Pellissippi State student awarded paralegal association scholarship

Genesis Jones submitted her academic transcripts, an academic recommendation letter, a personal recommendation letter and an essay.

Then she crossed her fingers.

Her goal was to be selected as the recipient of a $600 scholarship from the Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association. Jones is a student in Paralegal Studies at Pellissippi State. She is one of the many students from all of the regional paralegal programs who were encouraged to compete for the award.

Jones’ essay on why she chose to pursue the paralegal profession coupled with the supporting documents was a winning combination—she was chosen to receive the scholarship.

“The Executive Committee of SMPA chose Ms. Jones to receive this scholarship because she exhibits the desire, skills, grades and overall qualities our organization believes are important in the legal field,” said Tracie Livesay, Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association president.

The Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association is an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants.

“Genesis is a remarkable student,” said Arlene Cleveland, coordinator of the Pellissippi State Paralegal Studies program.

Jones overcame some personal issues and “redirected herself,” Cleveland said. “She has been a positive role model for her children and everyone with whom she comes into contact. She is selfless and 100 percent committed to doing a good job, no matter what that job is.”

After receiving the scholarship November 9 in a ceremony at the Division Street Campus, Jones said she was “surprised and honored.”

The Paralegal Studies program has produced 327 graduates since 1988 and enjoys an excellent reputation among attorneys and legal administrators, not only in Knox County but throughout the region. It’s approved by the American Bar Association.

The job placement rate for program graduates entering the workforce was 100 percent for 2004 and 2005. Starting salaries vary depending on experience, but the average for 2005 was $26,000 per year.

"Inside Pellissippi" is a bi-monthly electronic publication produced by the Community Relations Office for the faculty and staff of Pellissippi State Technical Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Road, P.O. Box 22990, Knoxville, Tennessee 37933-0990. All suggestions and comments should be sent to Julia Wood (jwood@pstcc.edu).

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