2023 Seniors honored at Awards Night Ceremony
On Thursday, May 4, 2023, Meridian High School held its annual Senior Awards Banquet recognizing seniors from the 2023 graduating class at Meridian High School.
Students were recognized for their work in the classroom, community, and extracurricular activities. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this amazing group of seniors!
Melinda Weathers Scholarship Award: Maliyah Hill
This scholarship is presented to an all-around student who excels in academics and extracurricular activities with a special emphasis on athletics. This recipient should exhibit leadership skills and a positive attitude. (Scholarship amount $430)
Jennie Ruth Crump Scholarship Award: Maliyah Hill
This scholarship is presented to a senior female who exhibits the qualities of scholarship, leadership, and good citizenship. Special consideration will be given to students who plan to enter the field of education, although it is not a deciding factor. (Scholarship amount $430)
Virginia Graham Memorial Scholarship Award: Maliyah Hill
The Virginia Graham Memorial Scholarship was established by the Meridian High School Class of 1968 and a friend of the late Mrs. Virginia Graham, a beloved teacher and counselor on the MHS faculty for many years. The goal is to encourage worthy and promising Meridian High School students to continue their education. Selection is based on scholarship, promise, leadership, and service. (Scholarship amount $430)
Brian Keith Cole Memorial Scholarship: Charm Hunter
Brian Keith Cole was a 1997 graduate of Meridian High School and played baseball with the New York Mets until his death in 2001. The Brian Keith Cole Memorial Scholarship is presented to a Meridian High School student-athlete who excels in athletics and exhibits excellent leadership qualities. The recipients of this award should display a competitive and tenacious spirit for success on the athletic field. (Scholarship amount $1500)
Meyer Davidson Leadership Award: Mikayla Smith
The Meyer Davidson Leadership Award is presented to a graduating senior at Meridian High School who exhibits the qualities of leadership. Personal integrity, all-around citizenship, and acknowledgment of leadership abilities by fellow students are standards of selection. Excellence in scholarship and participation in extracurricular activities are also considered. (Scholarship Amount $1000)
I.A. Rosenbaum Scholarship Award: Devin Portis
The I.A. Rosenbaum Scholarship is presented to a graduating senior at Meridian High School who exhibits a high degree of leadership qualities. Excellence in scholarship is also considered, as a participation in athletics or extracurricular activities. Recognition as a leader by fellow students is carefully weighed, but none of these are the sole determining factor. It is also the intention of the award that personal integrity and all-around citizenship be carefully considered in awarding the benefits of this trust. (Scholarship Amount $2800)
The Sylvia Autry Scholarship Award: Haley Jenkins
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. 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. Scholarship Amount $1000)
The Sandra King Scholarship Award: Syria Walker
The Lt. Sandra M. King Young, Ph.D. Memorial Scholarship was established by Arthur S. Young to benefit young ladies who have participated on the Girls' Basketball team at Meridian High School (MHS). This scholarship will be awarded to a graduating MHS Senior who has been accepted by and committed to a college or university to help offset the cost of books, tuition and/or housing. Sandra King Young’s life will not be forgotten but will live on for many years to come by helping other young ladies pursue their educational dreams. (Scholarship Amount $1000)
Dr. Gus A Sonny Rush Scholarship Award: Diamond Martin
The Meridian High School Class of 1970 has established a memorial fund at Citizens National Bank to honor the life of Dr. Gus A. “Sonny” Rush, who passed away on August 20, 2021. The MHS Class of 1970, along with the Rush family, wants to honor Dr. Rush’s life by improving the lives of students who pass through the halls of Meridian High School aspiring to pursue a career in a medically related field. (Scholarship Amount $1000)
Constance Wells, Lucille McKee Scholarship Award: Elijah Brown
The Constance Wells, Lucille McKee Scholarship Fund was set up in 2019 by Eric McKee in memory of his grandmothers. The scholarship is to help seniors graduating from Meridian High School or one of the Lauderdale County High Schools get started in college. (Scholarship Amount $500)
Charles and Doretha Young Scholarship Awards: Kaylee Campbell, Macy Campbell, Jordan Davis, and MaKiya Lynch
These scholarships are presented in the amount of $1000 each to a deserving student from the Young Family in honor of Charles and Doretha Young. Students had to apply and write an essay that was evaluated by a qualified judging panel. We ask that the representatives of the organization please come to the stage as the awards are presented to the students.
