Schools - page 5

Amber Hawk, the current principal of Little Cypress Elementary, has been named the new principal of Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School for the 2024-25 school year.

Mrs. Hawk, originally from Buna, is married to Scott Hawk, Executive Pastor at Praise Church in Beaumont. The Hawks have seven adopted children, three of whom attend LCMHS.

Mrs. Hawk attended Sam Houston State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in Communication. She received her Master of Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2019 and completed her Superintendent Certification at Lamar University this year. She started her teaching career in Orange County as a Spanish teacher at Orangefield High School in 2008. With more than 13 years in education, she has served as a Spanish and ESL teacher, ESL and 504 Coordinator, high school Assistant Principal, and middle school Principal before serving as the Little Cypress Elementary Principal for the past three years.

Mrs. Hawk was recognized as Educator of the Year in 2018, selected to the Southeast Texas 40 Under 40 in 2022, and a Charles Butt Foundation Harvard Excellence in Education grant recipient in 2023. She is a member of the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association and the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals.

While two of the Hawk children have already graduated from college, with three of her own children at LCMHS and two others at Beaumont Early College High School, Mrs. Hawk says she will be living the high school life both at home and at work.

“I loved my time as a high school teacher and assistant principal, and this will be a fun season for me and my family,” said Hawk. “There’s so much that goes into high school! Academics, athletics, extra-curriculars, and college and career preparation are all part of it, and there’s so much more. The work we do with high school students matters, both now and in the future, and I’m excited for the chance to be part of that work at LCMHS.”

Mrs. Hawk expressed gratitude at having the opportunities she’s had throughout her career, but said it’s important that she not forget what it was like to be a student, teacher, assistant principal, and lead accordingly.

“I’m a lifelong learner, and I will be learning as much or more as others as I transition from LCE to LCMHS,” Hawk said. “I want to serve our students, faculty, and community well, and I’m looking forward to coming alongside all the great work already happening at LCMHS.”

While Mrs. Hawk is beginning to pick up some of the planning pieces for LCMHS for the next school year, she will remain the LCE Principal for the rest of this school year and officially move over as LCMHS Principal this summer.

“LCMHS has a lot of deep traditions, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to be part of such an amazing campus,” Hawk said. “While I will deeply miss the relationships with staff and students at LCE, I’m excited to continue building future-ready students at LCMCISD at the high school.”

Several local financial institutions are offering scholarships to local high school seniors. For some, the student needs to check with their school guidance counselor. For others, info can be obtained from the institution’s website.

Here are the scholarship offers:

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 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.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held this week at the former First Baptist Church, marking the commencement of an ambitious project spearheaded by the Stark Foundation and Lamar State College Orange.

The historic former First Baptist Church of Orange will undergo renovation to become LSCO’s Student Success Center, a comprehensive hub designed to streamline the enrollment process and support students through their educational journey at LSCO. The welcome center will house the departments of Student Services, Financial Aid, Admissions, Recruiting, and Advising. This exciting project is anticipated to complete renovations in the Fall of 2024.

The First Baptist Church of Orange was built in 1913 and has sustained heavy damages after several hurricanes. In 2021, the building was gifted to LSCO by the Stark Foundation. LSCO’s Legislative Appropriations Request of over $6 million was granted by the State Legislature, providing funding to restore the facility and shaping the future of the college. Architects have approached the project with utmost care to preserve the building’s historical prominence by retaining elements such as the stained glass windows and the building’s landmark exterior.

Among those helping LSCO President Dr. Tom Johnson break ground were Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Dade Phelan, LSCO’s Provost & Executive Vice President Dr. Wendy Elmore, Dean of Student Services Brian Hull, LSCO’s Vice President for Finance & Operations Mary Wickland, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Stark Foundation Tad McKee, Chief Executive Officer of G&G Enterprises Natasha Garrett, and more members of the community.

Once completed by the end of 2024, this facility will serve as a hub for prospective students, offering them guidance and support from dedicated faculty and staff to navigate their academic journey effectively.