Meritxell Ambrocio, a freshman from Ellisville, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Asbury Foundation Council Scholarship and the Vicki L. and Harry A. Sneed Council Scholarship. At Ole Miss, she is majoring in international studies through the Croft Institute. Meritxell is also a trombone player and a member of the Pride of the South marching band. A graduate of South Jones High School, she participated in various clubs. Meritxell was an avid member of Beta Club, Student Council, Smart Club and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee. She also served as vice president of the Spanish Honor Society. Furthermore, Meritxell was also a member of her school’s marching band and concert band. Fun Fact: In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Evan Grace Branstetter, a junior from Collinsville, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Lena Mitchell Marquette Council Scholarship. Majoring in communication sciences and disorders, and minoring in Spanish and sign language interpreting at Ole Miss, she is a graduate of West Lauderdale High School. Evan Grace is a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, currently serving as the director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as Active Minds. She also participates in The Big Event and RebelTHON. This past summer, Evan Grace had the privilege to attend her sorority’s international convention and learn so much more about what sisterhood means to her and how philanthropy truly impacts others. In her free time, she loves making people laugh and learning languages. Fun Fact: Evan Grace can make balloon animals!

Caroline Brock, a junior from Greenwood, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Lena Mitchell Marquette Council Scholarship. A graduate of Pillow Academy, she is majoring in public health with a health studies emphasis and a minor in chemistry on the pre-medical track at Ole Miss. During her freshman year, Caroline served on the Ole Miss Associated Student Body Freshman Council, was elected to serve on the ASB Senate, and became a member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Class of 2021- 22. She is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and American Medical Women’s Association. Caroline is also a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, where she serves as the campus involvement chair and participates in intramural soccer and basketball. Caroline enjoys serving her community and volunteers with several organizations, such as the Special Olympics and More Than a Meal, as well as the annual RebelTHON. Caroline was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll in both semesters of her freshman and sophomore years. Fun Fact: She studied abroad in Paris over the summer for five weeks and took a class about the history of fashion and culture in France!

Nadia Corder, a sophomore from Pascagoula, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Julia Grimes Council Scholarship. Majoring in special education, she is a member of the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program and the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. In high school, Nadia was the valedictorian for the Pascagoula High School Class of 2022, a member of the Hall of Fame, a drum major, and participated in many other organizations and volunteer services. Since arriving at Ole Miss in the fall of 2022, she has been involved with various school and community activities including Night to Shine, intramural soccer and water polo, and the Big Event volunteer day. This past summer, Nadia interned at the Pascagoula Police Department. She is involved with the Ole Miss College Republicans and attends church at Pine Lake in Oxford. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends. Fun Fact: Nadia was on “Good Morning America” and she can walk on stilts!

Ben Curry, a sophomore from Brandon, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Kathryn Healy Hester Council Scholarship and the Celia Carter Muths Council Scholarship. A music education major, he is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Within the music department, Ben plays in The Mississippians Jazz Ensemble, the Ole Miss Wind Ensemble and The Pride of the South marching band, where he is a saxophone section leader. He is also an undergraduate assistant for the Living Music Resource, a show that brings musical professionals to the university. In addition, Ben serves on the Chancellor’s Artist Series Committee for the Gertrude Ford Center. Outside of academics, he is a member of the Ole Miss Club Rugby team. He also enjoys reading, composing and watching sports in his free time. Fun Fact: Ben has frog earrings he named Sylvester and Pennsylvania!

Cameron Davis, a freshman from Meridian, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Rachel McPherson Council Scholarship and the Lindsay Kirkley Clemons Council Scholarship. Majoring in psychology at Ole Miss, she is a member of the Rebelettes dance team. While in high school, Cameron participated in the National Honor Society, Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta, and she was a Lamar School varsity cheerleader and member of the tennis team. Cameron was also a member of the Junior Auxiliary Crown Club, Dusty Social Service Club, Youth Leadership Lauderdale, a teen spokesperson for the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service and a member of the inaugural class of the Mississippi Secretary of State Student Ambassador program. At Ole Miss, she is a prospective new member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Fun Fact: In her free time, she enjoys being with family and friends, volunteering, traveling and reading.

