Paris Junior College is proud to announce the honorees for its 2026 Homecoming Alumni Awards Ceremony, recognizing four individuals whose professional achievements, service to their communities, and lasting connections to PJC exemplify the impact of Dragon alumni.
This year’s honorees are Thomas E. Hunt III, Distinguished Alumni Award; Harold Cowley, Hall of Honor; Stephanie Booker, Athletic Hall of Fame; and McKenzy E. Earley, Young Alumni Award. PJC celebrates each honoree’s dedication, loyalty, and contributions to the college and the communities it serves.
Thomas E. Hunt III — Distinguished Alumni Award
The Honorable Thomas E. Hunt III, a lifelong resident of Paris, Texas, has dedicated his life to public service, community leadership, and Paris Junior College.
Born in 1951, Hunt attended Paris Junior College after graduating from Paris High School before continuing his education at The University of Texas at Austin. He graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in history and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Alpha Theta, and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies. He earned his Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law in 1978 and returned to Paris to practice law.
Appointed municipal judge in 1985, Hunt continues to serve the city while remaining active in civic and community organizations, including the Paris Founders Lions Club and First Baptist Church of Paris, where he serves as a third-generation deacon.
His longstanding commitment to Paris Junior College includes serving as president of the Alumni and Friends Association, serving on the PJC Board of Regents from 2003 to 2010, and currently serving as chairman of the Paris Junior College Memorial Foundation.
Hunt and his late wife, Laura Manly Hunt, have two children: the Reverend Lory Hunt of Nocona and Thomas E. Hunt IV, known as Chip, of Paris.
Harold Cowley — Hall of Honor
Harold Cowley’s connection to education and service began early, when he enrolled at Paris Junior College at age 15 after graduating from Winfield High School. While studying agriculture, he balanced his coursework with weekend responsibilities on his family’s farm and dairy.
During his time at PJC, Cowley served as president of the Klodopper Klub, played on the Share-Croppers basketball team, and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa. After earning his associate degree from PJC and a bachelor’s degree from East Texas Teachers College, he began a 35-year career in education as an agricultural education teacher before advancing into school administration.
Cowley served as superintendent of Iowa Park CISD, Talco-Bogata CISD, and Yantis ISD. Throughout his career, he earned numerous honors for his contributions to vocational agriculture and education, developed 14 vocational courses, and helped lead successful academic and athletic programs.
At Yantis ISD, he oversaw construction of a middle school and baseball field. During his tenure, the district was recognized among the nation’s top 150 school districts by Time magazine.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cowley dedicated himself to community service through Scouting, youth athletics, and church leadership. He also served as chairman of the board of trustees at First United Methodist Churches in Iowa Park and Sulphur Springs.
His career reflects a lasting commitment to education, leadership, and helping students and communities thrive.
Stephanie Booker — Athletic Hall of Fame
For Stephanie Booker, Paris Junior College has been both the starting point of her education and the home of a remarkable career dedicated to Dragon Athletics.
Booker earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Office Occupations from PJC and went on to build a career in the college’s Athletic/Kinesiology Department, where she has served for 37 years. Her contributions have been recognized through honors including Support Person of the Month and the PJC Employee Spotlight Recognition. She also played a role in the development and implementation of Caring Campus at Paris Junior College.
For more than three decades, Booker has been a familiar and valued presence in PJC Athletics. From managing essential behind-the-scenes responsibilities to welcoming fans with a smile and working after hours to support athletic programs, she has consistently demonstrated dedication, dependability, and a genuine passion for the college.
Her service has helped create a welcoming environment for student-athletes, coaches, colleagues, and fans alike, making her a fitting recipient of the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame honor.
McKenzy E. Earley — Young Alumni Award
From a high school student beginning her college journey to a flight nurse serving her community, McKenzy E. Earley’s story exemplifies determination, perseverance, and the lasting impact of a Paris Junior College education.
Earley began attending PJC in 2012 as a high school student. She continued her education at the college, earning her Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) credential in 2021 and her Associate Degree in Nursing in 2022. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at The University of Texas at Arlington.
Her nursing career began in the Intensive Care Unit while she also worked part-time in the Emergency Department at Paris Regional Health. Earley credits the ICU nurses who mentored and encouraged her with helping shape the nurse she is today. She also served as president of the Nursing Forum Council during her time in nursing.
In 2025, Earley achieved a longtime dream when she became a flight nurse with Air Evac 139 in Paris. She describes the role as one of the proudest accomplishments and most rewarding experiences of her nursing career.
Through her work with Air Evac, Earley also finds opportunities to give back to the community by participating in local events. She especially enjoys interacting with children and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
Her greatest motivation is her nine-year-old daughter, Addlynn. As a mother, Earley hopes to demonstrate that no dream is too big when met with hard work, self-belief, determination, and perseverance. She wants her daughter to understand that sacrifice and a strong work ethic can open doors to possibilities she may not yet imagine.
Earley also recognizes the PJC nursing instructors who helped shape her journey, including Brad Bolton, Dani Gerhardt, and Christy Armes. Their encouragement continues to inspire her as she advances in her nursing career.
Receiving the Young Alumni Award is an incredible honor for Earley, who remains grateful for the education, encouragement, and foundation she received at Paris Junior College.
Celebrate the 2026 PJC Homecoming Honorees
Paris Junior College invites alumni, students, employees, and community members to join in celebrating these outstanding individuals at the 2026 Homecoming Alumni Awards Ceremony.
The ceremony will take place Friday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Love Civic Center in Paris. Tickets are $30 per person and may be purchased online at:
Purchase tickets: https://www.parisjc.edu/foundation/homecoming.php
The 2026 Homecoming Alumni Awards Ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of these four honorees and the enduring connection between Paris Junior College and its alumni. Their stories reflect the many ways PJC graduates and supporters make a difference through professional achievement, public service, community involvement, and dedication to the college.
Paris Junior College congratulates Thomas E. Hunt III, Jessie Harold Cowley, Stephanie Booker, and McKenzy E. Earley and thanks them for the lasting contributions they have made to PJC and the communities they serve.
About Paris Junior College
Paris Junior College is a public community college serving Northeast Texas through academic transfer programs, workforce education, technical training, and student support services. PJC is committed to helping students achieve their educational and career goals while strengthening the communities it serves.
