Family establishes annual Richard Joyner scholarships; three $500 awards announced

Kendall Willis presented a memorial scholarship established in honor of her father, Richard Joyner, and told the Tipton County Board of Education that the family used a $10,000 life-insurance policy benefit to create an ongoing award. "This is the fourth year that we've given away 3 $500 scholarships to 1 to each of the, 3 high schools in the county," Willis said.

Willis summarized the application essays and what students wrote about their educational experiences. She said applicants answered two prompt essays: one on an inspiration in their Tipton County education and one proposing a change to improve students' educational experiences. "Dedicated teachers were mentioned many times this year," Willis said, and students routinely praised clubs, hands-on activities, sports and band.

Willis listed recurring suggestions from applicants for improvements: more or newer technology (responses were mixed), additional instruction on digital footprints, greater college- and career-readiness supports, more math and science, increased real-world financial-literacy training, and more access to mental-health counseling.

Willis named two winners by school: Haley Henderson of Covington High School and Jenna Husby of Denver High School. She said all three winners this year plan to enter medical or psychology-related fields, and that the colleges named by recipients included Mississippi State University, the University of Alabama and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The board thanked Willis and congratulated the students.

Board members asked whether the committee could see the students' essays and Willis agreed to provide copies for board review. No formal board action was required to accept the scholarship report.