March 4, 2009

News Release

Thanks to Grant, TISD Students Explore College Opportunities

Testing day for seniors at John Tyler High School who already passed the test had a field day Tuesday…literally.

A contribution to the Tyler ISD Foundation’s “We Believe In Tyler ISD” campaign provided for funding of a field trip to John Tyler High School seniors who have passed the TAKS test.  Close to 300 students were eligible for the trip which took the students to four different college campuses in the East Texas area. 

Southside Bank Executive Vice President Lonny Uzzell and Vice President James E. Shaw were on hand as the buses were leaving John Tyler High School parking lot early Tuesday morning.

“This allows the students who are not taking the TAKS exams to be off campus on the day the other students are taking the TAKS test,” explained Larry Goddard, Executive Director of the Tyler ISD Foundation. “This is a wonderful way to serve our students and Southside Bank is to be commended for the creative way they have helped John Tyler by creating a positive outlet for those who would not be involved in testing.”

“Also, studies indicate that one thing college freshmen have in common is that have set foot many times on college campuses as high school students,” said Goddard.  “So the more times a high school student visits a college campus, the more likely they will apply for enrollment.  Trips like this one today remove any fears the student might have about a college experience.”

Lonny Uzzell, also a John Tyler High School alumnus, stated “Southside Bank is honored to be part of this program.  Not only are the students being rewarded for their achievements, they will be able to see the opportunities of higher education.  We firmly believe in the power of education and this field trip for 300 students is just one way Southside Bank collaborates with our school system in making opportunities possible.”

Mr. Uzzell has served as a director of the Tyler ISD Foundation Board for nine consecutive years. 

“We are so proud of the partnership with Southside Bank and the Tyler ISD Foundation,” said Dorothy Franks, organizer of the funding and the grant.  “This is a celebration of our students’ achievements and the community believing in them.”
 

Pam Rodriguez (left), College and Career Center Coordinator at John Tyler High School is joined by Larry Goddard, Executive Director (second from left) as seniors from John Tyler leave on a field trip to visit four college campuses in the East Texas Area.  Others to see the students off include James E. Shaw (third from left back row), Vice President, Southside Bank, Lonny Uzzell (second from right), Executive Vice President, Southside Bank, and Vanessa Choice, Principal, John Tyler High School principal (right).

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