Lauderdale County officials, law enforcement and community leaders joined the Marion Police Department Foundation on Friday in recognizing local high school graduates during the Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Awards Program.
Recognizing students from throughout East Mississippi, the scholarship program is a way to both celebrate the achievement of graduating high school and encourage those entering college to continue to excel.
Marion Police Chief Randall Davis said the 25 recipients have already proven they are high achievers and have the drive for success. What is unknown, he said, is how they will respond to the inevitable challenges and failures of life.
“We know everybody here are superstars and everything else, but what happens when you strike out,” he said. “I say let’s just keep moving, moving forward.”
Ameder Ward, a mechanical engineer and consultant to the town of Marion who served as speaker for Friday’s event, said everyone has moments they regret, instances where opportunities slipped by, unkind words were shared or when seeking short-term rewards clouded long-term goals.
As a student at Louisiana Tech, Ward shared the dean of her department offered her the opportunity to pursue a doctorate with a full stipend. At the time, she said, she was tired of studying and burnt out of working multiple job. Because of that, she turned down the offer.
As scholarship recipients begin their college careers, they will have such moments, Ward said.
“As you step into the world of higher education or specialized training, let these words of wisdom help you to steer clear of regret,” she said. “But even if you miss it, as I shared that I did, you can receive restoration by acknowledging your mistakes and asking God for help.”
Cameron Davis, Ole Miss Miss University and daughter of Police Chief Randall Davis, encouraged graduates to enjoy their time at college or technical training but also be willing to try new things. As a senior at Ole Miss, the biggest moments of growth were when she was uncomfortable.
“I think the experiences and the people that I met and the lessons that I learned from those moments helped shape me into the person that I was today, and I’m so thankful for the times that I did things when I was scared,” she said.
With high school behind them, scholarship recipients have a blank canvas in front of them, said Marion Mayor Larry Gill. Whatever dreams or aspirations they have, hard work and discipline can make them happen.
“This is the beginning. You’ve got so much ahead of you, and you can do whatever you want to do from this point right here,” he said. “All you’ve got to do is work hard and stay consistent. No matter what you want to do, everything is obtainable.”