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Water Family Endowed Scholarship
About Scholarship
The Waters Family established this scholarship in appreciation of their employees. The recipient must be a dependent (child or grandchild) of an employee of Waters International Trucks or Waters Truck and Tractor, Inc.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Dependent of a Waters International employee
- Graduating High School Senior, or currently enrolled in College
- GPA 3.0
- Attending school in Mississippi or Alabama
Complete an essay - Provide two email addresses for adults who will enter letters of recommendation
Virginia Graham Memorial Scholarship
About Scholarship
The Virginia Graham Memorial Scholarship was established by the Meridian High School Class of 1968 and friends of Mrs. Graham. She was a beloved teacher and counselor on the MHS faculty for many years. The goal of this scholarship is to encourage worthy and promising Meridian High School students to continue their education. Selection is based on scholarship, promise, leadership, and service.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduation high school senior from Meridian High School
- GPA 3.0
- Exhibit leadership and community service
- Complete an essay
- Provide two email addresses for adults who will enter letters of recommendation for you.
Scholarship Amount: $430.00
Sylvia Autry Scholarship Endowment
About Scholarship
The Sylvia Autry Scholarship Endowment was established in recognition of Mrs. Autry’s 45 years of service to the children and youth of the Meridian Public School District.
Mrs. Autry graduated from Meridian High School and after earning her degree in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, she returned to the Meridian Public School District to teach. She was a teacher for 18 years, Principal for 14 years, and spent 13 years in a Superintendent’s role. She made a huge impact on the entire school district and countless student lives.
Through lead gifts from the Riley Foundation and the Phil Hardin Foundation, one scholarship each year is awarded to a graduating Senior at Meridian High School to continue their education at a four-year university in Mississippi in honor of Mrs. Autry.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating High School Senior from Meridian High School
- GPA 3.0
- Attending College in the state of Mississippi
- Good behavior and good attendance
- Essay about what this scholarship would mean to you
- Two email addresses for adults who will enter letters of recommendation for you.
Scholarship Amount: $1,200.00
Stennis Memorial Scholarship
About Scholarship
John C. Stennis, a United States Senator and a native of Kemper County, established an educational trust to provide a scholarship every year to a student in Kemper County. He did this in memory of his parents, Hampton and Cornelia Adams Stennis, who had struggled to educate all seven of their children, and also in memory of his sisters Janie, Bessie, and Annie, all of whom had lifelong teaching careers in Mississippi.
Stennis retired from the US Senate in 1989, after serving over 41 years and having never lost an election. He began his secondary education at Mississippi State University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1923. After retiring, he returned to Mississippi State University to teach and continued to work there until he passed away at the age of 93.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating high school senior from Kemper County, MS
- GPA 3.0
- Essay based on Senator Stennis’ motto, “Look ahead.” How do you hope to serve your community and state and ultimately your country?”
- List school and community activities.
- List other scholarships awarded.
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $1,000.00
Ron Smith Memorial Scholarship
About Scholarship
Ron Smith was often titled one of the “Fingerprint Guru’s” in the Forensic world. He began his Forensic career at the age of 18 when he moved to Washington, D.C. to work with the FBI. He continued his love of forensics by working with the State of Alabama Crime Laboratory, Mississippi Crime Laboratory until he retired in 2002. Throughout his career, he travelled all over the U.S. and many foreign countries and inspired forensic scientists with his vast amount of forensic and courtroom testimony knowledge. In 2002, he and his daughter, Heather began a private consulting firm, Ron Smith and Associates, Inc. in Collinsville, MS. Through this company, he continued to assist examiners and government agencies in many facets of crime solving.
The West Lauderdale Class of 1972 has established this scholarship to honor the memory of Ron Smith.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating High School Senior from West Lauderdale High School
- GPA 3.0
- Essay
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $500
Porter Jordan Memorial Scholarship
About Scholarship
Porter Jordan was born and raised in Philadelphia, Mississippi. He graduated from Philadelphia High School in 2005, where he was elected Mr. PHS, Senior Class President 2005 and named All-District in football, soccer, and baseball. He went on to attend Mississippi State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
In honor of his memory, Porter’s family has established a scholarship to help a senior athlete at Philadelphia High School achieve their academic goals.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating High School Senior from Philadelphia High School
- Involved in athletics for a minimum of 2 years
- GPA 3.0
- Shows good behavior and a record of good attendance.
