Ore City High School Senior Receives NET RMA Safe Driving Scholarship
Ore City High School graduating senior Sage West has been recognized with a scholarship for her efforts to promote safe driving.
Sage West urges safe driving after family tragedy
(Tyler, TX) – Ore City High School senior Sage West is among the recipients of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s (NET RMA) 2026 Linda Thomas Memorial Safe Driving Scholarship, which recognizes Northeast Texas students promoting roadway safety awareness through essays and community leadership.
The scholarship awards $2,000 to graduating seniors selected based on safe driving-themed essays, along with academic and extracurricular achievements.
West focused her essay on the dangers of distracted driving and how everyday distractions behind the wheel can quickly become dangerous.
“Things like music when you’re singing along, or friends talking in the car, can distract drivers without them even realizing it,” West said. “These little things can end up in tragedy if you’re not incredibly careful.”
West said the topic became especially meaningful to her family after a distracted-driving crash left her cousin paralyzed.
She will attend Austin College in the Fall and is seeking to eventually go to medical school.
The scholarship honors the legacy of longtime NET RMA board chair Linda Thomas, who served the agency for more than 18 years.
“Linda Thomas served NET RMA as a beloved board member and chair for nearly two decades, and we’re proud to honor her memory through a program that encourages young drivers to think seriously about roadway safety,” said Andrea Williams-McCoy, NET RMA Community Relations Chair.
Across Northeast Texas, NET RMA awarded scholarships to 10 graduating seniors representing six counties. Scholarship recipients may use the funds toward tuition, fees, books, housing, or other college-related expenses.
You can meet the winners and read their essays at netrma.org/scholarship.
About the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA)
The NET RMA is an independent government agency created to accelerate the development of transportation projects in Northeast Texas. The agency’s mission is to provide regional mobility solutions that improve quality of life, enhance economic development, and support efficient transportation throughout the region.