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The Port Arthur Industrial Group, which includes Port Arthur refineries and petrochemical companies, along with the Community Advisory Group have helped eight Memorial High School seniors advance their education this year by awarding each a $10,000 academic scholarship.

“Supporting education is an important part of our job preparedness and workforce initiative,” said Chairman Johnny Spell, a Motiva Chemicals site manager.

“There is no doubt this year has been difficult for our schools, students and their families. We appreciate the support from Port Arthur Independent School District and Port Arthur Higher Education Foundation to help us complete the scholarship process.”

The academic scholarships recipients are selected based on academic achievement, leadership in the classroom and community and completion of the application.

This scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, math or business.
Industrial Group facilitator John Hall said this year is unique because there will be gathering to honor the scholarship recipients and their families.

“We still feel it is important to recognize these exemplary students and support them to achieve their academic goals,” Hall said. “We congratulate them on their successes so far.”

Earlier this year, Port Arthur Industrial Group distributed 15 technical scholarships to students at Lamar State College Port Arthur seeking a skills or associates degree.

This scholarship application is due each July for the next school year.

Academic scholarship recipients include: Phuong “Jenna” Khuu, Nam Hoang, Tyson Nguyen, Alanna Lewis, Dylan Tran, Christopher McZeal, Kevin Willis and Chance Scott.

Technical scholarship recipients for the 2020 spring semester include: Laith Alkhattab, Braydon Williams, Leonard Chavis, Karina Espinoza, Mario Figueroa, Jailyn Francis, Ana Gonzalez, Rafael Hernandez, Giamanti Najar, Joselin Ochoa, Carlos Rubens, Ana Valencia and Teanna Venzant.