Leadership Jackson Alumni Association awards annual scholarships

The Leadership Jackson Alumni Association (LJAA) announced the recipients of this year's annual alumni association scholarships. Five outstanding high school students from Jackson-Madison County have been selected to receive the Judy Renshaw Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Scholarship.

 The recipients are Ava Beller from the University School of Jackson, Jalen Brooks from JCM-Early College High School, Kristin Henning from Madison Academic Magnet High School, Katharine Larkins from Madison Academic Magnet High School, and Londun Lumas-Harmon from Sacred Heart of Jesus High School.

The students were honored at the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Quarterly Luncheon held on June 7, 2024. Each of the scholarship awardees received a grant of $1,000 to support their higher education endeavors. This scholarship aims to empower and invest in the education and leadership development of future leaders in our community.

Beller plans to attend the University of Mississippi, Brooks will be attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Henning will attend the University of Tennessee at Martin, Larkins plans to attend Tennessee Technological University and Lumas-Harmon will continue her education at Spelman College.

“While Leadership Jackson was created with an overall mission of strengthening our community, one constant objective is not only to develop engaged leaders but also invest in the education of our future leaders,” said Lowell Beller, President of the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association. “The Judy Renshaw Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Scholarship enables us to give back by providing opportunities for high school graduates in our community to continue their educational and leadership development goals. On behalf of the LJAA Board, we congratulate these recipients and look forward to watching their educational journey unfold.”

The scholarship is funded through association dues and gifts, offering at least $1,000 payable to the college or university during the student’s freshman year. Other projects funded by Leadership Jackson Alumni dues include quarterly alumni luncheons, professional development programs and “Comfort Critters” – stuffed animals distributed by emergency first responders in Jackson.

The Judy Renshaw Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Scholarship was established in 2014 in honor of Judy Renshaw, who dedicated over 35 years to developing the Leadership Jackson, Leadership University and Leadership Jackson Alumni Association programs.

“I am humbled and honored to have this scholarship bear my name, and I am tremendously excited for the youth who will receive additional funding for their college education,” Renshaw said. “We have so many bright and talented youth eager to make a positive difference. Jackson will be in good hands with these future leaders as they accomplish their dreams.”

For more information about the scholarship, contact Lauren Saliba, vice president of education and leadership development, at 731.423.2200 or lsaliba@jacksontn.com. To learn more about Leadership University, Leadership Jackson or the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association, visit leadershipjackson.com.