Volunteers with the Lincoln County Mississippi Scholars program are on a time crunch to make sure every qualified graduating senior walks away with a minimal $500 scholarship at Sunday’s award ceremony and reception.

“We have a terrible, wonderful problem of 35 more student recipients this year than we’ve ever had by a landslide,” said program director Amy Mason.

That’s a tremendous accomplishment for the students who are earning the prestigious Mississippi Scholar designation, but that means there are 65 students remaining who still need scholarship sponsors.

Lincoln County Mississippi Scholars has some reserves to cover a small portion of this, but will be forced to reduce the scholarship amount awarded from a $500 minimum back to $250, “which we are trying desperately not to do,” she said. “These kids have put in the work, they have earned the award distinction and these scholarship dollars.”

Organizers won’t need the money until later, but pledges for the scholarship sponsorships need to come in as soon as possible.

“We actually don’t start paying out scholarships until students register for their fall semester, so pledges for sponsorships are absolutely acceptable right now,” Mason said.

The Lincoln County Mississippi Scholars program began in 2005 with a goal of developing a better prepared, more educated college and career ready graduate entering the workforce. Mason said 140 graduating seniors from all high schools in Brookhaven and Lincoln County received Mississippi Scholar and Mississippi Scholar Tech Master distinctions in 2024.

Scholarship donations can come from businesses, civic organizations, churches and individuals and can also be designated “In Memory” or “In Honor” of an individual.

Sponsors are invited to participate in the awards ceremony and reception at Easthaven Baptist Church April 27.

Lincoln County Mississippi Scholars is a non-profit organization; and all monetary contributions are tax deductible. To pledge to sponsor either one or multiple scholarships, contact Mason at 601-757-0045, Rob McCreary at 601-757-1696 or email MSScholarsBrookhaven@yahoo.com.