Two Lincoln County students are getting a little extra money for college thanks to a scholarship awarded through county supervisors’ statewide association.

Graduating West Lincoln senior Adam Martinez and Copiah-Lincoln Community College sophomore Anna Brooke Dickerson received $500 each for next year’s tuition bill from the Mississippi Association of Supervisors.

Both students were recognized Monday morning at a regular meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors.

“I’m super grateful for it. I couldn’t be any happier to receive this,” Martinez said.

The Mississippi Association of Supervisors County Employee Scholarship is given to eligible students who are immediately related to someone who is currently employed by, or retired from, Mississippi county governments.  MAS is a nonpartisan forum, and the MAS consists of the elected 410 supervisors from all 82 Mississippi counties. Other requirements include being a legal resident of Mississippi, having a minimum GPA of 2.5 and proof of current or future enrollment in an accredited public Mississippi college. 

“I was very excited and surprised that they chose me for this scholarship,” Dickerson said.

To apply for the scholarship, students must write an essay consisting of at least 750 words, and the topic must be chosen from the available list.  Up to two students can receive the scholarship per county in Mississippi, depending on the county’s participation in MAS-endorsed programs.

“I think it’s good that we can help our young people pursue their education,” District 5 Supervisor Doug Falvey said.

Martinez is from District 5, and he has just graduated with honors from West Lincoln Attendance Center.  He plans to attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College in the fall as a business major. 

His scholarship essay was about the importance of having sheriff deputies.  Martinez says he found out about the scholarship opportunity through the counselor’s office at his high school, but he is eligible for it because his grandfather Charles Smith is a deputy for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Dickerson is from District 3, and she has just completed her first year at Copiah-Lincoln Community College.  She is an accounting technology major, and she finished the year with a 3.8 grade point average. 

Her scholarship essay was about the duties of the circuit clerk.  Dickerson says she found out about the scholarship opportunity through her mother Keasha Dickerson, who works at the Lincoln County Circuit Clerk’s office.

“I’m just happy we could do that, just happy for ‘em. It’s a great achievement. They done good, and every little bit helps. Five hundred dollars is a lot of money for anybody going to school,” District 3 Supervisor Nolan Williamson said.

Story by Gracie Byrne