The Navarro College Honors Program hosted its monthly dinner meeting on Oct. 14 with Rep. Byron Cook as the guest speaker. Cook spoke on his tenure as a public servant and recent legislative actions. The honors students meet once each month to hear a presentation from a community leader. 

The Honors Program was initiated as a way of challenging the top students at Navarro College and to help better prepare them for the transition to senior universities. To qualify for the program, an entering freshman must have a 3.5 grade-point average, and current college students must have a 3.25 GPA. Honors courses are taught by select faculty at the college, and only honors students can enroll for these courses. Students’ successful completion of honors courses are reflected on their transcripts. All three of last year’s Graduate Caston Scholarship winners also members of the Honors Program: Crystal Butcher, Lee Ann Kelly, and Sarah Springer.  

 Honors students are required to complete 15 hours of community service each year they are in the program. Student service projects have included working on the Habitat for Humanity houses, Christmas in Action projects, Fishing for Kids, and tutoring at the new Boys and Girls Club. By the end of this academic year, the honors students will have given nearly 3,000 hours to local community service projects. These activities help teach these top academic students the importance of giving back to their communities and helping those less fortunate.

Honors students receive some perks, such as special housing, university tours, and scholarships.  Robbye Nesmith, a retired Navarro College instructor and counselor, plays an integral part in helping the honors students with their degree plans and making the transition to the university.    

Applications for the fall 2010 Honors Program will be accepted beginning May 2010. Students interested in applying for the Honors Program should contact Dr. Larry Weaver, dean of arts, sciences, and humanities, at (903) 875-7594, or larry.weaver@navarrocollege.edu.