Madison DeVaul, a freshman from Brandon, Mississippi, is a recipient of the Catherine “Kitty” Bryan Dill Memorial Council Scholarship and the Susan Barksdale Howorth Council Scholarship. She is majoring in secondary science education at Ole Miss. While in high school, Madison participated in theater production and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and she ran varsity track and field. She also served as president of the Thespian Honor Society Thespian Troupe No. 5727. Madison served as the student body co-president of the student government and as a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board and the Mississippi Department of Education Student Advisory Council. Fun Fact: In her free time, she enjoys running, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and watching movies with her family.

Benton Donahue, a sophomore from Madison, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Mary Donnelly Haskell Council Scholarship. He is majoring in music education with a minor in piano performance. Benton is part of the Music Major Advantage initiative in the Music Department. He is an undergraduate assistant for the Living Music Resource program and works as the departmental communications assistant for the Music Department. Since moving to Oxford, Benton has become the rehearsal pianist for the Ole Miss Men’s Glee,  the treasurer for the Ole Miss chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, and serves as a scholarship singer at Oxford-University United Methodist Church. He is a member of the Concert Singers and secured his American Guild of Organists membership. Benton is a regular collaborative pianist and conductor for several choirs at choral contests and concerts. He works closely with the Center Players Community Theatre as music director and rehearsal pianist for their productions. Fun Fact: Benton has performed on the Carnegie Hall stage.

Colin Doyle is a freshman OMWC Scholar from McComb, Mississippi, awarded the Lena Mitchell Marquette Council Scholarship. At Parklane Academy, Colin was a member of the ACT 30+ Club, The National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. During his Sophomore and Senior years he served as his class’s Vice President. During his junior year he was elected Student Body Vice President. Colin was an active participant in Parklane’s football, tennis, and chess teams. He received the Heisman Award and was voted “Mr. Parklane” by his peers. At Ole Miss Colin is majoring in accounting and has been honored as a Provost Scholar. Additionally, he is an active participant in Sigma Nu Fraternity, as a member of the rush team and ethical leadership program. Colin also attends PineLake Church regularly.

Mack Fountain, a freshman from Oxford, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Donna Ruth Else Roberts Council Scholarship and the Oxford Business Women’s Initiative Council Scholarship. He is majoring in business management within the Center for Manufacturing Excellence. While in high school, Mack participated in the National Honor Society program, varsity track, varsity cross country and the varsity shooting team. He was the team captain of the varsity lacrosse team. Mack was also the vice president of the Oxford DECA chapter. Fun Fact: In his free time, Mack enjoys fishing, pickleball, running and traveling.

Bayleigh Francis, a freshman from Byhalia, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Sarah Meisenheimer Council Scholarship and the Marjorie Wallace Peddle Council Scholarship. She is majoring in nursing at Ole Miss. In high school, Bayleigh was a member of the National Honors Society, the Interact Club and the Sign Language Club. She was also captain of the Sparkle cheer team and a member of the executive leadership board for Burg Buddies and Lewisburg High School Student Leadership Team. Outside of school, Bayleigh is a 4-H National Qualifier for .22 rifle. Fun Fact: In her free time, she enjoys reading, hunting, and meeting new friends.

Josh Hartz is a Freshman OMWC Scholar from McComb, Mississippi, awarded the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Council Scholarship and the Gloria Clark Cox Council Scholarship. At Parklane Academy, Josh was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the Administrator’s List, the ACT 24+ Club, the FlexFactor Program, the Student Council, and the Chess Team, and was voted Most School Spirit.FlexFactorice-President and President of the Fellowship of Christian Students. He was also a member of the Math and Science Team and captain of the Academic Competition Quiz Bowl Team. Josh is majoring in Business, and is a Provost Scholar, Mississippi Scholar, and an Eminent Scholars recipient. Since enrolling at Ole Miss, Josh has joined the Student Activities Association Homecoming Committee, Special Olympics, Cru and he has been selected to serve as an Orientation Leader for the upcoming summer 2025! Fun Fact: Josh went to the Grand Ole Opry on its 99^th birthday and saw Riley Green.

Josh is a member of First Baptist Church of McComb, has volunteered with The Happening of Mississippi, and served on a mission trip to Peña Blanca, Honduras. He has also served with Mississippi Adopt-A-Hero, Emma’s House of Hope Women’s Shelter, Boys and Girls Club of Mississippi, Burning Bush Ranch, and Smokin’ on the Tracks.

Mimi Harvey is a Freshman OMWC Scholar from Greenwood, MS. She was awarded the Martha Dale Fritts Council Scholarship and is a student of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. She is a Biological Science major with a double minor in Public Policy Leadership (Trent Lott Leadership Institute) and Digital Media Studies. Mimi is currently a member of Ole Miss Smile Makers, Black Student Union, and Active Minds. Her hobbies include crafting, hanging out with friends, napping, and helping other people. She is motivated by the quote “I can’t complain about how much is on my plate, when the goal is to eat.”