The Mary E. Greenwood Educational Excellence Scholarship Program: Elijah Brown, Haley Jenkins, MaKiya Lynch, and Diamond Martin
Mrs. Mary E. Greenwood is a retired teacher who worked in the Meridian Public School System dedicating over 30 years of service educating Meridian’s youth. To pay homage to her career and her passion for educational excellence, in 2016, her children established a scholarship program in her honor. The Mary E. Greenwood Scholarship Program provides financial support to deserving African-American seniors in the city of Meridian and surrounding Lauderdale County planning to pursue a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. For the 2022-2023 school year, four of the five awards granted in the amount of $1000 each will be given to the following Meridian High School graduating seniors.
Friends of Education Awards
These colleges, military, community sororities, fraternities, alumni, and organizations support Meridian High School and public education.
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee – Buster Pool Scholarship – Mikayla Smith $1650
Sand Wedge Golf Association Scholarship – Elijah Brown $500 and Haley Jenkins $500
Marine Corps – Scholastic Excellence Award – Sumny Vasconcelos & Emmanuel Wilson
Marine Corps – Distinguished Athlete Award – LaPrincess Powell & Devin Portis
Marine Corps – Semper Fidelis Award – Ty’Shun Hopson & Liiric Trussell
American Legion (Boys State) – Jordan Dixon
Jackson State University Meridian/Lauderdale County Alumni Chapter: ($1,000 each):
Marlaina Baylor, Kaylee Campbell, Jamiya King, Jayda Perkins, Shambre’ Sims.
Jackson State University awarded Shambre’ Sims a full tuition scholarship.
MHS Class of 1993 Scholarship Award - Elijah Brown $400, Diamond Martin $400, Mikayla Smith $400, Alyssa Bland $200, and Christian McClelland $200.
MHS Class of 1986 Scholarship Award – Elijah Brown & Kaylee Campbell, $500 each
MHS Class of 1987 Scholarship Award – Kendis Irving & Christian McClelland, $500 each
Meridian Housing Authority Scholarship Recipients
Meridian Housing Authority Scholarship Recipients will be receiving $1000 toward their tuition cost. The recipients are – Octavia Burton, Camron Colton, Janiya Henderson, Kendis Irving, Zykeevian King, Jakaylah Malone, Shaniya Price.
Jeanelle Kidd Endowment: Jamire Clayton & Alexia Mosley
The Jeanelle Kidd Endowment Scholarship is awarded to a Meridian High School Senior who resides in Meridian Housing Authority’s Affordable Housing Community who exemplifies the following: high academic prowess and dedication, professionalism, and proven community service involved.
The recipients of the Jeanelle Kidd Endowment Scholarship receive $65,000 each.
Other Award Recipients
Student Council Awards: Haley Jenkins, Student Council President, and Sha’nya Davis, Senior Class President
Student Council awards are presented to the Student Council President and Senior Class President in recognition of their service to MHS.
Picasso Award: Guy Dickerson
The Picasso Award is sponsored by the National Art Honor Society and is awarded to the member who has made a difference in the lives of others and the society through their leadership on campus and in the community. The student chosen this year has been that leader, whether in planning fundraisers, field trips, or children’s workshops she had led the way by doing, not just asking.
Mr. and Miss MHS: Ty’Shun Hopson and Mikayla Smith
Students are nominated for Mr. and Miss MHS by teachers and then voted on by the Senior class. Nominees should be an example of all MHS stands for – leadership, citizenship, academics, service, positive attitudes, and involvement on campus.
Eris D. Jordan Spirit of Excellence Award: Haley Jenkins
The MHS Class of 2010 established this award in honor of Ms. Eris D. Jordan. Ms. Jordan served as a counselor at Meridian High School for over 25 years. The Class of 2010 was her last graduating class at Meridian High School.
This award will be presented to a young lady who exemplifies the qualities that Ms. Jordan possesses. These qualities include: strong leadership skills, humility, well-rounded, charming, outstanding personality, and good citizenship. She should be active in school and community activities.
Principal’s Leadership Awards
Principal’s Leadership Awards are presented to seniors who have displayed excellence in leadership, who have demonstrated excellence as a role model, who have inspired others to work collaboratively and creatively, and who have demonstrated initiative and promoted respectfulness amongst peers.
Principal’s Leadership Awards go to: Elijah Brown, Aniyah Hudnall, Haley Jenkins, MaKiya Lynch, and Brandi Morris.
Distinguished Honor Medals
Distinguished Honor Medals are presented to seniors who have displayed excellence in achievement and who have been afforded the recognition of service by their fellow students and teachers.
Distinguished Honor Medal Recipients: Elijah Brown, Kaylee Campbell, Macy Campbell, Kiersten Hampton, Maliyah Hill, Tyshun Hopson, Charm Hunter, Haley Jenkins, Diamond Martin, Shambre’ Sims, and Mikayla Smith.
