10/01/2025
Quinlan ISD Alumni Alliance Names Fourth Scholarship Recipient: Earnest (Liam) Upchurch III to Pursue Medical Degree
QUINLAN, TX ā The Quinlan ISD Alumni Alliance, a dedicated partner organization of the Quinlan Independent School District (QISD), is proud to announce Earnest "Liam" Upchurch III as the fourth of its first five inaugural scholarship recipients. Upchurch, who began his medical studies at Ross University School of Medicine, has set an ambitious goal to become a board-certified Anesthesiologist by 2033, with a clear intention to return home to practice medicine in Texas.
"Once graduated, board-certified, and a practicing doctor, I plan on returning to the area to practice locally and aid in the further development of our community," Upchurch stated. "It is my hope that our community will once again put their faith in me to become a successful doctor."
Upchurch's scholarship application highlighted a long history of giving back to the Quinlan community, most notably through his service with the Quinlan Panther Band. He dedicated many hours working directly with Mr. Marty Filip and the musical directors to establish and run the lighting shows for the marching band's halftime "Bluebell/Light performance." During his high school years, his technical acumen earned him the "Best Techie in Show" award twice for UIL performances, and he was elected three times by his peers to the Panther Band's Leadership program.
His academic journey, which began at QISD, led him to successfully earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from East Texas A&M University-Commerce. During his undergraduate career, he was named to the Dean's List for academic achievement.
Upchurch's scholarship application highlighted a long history of giving back to the Quinlan community, most notably through his service with the Quinlan Panther Band. He dedicated many hours working directly with Mr. Marty Filip and the musical directors to establish and run the lighting shows for the marching band's halftime "Bluebell/Light performance." During his high school years, his technical acumen earned him the "Best Techie in Show" award twice for UIL performances, and he was elected to the Panther Band's Leadership program three times by his peers.
Upchurch acknowledged the financial challenges of higher education, noting that his success was achieved through a combination of a private computer scholarship (Derrickās Computer Scholarship) from a caring Quinlan family, federal loans (FAFSA), and maintaining a demanding work schedule of over 30 hours per week at local animal hospitals and a retail job.
Upchurch shared, expressing gratitude for the support he has already received. "I plan to give back to the community through excellent patient care and an outstanding work ethic to provide a critical service to our townspeople in need, when they may be most vulnerable."
Liamās longstanding service to the Quinlan and Lake Tawakoni area is deep-rooted in his family heritage, and their love for Quinlan schools and the overall well-being of the area has been evident for generations. Giving back to the community is part of what my grandparents began long ago with my entire family, and I will continue to do the same, God-willing, if I get to come home and practice in the area,ā said Upchurch.
The Quinlan ISD Alumni Alliance is committed to fostering continuing educational opportunities for QISD graduates. The scholarship awarded to Earnest (Liam) Upchurch III is a testament to the Allianceās mission to support alumni who embody the spirit of service and ambition for their hometown.
About the Quinlan ISD Alumni Alliance: The Quinlan ISD Alumni Alliance is a partner organization of the Quinlan Independent School District, dedicated to providing activities, communications, and services for graduates and former students. Its mission includes fostering and complementing continuing educational opportunities through initiatives such as its inaugural alumni scholarship program, as well as helping the district establish a K-12 mentoring program.
About the Quinlan ISD Alumni Alliance: The Quinlan ISD Alumni Alliance is a partner organization of the Quinlan Independent School District, dedicated to providing activities, communications, and services for graduates and former students. Its mission includes fostering and complementing continuing educational opportunities through initiatives like its inaugural alumni scholarship program, as well as helping the district create a K-12 mentoring program.