- Choice of Essay question.
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $1,400
Neshoba Education Scholarship
About Scholarship
The purpose of the Neshoba Education Scholarship is to support education advancement for students in Neshoba County. Multiple scholarships are awarded each year based on funding and the number of applications received.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Be on track to graduate from Neshoba Central High School or Philadelphia High School;
- Student must plan to enroll as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher learning;
- Student must have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale);
- Student must possess good behavior and have a good attendance record;
- Scholarship funds to be used towards fees for tuition, books or housing only
- Essay
- Provide two email addresses for letters of recommendation
Mildred Corley Sutton Scholarship
About Scholarship
The Mildred Corley Sutton Scholarship Fund has been established by her family in memory of Mrs. Sutton, who passed away on February 25, 2023, at the age of 82 in Philadelphia, MS. Mrs. Sutton was a dedicated educator who devoted her life to teaching children in Neshoba County. Her family has set up this scholarship fund to honor her legacy and give back to graduating seniors in Neshoba County.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Senior at Philadelphia High School, Neshoba Central High School, or Choctaw Central High School
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
Must have participated in extracurricular activities at school - Must have participated in community service activities during high school.
- Must write a short narrative describing how this scholarship will assist them in preparing for their future.
- Upload a copy of official transcript.
- Provide two email addresses for letters of recommendation.
Scholarship Amount: $2000.00
Mike Couch and Jennifer Welch Legacy Scholarship
About Scholarship
This scholarship is provided by Mike Couch and Jennifer Welch to offer an educational scholarship to a student entering a Technical or Trade School.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- GPA 2.5
- Entering a trade or technical school
- Community Service
- Write an Essay
- Provide two email addresses for adults who will enter letters of recommendation for you
- List academic achievements and community service efforts
Scholarship Amount: $500.00
Meyer Davidson Leadership Award
About Scholarship
The Meyer Davidson Leadership Award has been established to provide a scholarship to a graduating senior who displays qualities of leadership, personal integrity, and all-around citizenship in honor of Mr. Davidson.
Meyer and his brother Sammie began working for their father’s business in Meridian, MS, back in 1930. They were not business school graduates or corporate managers; they only knew one way to run a business: family style. They treated customers and employees with respect and affection. Building relationships and trust were the most important things for Meyer and Sammie, and everything else followed.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating High School Senior from Meridian High School
- Exhibits excellent leadership and personal integrity qualities
- GPA 3.0
- Choice of Essay question.
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $1,200.00
Melinda Weathers Memorial Scholarship
About Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a well-rounded student who excels in both academics and extra-curricular activities, particularly in the area of athletics. The recipient should demonstrate strong leadership skills and a positive attitude, in remembrance of Melinda Weathers, who was a former student of Meridian High School.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating High School Senior from Meridian High School
- Student Athlete
- Exhibits excellent leadership qualities
- GPA 3.0
- Choice of Essay question.
Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $430.00
Melida Patterson / Boys and Girls Club Scholarship
About Scholarship
Melida Patterson was a dedicated volunteer and leader who became a vital part of the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi. She was recognized for her efforts and commitment to the mission of the club, which aimed to provide innovative and high-quality programs that empower young people to excel in school and lead productive lives. Melida was even named Volunteer of the Year and served as Chairman of the Board. Her family has now created a scholarship in her honor, which will be awarded to students who demonstrate both financial need and motivation to achieve their potential through higher education. This scholarship is a lasting tribute to Melida, who was a wonderful mother, wife, friend, and advocate, particularly for the less fortunate.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating High School Senior or student currently enrolled in a higher educational institution who has participated in the Boys and Girls Club.
- Must plan to or currently attending MCC or MSU-Meridian
- GPA 3.0
- How were you involved with the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi?
- List honors you received in high school in academics, sports, or Boys and Girls Club.
- Answer the following essay question: How will a scholarship be of help to you?
