Since 2018, the Panhandle Promise Scholarship through the Panhandle State Foundation Office has been a vital resource for students in the Oklahoma Panhandle region. It reflects the university’s commitment to supporting students financially and fostering educational opportunities. Five students were awarded the Panhandle Promise Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year.

This year’s scholarship recipients are Laryn Dejarnett, a sophomore majoring in Agricultural Education; and sophomore Madison McDowell of Eads, Colorado, a sophomore majoring in Elementary Education; Peyton Mulbery, a senior majoring in Health and Physical Education; Ociee Pierce, a freshman majoring in Elementary Education; and Grace Saenz, a sophomore majoring in Elementary Education.

These five students are new to the Panhandle Promise Scholarship program, joining four returning students, bringing the total number of scholarship recipients for the 2024-2025 academic year to nine. They were selected through a competitive process, with their essays and academic achievements impressing a selection committee that included the OPSU Alumni President, Foundation President, two industry representatives, a public education representative, two OPSU Teacher Education Council members, and the Director of Teacher Education.

The Panhandle Promise Scholarship was created to enhance educational access for students in the Panhandle region and surrounding areas. Since its start, the scholarship has provided critical financial support to dozens of students, enabling them to pursue their educational goals without excessive financial stress.

Sophomore Laryn Dejarnett, an agriculture education major, said that this scholarship gives her the opportunity to not be financially burdened. “The Panhandle Promise Scholarship has given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams of becoming an agricultural educator by teaching the upcoming generations how important agriculture really is in today’s society and how it will benefit the generations to come.”

“The Panhandle Promise Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s an investment in the future of our community,” said Dr. Julie Dinger, University President. “By supporting these outstanding students, we are helping them achieve their academic dreams and ensuring that our region thrives with committed and exceptionally prepared teachers.”

The scholarship plays a crucial role in promoting education within the Panhandle region, which faces unique challenges due to its rural nature. By reducing the financial barriers to higher education, the Panhandle Promise Scholarship helps to keep education graduates within the region, thereby strengthening the local economy and community. Recipients of this scholarship often become leaders and innovators in various fields, contributing to the ongoing development and prosperity of the area.

Senior, Peyton Mulbery, said that his goal is to stay around the Oklahoma Panhandle to teach physical education and become a football and basketball coach. “My inspiration behind my scholarship essay is my family tree of teachers. In my family, we have had principals, superintendents, P.E. teachers, English teachers, and coaches. My family inspires me every day because I want to continue my family tree of joining the education profession and be the best teacher I can be. My love for teaching is because of my family and I hope someday I’m just as good as them.”

For more information about the Panhandle Promise Scholarship, please visit our website