MARION, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The Marion Police Foundation awarded scholarships to 25 students representing 15 schools Friday during its annual scholarship awards program, continuing a community initiative that has provided thousands of dollars in educational support to local students.
The event, held at Hamasa Temple Shrine, recognized students for their academic achievements, character and dedication while highlighting the foundation’s commitment to investing in the next generation.
Marion Police Chief Randall Davis, who also serves as a community leader and organizer of the scholarship initiative, said the program continues to grow each year.
“Today we’re doing our annual scholarship drive for the kids, and it’s really expanding, and I’m excited about it because we were able to do 25 students from 15 different schools,” Davis said.
Davis emphasized the importance of community involvement in helping young people succeed.
“These kids are our future, and it starts with us. It starts at home. It starts with me,” he said.
Now in its fifth year, the scholarship program has awarded more than $40,000 to students pursuing higher education and career opportunities, according to Davis.
“This is about my fifth year, and I’m proud to say we’ve probably done over $40,000 worth of scholarships — and more to come,” he said.
Davis said the foundation’s efforts extend beyond the annual awards ceremony and that organizers plan to continue identifying students and families who may need assistance throughout the year.
“This is just a start today, OK? It could be 40 by the time the summer’s over with. If someone needs me, I want them to call me. We’re going to make an effort to help them out too,” Davis said.
The Marion Police Foundation said the scholarship recipients were selected in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements and their contributions to their schools and communities. Foundation leaders noted that the students exemplify the dedication, character and determination needed to achieve personal success while strengthening the community as a whole.
The scholarship awards program is one of several community outreach initiatives supported by the Marion Police Foundation and local partners, reflecting an ongoing effort to encourage educational achievement and invest in future community leaders.
The following students received scholarships through the Marion Police Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Awards Program:
- Sidnie Allen — Clarkdale High School
- Tyler Boykin — Enterprise High School
- Alana Smith — Kemper Academy
- Katelyn Brown — Kemper High School
- Ruth Williams — Lamar High School
- Zechariah Washington — Leake High School
- Alasyn BaLeigh Hedgemon — Meridian High School
- Boston Hodges — Meridian High School
- William Hodges — Meridian High School
- Dearrion Ruffin — Meridian High School
- Kyra Green — Mississippi State University
- Octzaius Bennett — Neshoba Central High School
- Keilanzae Nichols — Newton High School
- Andrew Boothe — Newton County Academy
- Calei Gilstrap — Northeast Lauderdale High School
- Makayla Kendricks — Northeast Lauderdale High School
- Ja’Ziyah Martin — Northeast Lauderdale High School
- Javontae Nicks — Philadelphia High School
- Laila Stevens — Quitman High School
- Jamaya Ginger — Russell Christian Academy
- Austin Brown — Southeast Lauderdale High School
- Dephine Wright — Southeast Lauderdale High School
- Maggie Long — Union High School
- Sydney Buckley — West Lauderdale High School
- Melanie Creighton — West Lauderdale High School