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $1,000 each
Multiple scholarship opportunities are available to deserving students
Lt. Sandra King-Young, PhD. Scholarship
About Scholarship
The Lt. Sandra King-Young, PhD. Scholarship The scholarship was created by Arthur S. Young in honor of his late wife, Lt. Sandra King-Young. The scholarship aims to keep her memory alive by helping other young women pursue their educational dreams. Sandra was raised in Meridian with eight siblings and graduated from Meridian High School in 1984. She had a passion for becoming a doctor, which led her to continue her education and athletic career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. There, she was part of the Women’s Basketball team and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree. In 1989, Sandra joined the United States Navy, where she continued her education and training at the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. She also played on the All Armed Forces Basketball Team. Sandra obtained her Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland and another Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Finally, she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a clinical psychologist when she received her Doctoral Degree from the Uniformed Services University. Sandra enjoyed playing basketball, volunteering with church, and helping children.
The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior girls’ basketball player who has been accepted to a college or university. The purpose of the scholarship is to help cover the costs of books, tuition, and/or housing.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating Senior from Meridian High School
- Female Basketball player at Meridian High School
- GPA 2.5
- Choice of Essay question.
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $1,000.00
Kemper County Board of Supervisors Leadership Scholarship
About Scholarship
The Kemper County Board of Supervisors Leadership Scholarship has been established to recognize a first year college student who has the potential to become a future leader in Kemper County. This scholarship is awarded annually to a Kemper County resident who plans to attend East Mississippi Community College as a freshman, to enrich the educational knowledge of the county’s residents.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Kemper County First-year student pursuing a higher education at EMCC.
- GPA 2.5
- Choice of Essay question.
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amounts:
(9) $500 scholarships will be awarded
Jennie Ruth Crump Memorial Scholarship
About Scholarship
Dr. Crump was an employee of the Meridian Public School System, where she served as a Teacher, Principal of Wechsler School, and Coordinator of early childhood education. She was highly regarded and spent her entire career focusing on education. This scholarship is presented to a senior who exhibits the qualities of leadership and good citizenship in honor of Dr. Crump.
Special consideration is given to those planning to enter the field of education, although this is not a deciding factor.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Female Graduating High School Senior from Meridian High School
- GPA of 3.0
- Exhibits excellent leadership qualities
- Choice of Essay question.
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $500.00
John F. Burt Scholarship
About Scholarship
Mr. John Burt was born in 1925 and was raised during the Great Depression – a time marked by extreme poverty for almost all Americans. For a family to survive during the Great Depression, they had to be resilient, and they had to demonstrate excellent planning; many families still worked the land to provide for their family. The skills Mr. Burt learned in the 1930’s heavily shaped who he became. For his entire life, he planned out his garden and always prepared to have an abundance of produce to give away to others. He knew from his experience as a child that it was better to have an abundance to share with those in need than not enough.
When Mr. John Burt became of age, he enlisted in the US Navy and served on the aircraft carrier, USS Midway. His experience in World War II strengthened his beliefs about patriotism, commitment, and service. After his military service, Mr. Burt and his wife opened and operated a grocery store where he continued to be in service of others by providing necessities as well as enriching his community. God, family, and fellowship were priorities of Mr. Burt’s; he was always willing to be of service to anyone he considered family and at times to complete strangers. Obviously, Mr. Burt’s experiences shaped his moral code and guided the compass of his life.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Resident of Neshoba County, MS
- Accepted as a full-time student at an accredited institution of higher learning
- Have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
- ACT score of at least 15
- Possess good behavior and a good attendance record
- Participated in one of the following for preferably 4 years; band, basketball, baseball, football, and /or soccer (multiple sports preferred)
- Please list any experience you have in technical areas of education (preferred)
- Essay about what experiences from your own adolescence will shape your moral code, and how you hope those experiences will guide the compass of your own life
- Scholarship funds to be used towards fees for tuition and/or books only.