Meridian High School Service Awards
Meridian High Service Awards are presented to students who have consistently shown a desire to be helpful in various areas of the school. Names are recommended from various sources and the actions that deserve the award are as versatile as the individual.
Service Awards: Alyssa Bland, Elijah Brown, Kaylee Campbell, Macy Campbell, Kiersten Hampton, Maliyah Hill, Tyshun Hopson, Charm Hunter, Haley Jenkins, MaKiya Lynch, Diamond Martin, Christian McClelland, Demondra Scott, Shambre’ Sims, Mikayla Smith, Emmanuel Wilson.
MHS Hall of Fame
The MHS Hall of Fame is an effort to reward the students who have excelled in and out of the classroom. In order to qualify for the Hall of Fame, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, an ACT score of 24 or higher, and a minimum of 40 hours of documented community service.
The members of the 2023 MHS Hall of Fame are Amiya Boyd, Jordan Davis, Guy Dickerson, Haley Jenkins, Shambre’ Sims, Mikayla Smith.
Citizenship Awards
Recipients of this award have not had any discipline referrals or write-ups during their time at Meridian High School, grades 9-12. These students will receive a certificate. We ask that as names are called, students stand for recognition and remain standing until all names are called. The 2023 Citizenship Award winners are:
Eboni Alford, Derys Avilez-Macias, Marlaina Baylor, Amyria Bell, Eddie Bennett Jr., Ta’Nayshjia Bland, Jaunta’ Blanks, Nyla Boatwright, Quendarrion Boston, Amiya Boyd, Jharoddreon Braden, Asia Bradley, Elijah Brown, Jaylon Brown, Sampson Brown, Tamia Burrage, Malik Bush, Ciara Campbell, Kaylee Campbell, Macy Campbell, James Carson, Brendasha Chaney, Edward Clements III, Michael Cole, Ta’Nayja Cole-Huggins, Camron Colton, Xevier Conley, Jordan Davis, Sha’nya Davis, Daniel De Zarraga, Natajha Dean, Sanaa Dean, Guy Dickerson, Jallisa Earl, TaLiyah Evins, Zy’Keria Foy, Courtney Garrett, Jeffery Gathright Jr., Umaya Grady, Aidan Graham, Israel Griffin, Ja’Kiya Griffin, Kiersten Hampton, Delano Harris, Joshua Hattell, MarKayla Hayes, Maliyah Hill, NyKiera Hill, Ty’Shun Hopson, Ashanta Horton, Aniyah Hudnall, Charm Hunter, Kendis Irving, TyShaila Ivy, Haley Jenkins, Jameyia Jennings, Nichelle Johnson, Nikayla Johnson, Ahmonee Jones, CorDaisha Jones, Tamarion Jones, Caden Jordan, Charity Jordan, Jekalah Keyes, Jamiya King, ZyKeevian King, Jennifer Land, Javontae Leggette, Karington Lewis, Zaccheus Little, Alisha Lockhart, Braxton Madison, Jakaylah Malone, Diamond Martin, Kiya Maye, Adrianna Coleman, Christian McClelland, Akaylah McCoy, Alayzia McNeil, Denashia Monroe, Jaquavius Morris, Alexia Mosley, Tristen Mosley, Jamaria Norman, Jumarion Parker, Ja’Kiriya Payne, Esmeralda Pena-Zurita, Jayda Perkins, Devin Portis, Shaniya Price, Cesar Quinteros, Maribel Ruiz-Cambron, Zachorii Rush, Justin Scott Jr., Ca’Dasha Sillimon, Shambre’ Sims, Mark Smith III, Je’Kera Smith, Miguel Smith, Mikayla Smith, Natasha Smith, Taylor Smith, Victoria Smith, Johanna Smith-Brown, Benjamin Stewart, Kalea Taylor, Zy’kirea Taylor, Ashley Thames, Cristina Todd, Liiric Trussell, Roscoe Tucker Jr., Reagan Turner, Sunny Vasconcelos, William Wade IV, Timiahis Wallace, Shakira Washington, Joshua Watts, Aaliyah Willis, Emmanuel Wilson.
National Honor Society Members
Members of the National Honor Society have been selected for having a 3.5 cumulative GA and for excelling in Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character as decided by the faculty and administration.
