The Kenneth and Suzy Cantwell Endowed Scholarship was established by Suzy Cantwell, family, and friends in honor of her late husband Kenneth. Both lifelong educators, the Cantwells began their Texas teaching careers in the mid-1960s.

Mr. Cantwell retired from Central Heights ISD as a high school math teacher, and Mrs. Cantwell retired from Panola College where she was an instructor in English and humanities from 1989-1999. During that time the Cantwells co-sponsored and chaperoned three Panola College trips to the British Isles for college English credit. Mrs. Cantwell earned the respect of her students and peers and in May, 1999, the Panola College Student Government Association presented her with the award for, “Most Influential Teacher.” Both Cantwells enjoyed their students and followed their progress through the years.

At the onset of his illness, Mr. Cantwell determined to be finally able to say, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). He fulfilled his goal. After retirement, Mr. Cantwell, who was also a master carpenter, continued his interest in young people by endowing a vocational scholarship in 2006 at the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco, Texas, through the sale of unique birdhouses which he crafted from antique East Texas area materials. Mr. Cantwell was also the food buyer for Nacogdoches HOPE (Helping Other People Eat) and an avid worker in his church, the First United Methodist Church, and in the East Texas Emmaus Community. Mr. Cantwell died at his home on September 11, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mrs. Cantwell noted, “Panola College was good to us, and we enjoyed planning to ‘give back’ in this small way.”

The Kenneth and Suzy Cantwell Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually. The selection and announcement naming the recipient will be made in the spring each year.