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $1,000.00
I.A. Rosenbaum Memorial Scholarship
About Scholarship
Born in Meridian on March 21, 1920, Rosenbaum graduated from Meridian High School before heading to Vanderbilt University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Rosenbaum served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1946 and piloted F4U Corsairs, receiving five battle stars and a Presidential Citation for his service. He continued to serve in the Active Reserve until his retirement in 1961. He was the mayor of the city from 1977 to 1985 and was an original founder of Meyer and Rosenbaum Insurance. He also served with numerous charities. During his time as mayor, Rosenbaum worked with G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery to expand the National Guard Complex at Key Field and solidify the military presence in East Mississippi. On July 16, 1957, the first shovel of earth was thrown, marking the beginning of the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS), which was commissioned on July 14, 1961. Rosenbaum was honored by naming a street after him to be his crowning achievement. Mr. Rosenbaum passed away at the age of 92 on March 11, 2012.
Meridian Public School District created this scholarship to honor Mr. Rosenbaum’s legacy and leadership. The scholarship is aimed at graduating students who aspire to follow in his footsteps and lead an accomplished life that improves Lauderdale County.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating Senior from Meridian High School
- GPA 3.0
- Exhibits a high degree of leadership and personal integrity.
- Participation in athletics and/or extracurricular activities.
- Recognition as a leader by fellow students
- Portrays personal integrity and all-around citizenship
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $2,800.00
John Wesley Johnson Legacy Fund
About Scholarship
The John Wesley Johnson Legacy Fund is dedicated to supporting and empowering students from East Mississippi attending HBCUs. By investing in the education of these scholars, the Legacy Fund seeks to promote equity, enhance career opportunities, and cultivate future leaders who will contribute positively to their communities and beyond.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Mississippi Resident
Graduating High School Student - Accepted as a full-time student at an accredited HBCU Institution
- GPA 3.0
- Community Service
- Two letters of recommendation
Scholarship Amount: Two Scholarships will be awarded for $1,500 each.
Frances and Cooper Williams Memorial Scholarship
About Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Cooper Williams from Philadelphia, MS. The couple had been married for 58 years and centered their world around their children and grandchildren. Despite being the president of his company, Mr. Cooper ran his business from behind the bacon slicer and cheese cutter. He knew his customers by name, and often their children and grandchildren too. Frances was an All-State basketball player in high school and became the second woman in Mississippi to receive a licensed airplane pilot certification in 1941. She worked alongside Mr. Cooper at their store until her retirement.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating High School Senior from Philadelphia High School
- GPA 3.0
- Shows good behavior and a record of good attendance.
- Write an essay, “What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $11,500.00
Dr. Sonny Rush Memorial Scholarship
About Scholarship
Dr. Sonny Rush was a pioneering orthopedic surgeon and a kind friend to all his patients. He encouraged all students interested in healthcare to pursue their passion in the medical field. This scholarship was established by his family in his memory and is designed to help jumpstart a career in the healthcare field.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating High School Senior from Lauderdale County public or private High School or Meridian High School
OR Current College Student enrolled in Medical or Healthcare field at a two or four year school. - GPA 3.0
- Possess good behavior and have a good attendance record.
- Aspiring to enter the medical field
- Essay: “Explain why you have chosen to peruse a career in the medical/healthcare field?”
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $1,500
Constance Wells and Lucille McKee Memorial Scholarship
About Scholarship
The Constance Wells and Lucille McKee Memorial Scholarship was established by Eric McKee in honor of his grandmothers. It is for a Meridian High School graduate or any Lauderdale County High School graduate to help them get started on their college journey.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating High School Senior from a Lauderdale County School or Meridian High School.
- GPA 3.0
- Choice of Essay question.
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $500.00
Catherine and Michael Slater Scholarship
About Scholarship
The Catherine and Michael Slater Scholarship provides a scholarship to a deserving Senior from Choctaw County High School so they may pursue higher education at an Alabama public college. One scholarship will be awarded per year, and the scholarship is renewable for up to four years*.
*GPA requirements must be met before renewing each semester.
*Pell Grant awards must be applied to tuition balance before this scholarship
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating High School Senior from Choctaw, AL.
- Pursuing a higher education at an Alabama Public College or Meridian Community College.
- GPA 3.0
- Choice of Essay question.
