When Caring for America of Henderson County awards a scholarship, the investment extends far beyond a student’ s college education. The goal is to help develop the next generation of firefighters, paramedics, nurses and law enforcement officers, who will one day serve communities across Texas. Just a few years into the initiative’ s history, that vision is already becoming reality.
The effort began through the Lone Star Republican Club and transitioned the following year into Caring for America of Henderson County, an independent 501( c)( 3) nonprofit organization.
Established under the leadership of President Ben Pate, the organization has grown to include an active board of directors, a scholarship committee and Purple Heart veterans who represent the group at community events throughout the year.
Caring for America focuses on supporting first responders and veterans while investing in students pursuing careers in law enforcement, fire and medical services. The organization also assists current first responders through training opportunities and professional development.
That commitment first took shape in 2022 when four local students received $ 1,000 scholarships to pursue careers centered on service to others. The inaugural recipients included Cearra Warren of Malakoff ISD, who planned to become a nurse anesthetist; Katelynn Helm of Athens ISD, who aspired to a career in law enforcement as a K-9 handler and investigator; Riley Jackson of Athens Christian Preparatory Academy, who planned to become a nurse or occupational therapist; and Emily Mahmoud of Athens ISD, who sought a future in law enforcement.
Each student brought a unique story and a desire to serve others. Three years later, the impact of those investments can already be seen. Jackson now serves as an IMC nurse with UT Health East Texas, turning her desire to help others into a profession that serves patients throughout the region.
In addition to awarding scholarships during its inaugural year, the organization also recognized and sponsored Sergeant Cody Speak of the Malakoff Police Department and Investigator Joshua Steptoe of Gun Barrel City. The sponsorships allowed the officers, who were part of the newly formed Crimes Against Children task force in Henderson County, to attend a premier training conference in Dallas focused on investigating crimes against children and supporting victims.
The following year, the scholarship
2022 Scholarship recipients: Cearra Warren of Malakoff ISD, Katelynn Helm of Athens ISD, Riley Jackson of Athens Christian Preparatory Academy and Emily Mahmoud of Athens ISD.
Greater Athens Magazine | June 2026 | 7