List of all the donors who donated $500 or more to PAVE in 2025 during the 6th annual PAVE East Texas donor appreciation luncheon in Tyler, Texas on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (Leeza Meyer/Tyler Morning Telegraph)Through tears, Makenzie Speer shared her story of hardship, resilience and gratitude as she found her way through PAVE East Texas’ adult education programs at the nonprofit’s annual donor luncheon on Wednesday in Tyler. “It’s just our way to thank them and just continuously remind them of our mission and the good that they’re doing when they benefit to PAVE,” said Abby Floyd, director of development and communications at PAVE East Texas. “Makenzie is just one of the thousands of individuals who have made their dreams a reality through our programs over the last 36 years,” said Whitney Patterson, executive director of PAVE East Texas. Outside Smith County, many other East Texas counties see 20 to 21% of adults without a high school diploma, Patterson said.