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Writers note: The Johnson City Community Education Foundation is attempting to follow up on all five of the 2009 JCCEF scholarship recipients to provide a "Where are they now?" update for the Johnson City community. Last year’s recipients were Kennedy Bynum, Michael Zurovec, Jessica Moore, Avry Stolzman and Virginia Smith.

Virginia Smith will begin her second year at Baylor University this fall as she pursues a degree in elementary education with a minor in child and family studies. She graduated from Johnson City’s LBJ High School in May 2009, was one of five scholarship recipients from the Johnson City Community Education Foundation. Two of the scholarship winners went on to technical school after high school graduation. Virginia was one of three students that chose to attend a college or university to pursue her dreams of obtaining a higher education.

The following is a "Where Are They Now?" snapshot of Virginia’s first year as a college student, in her own words.

I will be starting my second year at Baylor University this fall. I am currently pursuing a degree in elementary education with a minor in child and family studies. I am also on a dual-track program that will allow me to teach Gifted and Talented (GT) and English as a Second Language (ESL) students, in addition to my general education degree. After completing my education, I intend to teach either at a rural public school or in a private Christian school. My long-term goals include opening my own private or charter kindergarten and pre-school.

Donations to the Johnson City Community Education Foundation are always welcome. Make checks payable to JCCEF and send them to Foundation at PO Box 1248, Johnson City TX 78636. JCCEF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by Federal law.

I chose Baylor because I felt that it best fit my desire for faith-based learning, has a dual-track teacher education program, and has a marching band open to non-music majors.

Anyone who has ever tried to attend an institution of higher learning knows that the cost of education is quite expensive. I have been so thankful for the assistance of the JCCEF and the community at large for contributing to the JCCEF. I never would have been able to attend college without financial aid. I am indescribably grateful for those that have donated to the scholarship funds and grants that have allowed me to get the education necessary to become a teacher.

I have so many favorite memories about growing up and going to school in Johnson City. I wish I could pick one, but there are just so many. Some of my favorites include all the football games and contests I attended with the band, the trips I took with my youth group, and the little memories of small town life that I have come to hold so dear while I am away at school.

My mom and dad are residents of Johnson City and were very proud that I was honored to receive a JCCEF scholarship. They have always believed in the importance of education and were excited for me as I began my college career.

I’m sure incoming high school seniors have heard this from everyone, but it can never be said enough: apply for every possible scholarship and grant! Every scholarship they can apply for puts them one step closer to being able to pay for their education. I especially encourage students to apply who are planning to attend a technical or trade school. I think that many such students feel like they are not "scholarship material" because they don’t intend to attend a university. That couldn’t be further from the truth! There is financial assistance for all types of educational pursuits. Regarding preparation, I would advise all students to participate in as many community service and extracurricular activities as they can without getting overloaded. Overloading yourself won’t help you get a scholarship if your grades slip or you’re exhausted.

I want to reiterate my appreciation to the JCCEF and its donors. I will always be grateful for the support of this community. I have been so pleased to see Johnson City, through the work of JCCEF, take on the difficult goal of supplying a scholarship to every high school graduate desiring higher education. I take great pride in living in a community that has such devotion to education. As a future teacher, it is especially moving to me to watch so many of my friends, neighbors, coworkers, and countless other community members contribute to JCCEF. On a more personal note, I want to add that literally every time I’ve returned home since graduation, I have run into a member of the JCCEF who has taken a personal interest in my academic and personal success. That is the greatest testament to the nature of this wonderful organization. I can never express what this means to me.

I want the readers of the Johnson City Record Courier to remember that I am still very much a part of this community. I have gone away to Baylor, but I will always consider Johnson City to be my home. I also want the readership of the newspaper to know that what I have done with my education can be done by any and all committed persons. Money should never stand between you and getting the education you desire. As a future teacher, it is my hope that regardless of age, background, or financial standing, every person that wants an education, should pursue one.