Alexis Renee Heath, a freshman from Jackson, Mississippi, is a recipient of the Lillian Graham Carson Memorial Council Scholarship and Paula Salter Council Scholarship. She is majoring in business on the pre-law track. In high school, Alexis Renee participated in the Service Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, Broadcast Media staff, Diamond Girls, Spanish Club, and Varsity Pacer Dance team, and played varsity tennis. She also served as first lieutenant of the Pacer Dance Team, vice president of the National Honor Society, vice president of publicity of the Service Club, head Diamond Girl, and representative of the Spanish Club. At Ole Miss, Alexis Renee is a prospective new member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Fun Fact: Outside of class, she enjoys reading, volunteering, traveling, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.

Elise Jackson is a Freshman OMWC Scholar from Oxford, Mississippi, awarded the Lena Mitchell Marquette Council Scholarship. Elise attended Oxford High School where she played soccer for the girls’ team and was involved in many service-oriented clubs. She is majoring in Computer Science at Ole Miss and has been accepted into the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Elise’s interests include math, problem solving, and emerging technologies. Since beginning Ole Miss, Elise serves on the Community Service Committee for the Engineering Study Body Council. Additionally, Elise is involved with her sorority, Chi Omega, participating in various philanthropy and service projects.

Kobe Jones is a Freshman OMWC Scholar from Oxford, MS, awarded the John P. and Wanda Alice Henderson Council Scholarship. He is majoring in Applied Health Sciences at Ole Miss with a plan to eventually attend medical school. Kobe played basketball all four years at Oxford High School and served as team Co-Captain. He was a member of the National Honor Society, One Community, and HOSA Future Health Professionals. He also volunteered as a Bolt Breakfast Leader, serving in a mentor capacity to 4^th and 5^th boys. At Ole Miss, Kobe has joined several student organizations including the LSMAMP IMAGE (Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation & Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education) Program and the Men of Excellence organization. Kobe enjoys playing basketball, working out, watching sports, and spending time with friends.

Avery Martin is a Freshman OMWC Scholar from Batesville, Mississippi, awarded the Sandra Guest Council Scholarship. At Magnolia Heights High School Avery was on the St. Jude team, Operation Christmas Child team, Homecoming Committee, and Lead Club. She also served as Project Chairman of The National Honor Society and Commissioner of Orientation on the High School Student Council. She was also instrumental in re-establishing the Magnolia Heights Interact Club and served as its Treasurer. At Ole Miss Avery has been awarded the 1848 Scholarship and Academic Merit Scholarship. She is a member of the Provost Scholar Program and the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Avery enjoys theater and acted in multiple school plays while in high school. During Avery’s Fall freshman semester at Ole Miss, she joined the Ole Miss Book Club, University of Mississippi’s Psych Club, and Cru. Avery has volunteered with the University of Mississippi’s Unity and Resilience Organization, Love Packs, More than a Meal, and Project Redesign. Avery participated in and represented Magnolia Healthcare Center in the University of Mississippi’s Suicide Prevention Walk. Avery completed her fall semester on the Chancellor’s list.

Pryor Mehrle, a junior from Jackson, Mississippi, is the recipient of the University of Mississippi Foundation Council Scholarship and the Barbara D. Arnold Council Scholarship. Majoring in biochemistry on the pre-med track at Ole Miss, she is a member of the Kappa Delta sorority,  where she was selected to be a set leader and appointed to participate in the Kappa Delta Girl Scout Committee. While at UM, Pryor has participated in several service projects, such as More Than a Meal, Lovepacks, and the animal shelter. She has enjoyed two Lead Abroad programs in Greece and South Africa, where she enjoyed packing meals for the homeless and children in need, learning about the culture, and taking leadership classes. Pryor also enjoyed experiencing different adventures in both countries. After her adventures in South Africa, Pryor  was employed by the Wallace family in the Hamptons. She tended to Clementine and Hayes, and enjoyed her time in a different part of the country. Pryor is fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the Clinical Experience Network, where she volunteers at the Urgent Care and Isotonics. She is active in Reformed University Fellowship, attends Christ  Presbyterian Church and is a member of the American Medical Student Association. Pryor graduated from Jackson Academy with honors, and she spent most of her time  participating in volleyball, tennis, Girl Scouts and Young Life. Fun Fact: She loves all things outdoors, especially skiing and hunting.

