Al Parnell Memorial Scholarship

Mr. Parnell, respectfully known as “Mr. P” by his students, taught history, social studies, and citizen education for 29 years in the Public Schools of Robeson County. His career included terms at Pembroke Sr. High School and Purnell Swett High School, formerly known as West Robeson High School. Along with his teaching responsibilities, “Mr. P” coordinated the Student Government Association (SGA), the concession stand in school and at all the sporting events, and the Teacher Cadet program; coached the girls’ tennis team in the fall and the boys’ tennis team in the spring; assisted with dances and proms; and took Purnell Swett High School students for tutoring once a week at Prospect School. He was a member of the Robeson County Fair Board and served in the past as Board president. He was active in his church, Beulah Baptist Church of Lumberton, N.C., serving as deacon, Sunday School superintendent, and Sunday School teacher. For the past four years since his retirement from the Public Schools of Robeson County, Al had taught Social Studies at Dillon High School in Dillon, South Carolina. The recipients of this scholarship shall be Robeson County residents and graduates of the Public Schools of Robeson County pursuing a degree in Education. Recipients shall maintain a 2.5 GPA. The recipients shall be undergraduate students in any year of study. The scholarship is based on demonstrated financial need. The award is renewable.