The Thomas family proudly announces the 2023 Pat Thomas Memorial
Scholarship winner is Madeline Alane Vail. Madeline (more commonly known as
Maddie) was presented with a one-time $1,000 scholarship during the Quitman
High School graduation ceremony held on Saturday, May 13, 2023. She plans to
attend Louisiana Tech University and major in nursing.

The Thomas family would like to thank those that served on the selection
committee this year and in the past. Choosing one applicant is a difficult task. We
would also like to express our gratitude to Principal Carter and the staff at QHS for
the continued support every year during this process.

Following the 2016 death of our mom, Pat Thomas, the Thomas Family
Scholarship Fund was established. We wanted to honor her legacy of service to
God, her Church, her community, and to Quitman High School. In addition to the
scholarship, our family also makes donations to special projects, an athletic team,
activity, or club at the school.

As part of the selection process, all scholarship applicants are screened based on
the following characteristics that were present in the life of our mom:
Honor
Character
Integrity
Humility
Willingness to serve others without the expectation of recognition or
personal attention.

Maddie Vail was found by the scholarship committee to encompass all of Mom’s
attributes. The Thomas family has no doubt that she will continue to add to the
legacy of our family and the winners that have come before her. In her own words,
Maddie states it best.

“I feel that nursing is more than a career choice, it is a calling. It is my desire to
serve others with a kind, compassionate heart. I believe this career path will open
doors and allow me to be a witness and a light for Him, while taking care of
others.”

Congratulations, Maddie! We pray God blesses you!

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