Reese Milstead, a sophomore from Lenexa, Kansas, is the recipient of the Gloria Dodwell Kellum Council Scholarship and the Shirley Wagner Crawford Council Scholarship. She is majoring in communication sciences and disorders and, after acquiring her bachelor’s degree, Reese plans to earn her master’s degree to be a speech-language pathologist. She is a Provost Scholar, a member of the Delta Gamma sorority, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. During her freshman year, she was involved with many service projects, such as Night to Shine, Oxford Animal Resource Center, More than a Meal, and Service for Sight and Gallant Hearts through Delta Gamma. Fun Fact: Reese enjoys exercising and works as a sales associate at Orange Theory Fitness.

Olivia Quin, a sophomore from Jackson, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Margaret Denton Khayat Council Scholarship and the Celia and John O. Emmerich Jr. Council Scholarship. A Provost Scholar, she is also the recipient of the Herb Dewees Alumni Association Scholarship, Krebs Journalism Scholarship, Davidson M-Club All American Scholarship, Academic Merit 8 Scholarship and the 1848 Scholarship. Olivia is majoring in journalism with an emphasis on multimedia news reporting and sports media. She is a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. Olivia serves by volunteering with several of her sorority’s service projects. She is a member of the Gamma Beta Pi Society, the Phi Eta Sigma Society and the National Society of Scholars. Olivia hosts two biweekly shows on Rebel Radio. She is also interning for Rebel Grove, part of the Rivals website. Fun Fact: In her free time, she enjoys teaching cheerleading lessons, painting and pilates.

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Ratliff, a junior from Brandon, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Lori Sneed Council Scholarship. She has a double major in public policy leadership and English with an emphasis in literature, justice and society at Ole Miss. Some of her favorite English classes include studying African American literature and William Faulkner, as well as critical categories regarding diverse perspectives. Lizzy is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and has received several awards for her writing, including the Silver Key from the Scholastic Writing Festival in the category of critical essay. She loves doing hot yoga early in the morning and enjoys reading, writing and submersing into the different cultures she is studying. Fun Fact: Lizzy is an avid coffee lover and plans to attend law school post-grad to become a tax attorney.

Kelly Robinson is a Freshman OMWC Scholar from Mount Prospect, Illinois, awarded the Nancy Harrelson Akin Council Scholarship and the Nobel and Dorothy Harrelson Council Scholarship. At Prospect High School Kelly was heavily involved in marching band and advocating for the importance of blood donations and blood cancer awareness causes.

At Ole Miss, Kelly is part of the Trent Lott Leadership Institute majoring in Public Policy, and is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Some of Kelly’s hobbies include learning Spanish, enjoying the outdoors, and traveling. Since coming to UM, Kelly has become involved on campus through her sorority Alpha Delta Pi, where she is the Director of Equity and Inclusion. Kelly is part of the Miracle and Family Relations Committee of Rebelthon and she in the First Year Encounters Program of ASB.

Makayla Russell, a sophomore from Hazlehurst, Mississippi, is the recipient of the FedEx Council Scholarship. A Provost scholar, she is majoring in integrated marketing communications, with plans to work in the marketing field with an emphasis on public relations and social media. Makayla was previously involved in the 2022-2023 Chancellor’s Leadership Class and was a participant in the 12-hour dance marathon, RebelTHON, where she raised over $1,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Wanting to get involved with student media, she joined the university’s student-run weekly news broadcast, “NewsWatch Ole Miss,” where she served as a news anchor and a StormWatch reporter. Over the summer, she served as an Ole Miss orientation leader, where she helped welcome over 12,000 incoming students and parents to the University of Mississippi and was named the 2023 Most Valuable Orientation Leader. Makayla is a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and is involved nationally with the Collegiate Advisory Board. During her freshman year, Makayla was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll for her work inside the classroom. She is excited to continue getting involved on campus and in the Oxford community and cannot wait to see what her sophomore year holds. Fun Fact: Makayla lives on a cattle farm, has two pet donkeys named Dolly and Rowdy, and a rescue dog named Tillie.

