June 2, 2010

News Release

TISD Students Recipients of Memorial Scholarships

The Tyler Independent School District recognizes individuals still making a difference in the lives of students today.   Three scholarships created in memoriam of Todd Henry, Gary Hunter and Charlie J. Spradlin will be presented to four students on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at 2:30 p.m. at the Tyler ISD Administration Building, located at 1319 New Sunnybrook Drive, in Tyler.  Family members from each of these extraordinary individuals will be present to pass on the memory of their loved ones.
 

The Charlie J. Spradlin Memorial Scholarship
Clay Wallace, a senior from Robert E. Lee High School, has been selected as the first recipient of this memoriam.  The scholarship was established by Debbie and Brad Spradlin, son of Charlie Spradlin, as a tribute to his father’s life and career. Brad Spradlin serves as a Tyler ISD School Board Trustee.

"I am very pleased that Clay Wallace is the recipient of the Charlie J. Spradlin Memorial Scholarship,” said Brad Spradlin. “He is dedicated to working to improve his skills and be successful.  This process has been a great tribute to my father.” 

The $1,000 scholarship will be used by Wallace as he enters the welding certification program at Tyler Junior College. 

The Todd Henry Memorial Scholarship

Taylor McCaslin and Chase Castelberry, seniors from Robert E. Lee High School, and Joy Perry a senior at John Tyler High School, are the recipients of the Todd Henry Memorial Scholarship.  The scholarship was established by Jan Henry, wife of Todd Henry.  This memoriam is a reflection of the affect Todd Henry had on his students, friends and community.  Henry was a teacher at John Tyler High School.

“I never personally knew Mr. Henry,” said McCaslin. “I knew that he was a big proponent for the arts and music as a way to reach children. I can gladly say that he will be making an impact on my pursuit of a performing arts based career.”

McCaslin was awarded a $500 scholarship and has been accepted to the University of Texas at Austin and will major in theatre and business. 

“Being selected for this scholarship is a tremendous honor,” said Castleberry.  “Even though I did not have the chance to know Mr. Henry, this award has shown me not only how great of a musician he was, but as a person too.  To be chosen to receive this award truly is a blessing, and has challenged me in a way to follow the heart of Mr. Henry by using music to help others and to make a difference.”  

Castleberry was awarded a $1000 scholarship and plans to attend Tyler Junior College to study music and transfer to Dallas Baptist University to complete a degree in music.

The Gary Hunter Memorial Scholarship

Joy Perry is also the recipient of the Gary Hunter Memorial Scholarship.  The scholarship was established by the daughter of Gary Hunter to carry on her father’s love of music.  Hunter was a band director at Dogan Middle School.

“I feel that I am very blessed to have received this honor in memory of Mr. Henry and Mr. Hunter,” said Perry.  “I know that they both loved music and I share the same passion in music.”

The total of the two scholarships awarded to Perry is $1050 and will help as she begins her studies at Tyler Junior College to major in law and minor in music.

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