right time for students and the Lumberton community,” said President Johnson.

For information on how to become a student at LSCO’s Lumberton site, visit lumberton.lsco.edu or contact lumberton@lsco.edu.

Lamar State College Orange is proud to offer exceptional students the prestigious Ambassador Scholarship. Ambassador scholars receive full tuition for one year, up to 15 hours per semester, worth up to $4,000 for one year.

They also have access to networking opportunities on campus and in the community and leadership and skills development.

Three are up to 10 Ambassador Scholarships awarded per year.

Ambassador Scholarship Application Timeline:

• Application Opens October 1, 2023
• Application Deadline February 28, 2024
• Interviews March 2024
• Ambassadors Selected and Notified by April 15, 2024

Requirements:

• Graduate in top 25% of high school class of 2022
• Demonstrate service performed at high school or community
• Demonstrate leadership in high school and/or community activities
• Recommendation letter from high school instructor, counselor or principal
• Ability to communicate effectively with large groups
• Available for evening and weekend events
• Interview with Ambassador Committee
• Application Essay
• Texas or Louisiana resident
• Fill out the FAFSA & complete the LSCO Financial Aid Process

Responsibilities:

• Enroll & maintain full-time at LSCO with a 3.0 overall GPA
• Attend training session and required meetings (monthly)
• Serve the college an average of 4 hours a week throughout the semester
• Assist college Recruiter with community events, high school visits and college fairs
• Campus Tours and Welcoming Groups to campus
• Special Assignments
• An opportunity to be the face of LSCO for advertising and marketing
• Have transportation to off-campus events

Rewards:

• Full-tuition and fees scholarship for one year (Fall & Spring) up to 15 semester hours per semester
• LSCO Student Ambassador shirts and blazer
• Networking opportunities with LSCO faculty, administrators, and community representatives
• Opportunity to develop leadership skills and career
• End-of-semester appreciation event
• Certificate of Service Award

Click here to apply online.

Lamar State College Orange celebrated the grand opening of the Electromechanical Technology Buildings with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

Classes officially began in August of 2023. The two buildings combined provide more than 12,000 square feet of space for instruction in areas such as hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, machining and equipment installation to name a few. The buildings are also home to an innovative makerspace, laser and 3d printing equipment for students.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Texas State University System and the state of Texas for funding the remodeling of these two buildings” Dr. Tom Johnson, President of LSCO, said. “It is with deep appreciation to Cloeren Incorporated for helping us equip these state-of-the-art facilities and for providing scholarships for our students right here in Orange, Texas. It’s because of their tremendous support that we were able to make this a reality.”

Located on the corner of Green and 1st Street, the property was previously home to the headquarters of the Procell Brothers Performance Center and Procell Machine and Parts Shop. The Procell Brothers Performance Center was known for building high-quality racecar engines responsible for earning 23 National Hot Rod Association world records. With the standard set high for developing champions, LSCO purchased the property in 2021 with the intent to carry on the tradition of excellence set by the Procell brothers.

“We’re excited to continue offering high-quality education in these high-demand industries” said Dr. Keith Jones, Associate Dean of Technical Studies. “These newly renovated buildings offer the space and tools necessary to train the next generation of industry leaders.”

Electromechanical Technology is a high-demand career field where students are exposed to multiple facets of machinery and equipment while building a foundation that enables them to pursue further education or entry-level employment in distribution, manufacturing, refinery businesses and more. Students can enroll in a stackable credential program leading to an Associate of Applied Science in Electromechanical Technology. Visit LSCO.edu to learn more about the program and how to become a student.