National Honor Society Members are Marlaina Baylor, Kaniyah Bell, Alyssa Bland, Nyla Boatwright, Amiyah Boyd, Elijah Brown, Ciara Campbell, Kaylee Campbell, Macy Campbell, Ta’Nayja Cole-Huggins, Sha’nya Davis, Jordan Davis, Jallisa Earl, Kiersten Hampton, Ty’Shun Hopson, Charm Hunter, Kendis Irving, Haley Jenkins, CorDaisha Jones, Jamiya King, Karington Lewis, MaKiya Lynch, Jayda Perkins, Maribel Ruiz-Cambron, Shambre’ Sims, Mikayla Smith, Sumny Vasconcelos, Syria Walker.
Maude Smith English Award: Guy Dickerson
The Maude Smith English Award is the most prestigious honor given by the English Department. The recipient of this award must have an outstanding English average in the Advanced Placement English class. Maintaining outstanding averages in Accelerated English II and Accelerated English III or in comparable classes in other school systems if a transfer is involved is also mandatory. The recipient must also demonstrate a serious appreciation of literature and learning.
This award is given in honor of Miss Maude Smith, who taught English at Meridian High for a number of years. Miss Smith was an exemplary teacher who instilled in her students the importance of clear, concise communication, and a love of literature and learning.
Spirit of English Award: Amiya Boyd
The English Spirit Award is given to a member of the Advanced Placement English class and the three-year Accelerated English program at Meridian High School. The recipient must consistently demonstrate a genuine excitement about literature and learning in general. He/She may not necessarily have a superior average; however, his/her grades should be in the A-B+ range. This student is usually the discussion leader and consistently challenges the class to think. He/She is exceptionally well-read in many genres and related areas, and demonstrates an ability to relate literature to art, philosophy, and history. This recipient regularly brings new ideas to class discussion, goes to the library to obtain supplemental information, and reads independently on a regular basis.
US Department of Educational Presidential Award for Educational Excellence
The Presidential Award for Educational Excellence is based on grade point average, ACT scores, and community service. Students qualifying for this Award have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater; an ACT score of 22 or higher, and have completed at least 30 hours of community service.
The seniors who are receiving the Certificate, Cord and Pin for the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence for 2023 are: Amiya Boyd, Elijah Brown, Jaylon Brown, Macy Campbell, Sha’nya Davis, Jordan Davis, Sanaa Dean, Guy Dickerson, Maliyah Hill, Ty’Shun Hopson, Haley Jenkins, Zaccheus Little, Shambre’ Sims, MiKayla Smith, Liiric Trussell, Sumny Vasconcelos.
ACT WorkKeys
ACT WorkKeys is a job skills assessment system that helps employers select, hire, train, develop, and retain a high-performance workforce. This series of tests measures foundational and soft skills and offers specialized assessments to target institutional needs. By completing the assessments, students can earn the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).
The NCRC is a credential that can show employers you have work skills needed to succeed at a job. Like the WorkKeys tests themselves, the NCRC isn’t meant for a specific career field, and it is designed to be applicable to all workers.
To earn an NCRC, you need to take three WorkKeys assessments: Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Graphic Literacy. There are four levels of NCRC certification: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Roughly 19% of test-takers who receive an NCRC credential receive the Gold or Platinum level, which designates them as qualified for over 93% of jobs in the WorkKeys Job Pro database.
ACT WorkKeys SILVER
Nyla Boatwright, Elijah Brown, Kennyh Crenshaw, Andria Davis, Natajha Dean, TaLiyah Evins, Aidan Graham, Israel Griffin, Kendis Irving, Jameyia Jennings, Tristen Mosley, Abrea Smith.
ACT WorkKeys GOLD
Sanaa Dean, Aubrey Johnson, Zaccheus Little, Liiric Trussell
ACT WorkKeys PLATINUM
Guy Dickerson, Andreikis Terry
ACT 20+ Club
Senior members of the ACT 20+ Club are Eboni Alford, Alyssa Bland, Jharrodrean Braden, Elijah Brown, Jaylon Brown, Sampson Brown, Malik Bush, Macy Campbell, James Carson, Kennyh Crenshaw, Sha’nya Davis, Daniel DeZarraga, Sanaa Dean, Jordan Dixon, Israel Griffin, Aaliyah Harris, Maliyah Hill, Ty’Shun Hopson, Nikayla Johnson, CorDaisha Jones, Caden Jordan, Karington, Lewis, Zaccheus Little, MaKiya Lynch, Diamond Martin, Adrianna McCalebb Coleman, Christian McClelland, Alayzia McNeil, Alexia Mosley, Devin Portis, Taylor Smith, Liiric Trussell, Sumny Vasconcelos, Aaliyah Willis, Emmanuel Wilson.
ACT 25+ Club
Senior members of the ACT 25+ Club are Amiya Boyd, Jordan Davis, Guy Dickerson, Haley Jenkins, Shambre’ Sims, and Mikayla Smith.