By By Stacey Hancock/The Meridian Star
A future judge, neurosurgeon and business owner got a boost earlier this week from Phi Delta Kappa mentors, who awarded each a $150 scholarship.
The recipients, currently ninth- and 10th-graders, can use the money to help pay ACT fees and trips to college campuses.
The students chosen attend Lauderdale County, Meridian and Quitman public schools:
Cheetara Portis, a ninth-grader at Kate Griffin Junior High School, is a member of the National Junior Honor Society. She was chosen by her Phi Delta Kappa mentor, Georgia Jackson. Portis is the daughter of Doug Grady and Priscilla Portis. She attends the Fitkins Memorial Church of the Nazarene, where she is the youth secretary and is involved in Bible quizzing. She hopes to attend Tribeca Nazarene University and major in pre-law. Her dream is to become a judge.
Latosha Dixon, a 10th-grader at Clarkdale Attendance Center, is a member of the National Honor Society and was a member of BETA last year. She was chosen by her mentor, Gladys Davenport. Dixon is the daughter of Rome and Virgie Dixon. She hopes to attend Florida State University and major in computer science. Her dream is to own a business.
Quanesha Jordan, a 10th-grader at Quitman High School, is a member of the National Honor Society, the Students Against Drunk Driving executive council and BETA. Jordan enjoys sports, music and shopping, but most of all softball and band. She hopes to attend Harvard University, major in pre-med and ultimately become a neurosurgeon.
Phi Delta Kappa is an international professional association for educators. This week's scholarships are part of a new program called Adopt-a-Scholar. Recipients are chosen by their Phi Delta Kappa mentors and have above average academic records.
Stacey Hancock is staff writer with The Meridian Star.