Ellington

For six years, with the aid of local businesses and organizations, Ward 6 Councilman Marshand Crisler has given a scholarship to students who attend the two high schools in his ward, Wingfield and Forest Hill. This year, he has expanded the $500 scholarship award to include a recipient from Lanier High School, where Crisler volunteers with 100 Black Men. Crisler awarded the scholarships this year to Tina Carter, 18, Forest Hill High School; Tiara Robinson, 18, Wingfield High School; and Alyssa Spencer, 18, Lanier High School.

"When I originally was elected as a councilman of Jackson, one of my objectives was to try to motivate and encourage young people to continue their education," Crisler said. "I've found that one of the best ways of doing that is creating a scholarship fund."

Eligible students went through a short application process and Crisler announced the scholarship recipients at the annual South Jackson Community Festival.

Robinson, who will attend Jackson State University, said that she was inspired to apply for the scholarship after Crisler spoke to the senior class at Wingfield about the importance of registering to vote. She plans to study chemistry at JSU, while staying active in their ROTC program. Alyssa Spencer is studying pre-pharmacy at Mississippi State University.