Sixth Annual NET RMA Linda Thomas Memorial Safe Driving Scholarship
Meet the Winners (2026)
We are delighted to have awarded 10 young drivers $2,000 each for college expenses, totaling $20,000. They were selected based on their essays and academic and extracurricular achievements. Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Emerson West
Ore City High School
Future Plans: Austin College, Neuroscience, Psychology, Studio Arts
Sophia Mullins
Mineola High School
Future Plans: Stephen F Austin State University, Elementary Education
Lucy Ransom
Atlanta High School
Future Plans: Texas Christian University, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Samuel Sheffield
Winnsboro High School
Future Plans: Oklahoma State University, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Makenna Hamilton
Queen City High School
Future Plans: Texas A&M, Finance & Accounting
Sylvie Geer
Bishop T.K. Gorman
Future Plans: University of Texas at Austin, Civil Engineering
Piper Drinkwater
Bullard High School
Future Plans: Brigham Young University, Chemistry
Hallie Erwin
Edgewood High School
Future Plans: University of Texas at Tyler, Nursing
Logan Sacrey
Winnsboro High School
Future Plans: University of Texas at Tyler, Nursing
Harleigh Jordan
Wells High School
Future Plans: Texas A&M, Animal Science
For the sixth year, NET RMA is proud to present the Linda Thomas Memorial Safe Driving Scholarship to promote safe driving practices to Northeast Texas high school students and the community. Ten eligible students will each receive a $2,000 scholarship for college expenses, for a total of $20,000 in awards. The winners are selected based on the strength of their essays, academic achievements, and extracurricular involvement. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026.
Eligibility:
To apply, eligible students include:
- Graduating high school seniors who have been accepted into a 2- or 4-year/university or accredited trade school and will be enrolled full-time by Fall 2026.
- Eligible students who reside or attend a school within NET RMA’s 14 counties: Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Kaufman, Panola, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Wood and Van Zandt.
Scholarship application closed at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026.
Eligible Expenses:
Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, room and board or for other items required by your college/university/trade school. If you are selected to receive a scholarship, you will be provided with instructions and a disbursement form to claim your scholarship.
Timeline:
- Scholarship application opens on Monday, Feb. 16 at 8 a.m. CT.
- Scholarship application closes on Monday, March 16 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
- Applications will be reviewed by NET RMA Scholarship Committee in early April 2026.
- Winners will be announced by mid-April 2026.
- Awards ceremony details will be determined by late April 2026.