Achievers

Ms. Bullard is a graduate of Hawkins High School in 2002 and also attended Tyler Junior College, graduating with an associate's degree in 2004. She previously attended TAMU-Commerce and graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant and Soil Science. After receiving her second Bachelor's degree, Ms. Bullard returned to TAMU-Commerce as a graduate in the biology department this fall. She is working on a Master's in wildlife biology.

Ms. Bullard is a member of Alpha Chi, college honor society and the Wildlife Biology Association. She is the daughter of Terry and Kay Bullard, of Hawkins, sister of Melissa Dedman of Tyler, and granddaughter of Harriett Loyd, of Longview.

The University of Texas at Tyler Alumni Association and the Campus Activity Board (CAB) will co-sponsor the Third Annual Patriot Idol contest on Thursday, Oct. 9, to be held in the Louise Herrington Patriot Center.

The Rising Patriot Idol contest, an added feature of the event, is an opportunity for high school students to showcase their talents along with the university finalists competing for Patriot Idol. Any ninth- through 12th-grade student can enter the contest by logging on to www.pastpatriots.com for further instructions.

The community can go to the site and vote for their favorite high school performers. The top 12 students determined by the number of votes will be asked to participate in the evening performance Oct. 9.

The contest is open to any area high school age student. Last year's winner, Kelsey Pate from Grace Community High School, won $100 cash and various prizes from area retail businesses. The cash prize this year will be $150 and the opportunity to sing for various UT Tyler events during the 2008-09 school year.

The Louise Herrington Patriot Center, with a seating capacity of 2,000, will be the performance venue. Family, friends, and the entire student body for each student represented will be encouraged to attend and cheer on their favorite performer.

Judging for the event this year will be local radio personalities, Luscious Ice, The Blaze 102.7; Kenny Smith, The Ranch 99.99; and Joey McKenney, Mix 93.1. For more information contact Bobbye Rucker, Alumni Affairs, at 903-566-7318 or bobbye_rucker@uttyler.edu.