Texarkana College has awarded a scholarship named in the honor of a slain local police officer.

Stephanie Sprague, widow to fallen police officer William Jason Sprague, recently presented a $1,000 scholarship to criminal justice student Percilla Cothren at a scholarship presentation in Texarkana College’s Nelson Administration Building.

“We believe this scholarship is great way to honor Jason’s memory,” Stephanie Sprague said. “We love the idea of rewarding students who have chosen the same field of work that Jason chose.”

Officer Sprague served as a Texarkana, Texas police officer for two years and died as a result of injuries incurred during the line of duty in June 2013. The William Jason Sprague Memorial Scholarship was established in November 2013 with a $6,000 donation from Texarkana Funeral Home in partnership with Stephanie Sprague.

Due to the outpouring of community support, the scholarship fund reached endowed status in August 2014 and now stands at more than $28,000. The Texarkana College Foundation manages the funds and awards scholarships from the interest earned on the endowment.

“Stephanie and her son, Caden, have been such an inspiration to all of us at Texarkana College,” said Katie Andrus, Director of the Texarkana College Foundation. “We are so grateful for the support from the Sprague family and the community to grow this scholarship.”

The William Jason Sprague Scholarship is available to students pursuing a degree in criminal justice at Texarkana College. Cothren, this year’s recipient, is one semester away from completing her Associate of Arts with a concentration in criminal justice. Cothren said she plans to continue her education to achieve her career goal of becoming an attorney.

“I will value your investment in my education, and I will hold myself to a standard that honors Officer Sprague, whose dedication and sacrifice made this possible for me,” Cothren said.

For additional information or to make a donation, please contact Katie Andrus at (903) 823-3125 or katie.andrus@texarkanacollege.edu.

More From Kicker 102.5