Ray A. Peacock Scholarship

Cecil and Theresa Peacock founded The Ray Anthony Peacock Scholarship Fund to honor the memory of their son, Ray Anthony Peacock. Ray was an outstanding student at Burkeville High School. He graduated in 1977, and began to pursue a degree at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas; however tragically, in 1977 his life ended. His short life was marked by outstanding academic achievement and community work.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial aid for those students who, like Ray, strive for academic excellence and are committed to the community and public service. It encourages candidates to pursue their academic goals and to reflect on the needs of society and their role in creating a better future. The successful candidate(s) will be a graduating senior, who aspires to higher education upon graduation, exhibits excellent writing skills, exhibits a record of community or public service, and has a financial need.

Awarded scholarships are to supplement, but not duplicate benefits from the educational institution, foundations, institutions, or other organizations. The scholarship benefits tuition fees, room, and board, or books. Payments will be made directly to the institution of higher learning.

Eligibility

• Graduating high school senior in the state of Texas
• Planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year college, university or vocational school
• Applicant must maintain a 3.0 or above high school grade average for college and university applications
• Applicant must maintain a 2.5 or above for vocational programs

Application Process

Please complete the application in its entirety. All applications must be submitted and received on or before midnight March 1 annually. The following materials must be submitted online.

• Completed online application
• Essay written by applicant (requirements below)
• Current transcript that includes a cumulative grade average
• Three signed letters of recommendation on letterhead with writer's contact information (address, phone number, email)

Applicant Essay Requirements

The essay must be a minimum of 750 words typed, 12-point font, double-spaced with one-inch margins. The essay must address the following:

• Illustrate your drive and self-motivation
• Indicate any community service involvement noting any leadership positions
• Describe your reasoning for applying for the scholarship
• Your proposed field of study and career plans
• Describe how your plans will help others or positively impact the community