Local student awarded Herman Laffoon TPA Scholarship

Peyton Elizabeth Spicer was awarded the Herman Laffoon Travelers Protective Association (TPA) Scholarship, given by TPA’s local Post CC. The TPA Scholarship was given at the retirement dinner held at Terrys Café and Catering in Jonesville. Spicer was present with her mother, Amy Norman and father Sandy Spicer. She is a graduating senior from East Wilkes High School and will be attending UNC at Chapel Hill next fall. Her academic interest is in becoming an orthopedic assistant.

The retirement dinner honoring four TPA officers and leaders in the community was held on April 23. The honorees were Leon Reece (59 years of service), Elton Lay (58 years service), Sam Tesh III (56 years service), and William “Bill” Phillips (58 years’ service). Collectively these officers total 231 years of service to the organization.

Presenting awards at the ceremony was Bailey Bledsoe, the present NC State Secretary/Treasurer, current President of Greensboro Post TPA, past Vice President and President of National Travelers Protective Association ST. Louis, Missouri. Also presenting and serving as President Post CC, N.C. Mrs. Sandy Martin.

The Travelers Protective Association is a non-profit fraternal membership organization dating back to 1890 and spans 29 states. It supports local community needs, child safety programs and provides scholarships. For more than 44 years, The Herman Laffoon TPA Scholarship has been awarded to a graduating high school student from either East Wilkes, Elkin or Starmount. The scholarship is based primarily on need. Academics, extra-curricular activities, and community involvement are considered.

Each year the local Travelers Protective Organization (TPA) works diligently to raise money to fund the scholarship program. This year a sponsored pickle ball tournament was held by TPA in downtown Elkin. The pickle ball tournament was held on the Mickey Carter courts at Crater Park on Saturday, April 27. A full roster of 32 players participated. The score keepers were Ann Marie Wasson, Darlene Templeton, Dennis Martin and Sam Mounce. The runners-up were Jay Callahan and Chad Vestal. The winners were Karole Okruszko and Tony Van.

All proceeds and donations go entirely to fund the Herman Laffoon TPA Scholarship fund.

Event organizers said, “a very special thank you to Mr. Mark Campbell for directing the pickle ball tournament. Also, we would like to thank all the volunteers, those who played, and all the donations and contribution given to our Scholarship drive.”