- Enter Pell Grant Award Amount
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: Up to $6,000 per semester
Bridging the Gap
About Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Trey Powell and Bridget Horn, who were both Veterans that lost their battle with PTSD to suicide. The Stronger Together Foundation strives to bring awareness to the large number of Veterans who face crises and ultimately commit suicide, as well as provide support to the families left behind.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Qualify as one of the following:
- Experienced a devastating loss of a loved one to suicide
- A dependent or sibling to military personnel or first responders
- Entering the mental health field.
- GPA 2.5
- Write an essay, poem or song or submit artwork focusing on Mental Health, suicide prevention and awareness, PTSD or other related topics.
- Provide two email addresses for adults who will enter letters of recommendation for you
- List academic achievements and community service efforts
Scholarship Total Amount: $2,000.00*
(Two) $1,000.00 Scholarships will be awarded
Brian Keith Cole Scholarship
About Scholarship
Brian Keith Cole, a 1997 graduate of Meridian High School, was a baseball player who played with the New York Mets until his untimely death in 2001. The Brian Keith Cole Memorial Scholarship was established to honor his memory and support a student/athlete from Meridian High School. The recipient of this scholarship should excel in athletics, demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities, and possess a competitive and tenacious spirit for success on the athletic field, just like Brian did.
Eligibility & Application Requirements:
- Graduating High School Senior from Meridian High School
- Student Athlete
- Exhibits excellent leadership qualities
- GPA 2.5
- Choice of Essay question.
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for yo
Scholarship Amount $1,450.00
A Lil' Bit Helps Scholarship
About Scholarship
The A Little Bit Helps Scholarship was established in memory of Ki’Andrea Moss Booker. The scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from Lauderdale County who plan to pursue postsecondary education at a Mississippi community college, junior college, or university.
Preference may be given to dependents of Mississippi Power employees and retirees; however, this preference is not required for eligibility.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
- Graduating high school senior from a Lauderdale County high school or Meridian High School
- Enrollment plans at a Mississippi community college, junior college, or university
- Documentation of 30 hours of community service, uploaded as part of the application
- Write an essay about how “community service or volunteer work has shaped who you are today and what it has taught you.”
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $650
Kemper County Hometown Scholarship
About Scholarship
The Kemper County Hometown Scholarship will award two $2,500.00 scholarships to graduating Kemper County seniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. This scholarship recognizes students who give back to their hometown through leadership, volunteerism, and meaningful community involvement.
Service matters. Impact matters. Your hometown is investing in you.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
- Graduating high school senior from Kemper County High School or Kemper Academy
- GPA 3.0
- Choice of essay question
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $2500.00
Otis Dreams of Books Scholarship
About Scholarship
This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Otis Douglas, who had a lifelong love of reading and learning. Many nights, Otis would fall asleep reading his daughter’s schoolbooks. He was unable to finish his own high school education, and this gave him the deepest appreciation for learning. Our hope for this scholarship is to honor his legacy by fostering a love of learning and reading in students pursuing their college education.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
- Graduating high school senior
- GPA 2.5, ACT 25
- Essay question about what gives you joy
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $1,000.00
Michael "Chico" Brooks Scholarship
About Scholarship
Michael “Chico” Brooks was a lifelong Meridian High Wildcat who devoted more than fifty years of service to Meridian High School and its athletic programs. Chico loved the Wildcats, and he cared for generations of student-athletes right up until the day he left this earth. “Forever Wildcat” describes him perfectly as his commitment ran deep.
The Michael “Chico” Brooks Scholarship honors his legacy by recognizing a Meridian High School student-athlete who embodies that same love for Meridian High and the Wildcat spirit. Chico treated everyone with kindness, encouraged others, and took great joy in watching former Wildcats thrive, often affectionately calling them “big brother.”
The recipient of this special scholarship should be someone who leaves the school and the Athletic Department better than they found them, just as Chico did for Meridian High School, the Wildcat Athletic Department, and the broader community.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
- Graduating high school senior from Meridian High School
- GPA 2.5
- Essay question about what it has meant to be a Wildcat
- Possess good behavior, strong leadership and have good attendance
- Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you
Scholarship Amount: $500.00