Marshuan Braxton was born December 4, 1991. He died tragically while on a mission trip to Costa Rica on June 21, 2009. As a student at New Albany High School, Marshuan was very involved in a variety of activities. He was an honor student and a member of several clubs, including Speech and Debate Team, SADD, and FCA. Marshuan was a member of the New Albany High School Student Council, where he was elected Vice-President, participated on the football team throughout his high school career, and was tennis team manager, basketball manager, and a member of the track team.

Marshuan was also in many drama productions and was a member of honor choir, quartet, and yearbook staff. Marshuan was a very caring and morally sound individual who was very active in church and believed in giving back to the community. He was an outgoing, hard working young man who was not afraid to be himself. Marshuan maintained a standard of excellence and was always there to lend a helping hand, give advice, listen to others, or give a smile to who needed it.

To apply for this scholarship, the student must be a graduating senior at New Albany High School with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

During the celebration weekend of July 4, 2011, an act of courage by Robby Hale forever impacted the lives of his family and the community. Robby and his family stopped their boat to help stranded swimmers who had gotten away from their own boat. The waters, which had been calm moments earlier, became violent as a sudden storm appeared. Without hesitation, Robby jumped into the turbulent waters to save the three people. He gave his life jacket to one of the individuals. Robby’s selfless act, in saving the lives of others, cost him his own life.

Because of Robby’s efforts to “make a difference” for others he did not know, we have established the Robby Hale “Make a Difference” Memorial Scholarship Fund to recognize outstanding students who choose to make a difference in the lives of others. The scholarship committee is seeking to identify graduating seniors from Union County, MS who exemplify the principles of Robby’s life …serving others…never seeking to be seen as a hero.

Lisa Mitchell had a love for children and a passion for education that lead her to serve in the New Albany School system for many years as an elementary school teacher and assistant principal, middle school principal, and curriculum administrator. Her students remained her “babies” to her regardless of whether they were seven, in middle school, high school, or grown and married. Lisa understood people well, whether they were her students, parents, or teachers, and would go over and above to help her students continue growing.

As a shy young woman, getting her education and becoming a teacher gave Lisa the confidence and strength she needed to come out of her shell and use the tremendous gifts God gave her for His service. She truly understood the importance of education in life, and had a passion for sharing this gift with others. When working on her masters in educational leadership, a professor shared a quote in class from Ray Kroc, “You’re either green and growing or ripe and rotting.” Lisa loved this message and used it from that day forward to encourage her students and faculty to continue striving for growth. She was known to put posters and signs all over the school, at sign in tables, at clock out tables..and even in the bathrooms.

One of Lisa’s favorite bible verses was Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” On December 2, 2013, God’s plan for Lisa Mitchell was perfected as she passed from this life, at the age of 49, to His presence for eternity. God’s grace was with her every step of the way as she provided an example of courage and grace and remained “green and growing” through a two year struggle with cancer. Her own prayer journal words portray it best, “Lord, thank you for giving me so many blessings, including this cancer that has brought me closer to you and my family than I could have ever imagined.”

Because of Lisa’s passion for education and desire to serve her students, we have established the Lisa Mitchell “Green and Growing” Scholarship Fund to recognize and support a student seeking to serve others through a career in education.

To honor the memory of their son, Taylor, Bobby and Minerva Moore of New Albany established this scholarship fund in December 2003. Taylor was a 1988 honor graduate of New Albany High School (formerly W.P. Daniel High School). His accomplishments included Boys State, National Honor Society, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, and being voted Mr. New Albany High School. He also excelled at the sport of baseball and lettered all four years playing the position of first base.

Taylor attended MSU, receiving a bachelor’s and a masters in Business Administration. He married the former Michelle McDaniel, and had a son, Preston Taylor, and a stepson, Langston Paepke. At the time of his death, he worked at Benchcraft Furniture in Sales and Merchandising. Taylor’s early death was the result of a tragic accident in February 1999 that caused a head injury and ultimately bleeding to the brain.

The scholarship will be awarded annually to help further the education of a graduate of New Albany High School. The scholarship recipient must attend college in the state of Mississippi.

In an effort to further Honor our Parents the Children of Mr. Rod/Daisy Erby & Mr. JC /Cuebell Cannon respectfully request that this Memorial Scholarship be awarded yearly to an outstanding High School Student from East Union High School or New Albany High School that has demonstrated the Scholastic ability to achieve greater success by virtue of gaining assistance in the furtherance of their education. It is our sincere desire to help make a difference in the life of the recipient of this scholarship.

IF They Can Believe it They Can Achieve it.