Fourteen students from around the Permian Basin were presented with $1,000 scholarships by the Kent Companies Thursday at the firm’s corporate office in Midland.

All 14 team members worked for the company throughout the summer and are continuing their education this fall. The students worked in Kent Kwik Convenience Stores, Kent Car Wash, Huddle House Restaurants, Baskin Robbins and Rustic Cafe. The scholarship recipients are from Odessa, Midland, Monahans and Haskell.

These team members are also eligible to receive tuition reimbursement and another $1,000 scholarship if they continue to work part-time throughout the semester.

Students, families and corporate personnel were on hand for the presentation.

“This is such a neat deal for us because we’re so glad to be able to help you all because you’ve helped us and we want you to get an education,” Chairman and CEO Bill Kent said. “We’re big believers in that. … We want you to get a good education. We want to help you get that education. More importantly, we want you to be a success in life.”

Cameron Curry, left, is presented with a check for $1,000 by the owner and CEO of the Kent Companies Bill Kent during a scholarship presentation Thursday afternoon at the Kent Companies office in Midland. Hough and 13 others who work for the Kent Companies were presented with scholarships to assist in their college education for their time spent working at various different Kent Companies locations across the Permian Basin. Curry is currently a junior at Permian High School and will graduate in 2022. (Eli Hartman|Odessa American)

President Todd Watkins advised students to get their money’s worth out of their education and to leave school better than they were when they arrived.

“By all means, get educated and come back and work for us some more; door’s open. We’re going to miss you guys …,” Watkins said.

Cameron Curry, a junior at Permian High School, worked at Baskin Robbins as did Hadley Hough, a sophomore at Compass Academy Charter School.

Curry said he plans to attend Texas State University.

“I’m honored,” he said of the scholarship, “and it makes this year easier, specially paying for my dual credit classes …”

Hough said she wants to attend Baylor University and study psychology. “It’s exciting. I’m really grateful for it. It’s going to help out a lot going to the school that I want to (go to),” she said.

Hannah Lee, left, is presented with a check for $1,000 by the owner and CEO of the Kent Companies Bill Kent during a scholarship presentation Thursday afternoon at the Kent Companies office in Midland. Hough and 13 others who work for the Kent Companies were presented with scholarships to assist in their college education for their time spent working at various different Kent Companies locations across the Permian Basin. Lee, a graduate of Lee High School, will be attending Texas A&M in the fall and plans to major in Biology. (Eli Hartman|Odessa American)

Hannah Lee of Midland just graduated from Lee High School, now Legacy, and plans to attend Texas A&M University to major in biology.

“I think it really helps me with tuition a lot and so it helps me further my education,” Lee said.

The Kent Companies have been in West Texas since 1957. Now led and owned by the second generation, this family owned business still operates with the same attitude and spirit on which it was founded — hard work, dedication to its guests and team members “and a neverending drive to be the best,” a news release said.

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