Austin Bank Awards $12,500 in Commitment-to-Community Scholarships

May 19, 2005

Austin Bank is proud to announce the recipients of the 2005 Commitment-to-Community Scholarship program. In the spirit of dedication to the East Texas communities they serve and to their employees, Austin Bank awarded five scholarships totaling $12,500.

Austin Bank Vice Chairman of the Board Jeff Austin, III congratulated the winners. "We all felt a great deal of pride during the scholarship applicant review process when we realized how committed these young people are to their education and their communities. All of these fine applicants are to be commended for their efforts,” Austin stated.

Scholarship recipients were selected based on scholastic achievement, extracurricular activity involvement, leadership qualities and essay content. Scholarships were awarded to East Texas high school seniors in communities served by Austin Bank and to an Austin Bank employee. Award recipients are:

Austin Bank Commitment-to-Community Scholarships

Stephanie Francis, Harmony High School , Upshur County

Ciara Hill, Big Sandy High School

Stephen Lane , T.K. Gorman, Tyler

Jeremy Marshall, Jacksonville High School

Austin Bank Employee Scholarship

Jeremy Davis, Jacksonville High School

Stephanie Francis lives in Gilmer. She attends Harmony High School in Upshur County and is the daughter of Rebecca Francis. Stephanie is a Student Council Representative and on the A Honor Roll. She is a Texas Globe Scholar, Varsity Cheerleader and member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish and Beta Club. Stephanie plans to attend Texas State College at San Marcus for a teacher's certification. It is her dream to teach Drama.

Ciara Hill, daughter of Wanda Bunn, will be attending Baylor University with a major in Nursing and specializing in Neonatal Care. Ciara is an A student and member of the Big Sandy High School Band. She is a Varsity Cheerleader, Senior Class Secretary and member of the Interact Club.

Stephen Lane attends Bishop T.K. Gorman Catholic High School in Tyler and is the son of Debbie Lane . He is a member of the National Honor Society, Principal's Honor Roll, TJC Math Competition Team, Texas A & M Math Competition Team, Student Council, TAPPS Sacred Ensemble, Crusader Choir, the varsity football team and captain of the basketball team. Stephen will be attending the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in Business Management.

Jeremy Marshall is in the top 10% of the Jacksonville High School senior class, student body president, school mascot, an officer of the National Honor Society, and member of the Business Professionals of America and Spanish Club. Jeremy will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study International Relations. He is the son of Walter and Phyllis Marshall of Cuney , Texas and member of the Rock Hill Baptist Church of Cuney.

Jeremy Davis is ranked #1 in his class of 241 students at Jacksonville High School . Jeremy is an Eagle Scout, member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish Club, Robotech Club and is the Key Club Senior Representative. He is the 2005 Student Council Parliamentarian and listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students. Jeremy will be attending the University of Texas in Austin as a Pre-Med student. He is the son of Billy and Julia Davis. Julia, the Retail Office Manager of the South Jackson office, has been employed at Austin Bank for over five years.

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