NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Nacogdoches County’s Opportunity for a Better Learning Experience banquet will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, March 28, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom at Stephen F. Austin State University.
 
A total of 172 high school seniors from across Nacogdoches County were invited to attend this year’s banquet, which will honor students for excellence in coursework, community service and good citizenship during their four years in high school.
 
“The economic health of our community relies upon the academic well-being of our youth,” said Erin Windham, chair of the education committee at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce. “Our area’s future workforce, community leaders and elected officials are sitting in classrooms across Nacogdoches County at this moment. The outcome of our students’ success determines the outcome of our towns’ successes.”
 
Students will receive a NOBLE Scholar medallion to wear at their graduation ceremony. The medallions are sponsored by NIBCO.
 
A reception for family members will be held in the nearby Twilight Ballroom starting at 6 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres to be served. Family members will be permitted to join students during the medallion presentation and keynote address by former Nacogdoches ISD interim superintendent and 2021 Citizen of the Year, Alton Frailey, in SFA’s Grand Ballroom.
 
Representatives from various departments at SFA, along with junior colleges and Workforce Solutions, will be in attendance to provide information. SFA offices with staff members in attendance will include enrollment management, financial aid, Student Success Center, Center for Career and Professional Development, ROTC, Academic Assistance and Resource Center, and Orientation and Transition Programs.
 
Nacogdoches County NOBLE Scholars are eligible to apply for one of 17 $1,000 scholarships to SFA. The scholarships are provided by Citizens 1st Bank; Etech; Fairchild, Price, Haley & Smith; Laird Funeral Home; and Servpro of Lufkin and Nacogdoches.
 
NOBLE is a program offered jointly through the Chamber of Commerce’s education committee and the local business community. The education committee includes school administrators, SFA faculty and staff, and Chamber of Commerce members.
 
For more information about the banquet, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (936) 560-5533 or chamber@nactx.com.