Jorja Samsel, a junior from Byhalia, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Mildred Hickey Center Council Scholarship. A biology major, she is on the pre-med track at Ole Miss. She spent this previous summer shadowing physicians in Memphis, Tennessee, and North Mississippi, while also being a full-time family nanny. Jorja is a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority at Ole Miss and enjoys volunteering at nonprofit organizations in Oxford, Mississippi, such as More than a Meal and LeapFrog, as well as Lovepacks in the Oxford Elementary School. Fun Fact: Jorja’s favorite hobby is riding horses, and she plans to continue riding throughout college and postgraduate!

Addison Smith is a Freshman OMWC Scholar from Batesville, Mississippi, and the recipient of the Mary Jane and Edward R. Wilson Council Scholarship. Addison attended South Panola High School and was a passionate fan of the Tigers sports teams. Addison plans to major in Biological Sciences on the Pre-Med track. She is an IMAGE (Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education) Rising Star and Tanner Lab member and scholar. She is also a Provost Scholar and member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Class. Addison is also a member of MAPS (Minority Associate for Pre-Medical Students). Addi has really enjoyed supporting Ole Miss sports teams this past fall semester, as well!

Parker Smith is a Freshman OMWC Scholar from St. Charles, Missouri, awarded the Donna H. Glenn Council Scholarship. At Francis Howell North High School Parker was a member of the Men’s Varsity Soccer and Volleyball teams. He also served as Editor-In-Chief of his school’s Sports Journalism program. At Ole Miss Parker studies Integrated Marketing Communications and has continued his love for sports journalism through his internship as a videographer for Ole Miss Sports Productions. Parker has also been actively involved with Cru, a Christian organization as well as the Tallbert Fellowship for Journalism students. One of his career goals is to own and operate his own public relations firm.

Madison Spears of Byhalia, Mississippi, is a recipient of the Mildred H. Center Council Scholarship, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Zeta Upsilon Zeta Chapter Scholarship, and the Champion Force Youth Athletics Scholarship. In addition, Madison was selected as a Gates Scholar and member of the The Gates Scholarship Class of 2023 where she was awarded the Gates Scholarship, provided by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She is also the recipient of the Peter R. Marsh Foundation Silent Servant Award and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Zeta Upsilon Zeta Chapter Outstanding Student Award. Madison was not only recognized as a distinguished honor student by the North Mississippi Community Research Training and Development (NMCRTD), Inc., but also selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine as well as invited to the 2022 Congress of Future Medical Leaders. During high school, Madison participated in the Beta Club, FCCLA, and did competitive cheer. She was also involved in the Student Council, elected as Legislative Director, and the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, elected as Ambassador. Additionally, while serving as a Senior Officer, she was elected Sergeant at Arms. She will be majoring in Nursing and is on the path to becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Madison is currently a member of the Pre-Nursing Society, the American Cancer Society on campus, and the Black Student Union. She spends her free time watching tv shows and movies, playing games, completing puzzles, and hanging out with friends.

Heath Stevens, a sophomore from Oxford, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Lena Mitchell Marquette Council Scholarship. In high school, he was a National Merit Finalist and a STAR student. Majoring in biomedical engineering at Ole Miss, during his freshman year Heath became special events coordinator for Operation Smile and a member of the Interfraternity Council Judicial Board. He serves on the Fundraising and Events Committee at Grove Grocery and is a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society. Heath spent this summer and will continue this year working as a research assistant in the Molecular Biophysics and Engineering Lab studying cardiac motor protein ensemble synergy. He is also a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. Fun Fact: Heath loves all things outdoors, especially running and biking.

Jimmil Taylor is a Freshman OMWC Scholar from Moss Point, Mississippi, awarded the Patricia Lott Council Scholarship. Jimmil served as the Class of 2024 President at East Central High School. During his high school career he was involved in Student Council, Beta Club, Key Club, Administrative Advisory Council, and the Technology Student Association. He played football, basketball, ran track, and was the Co-Captain of his school’s tennis team. He worked as a Coast Campaign Manager Assistant for the re-election of Delbert Hosemann and worked at the law firm of Alwyn Luckey. He is part of the Lott Leadership Institute at Ole Miss. Jimmil is a member of BIPS (Blacks in Political Science), was voted an Expert Witness in the Trent Lott Institute’s Battle of the Gavel Mock Congressional Hearing, and became part of the Club Red Leadership Program. He was also sworn in as a Legislative Aid for the Associated Student Body on the Committee for Inclusion and Cross-Cultural Engagement and worked with Attorney General Lynn Fitch during fall semester. Jimmil was initiated into Delta Tau Delta Fraternity this past fall.

Street Toler, a sophomore from Madison, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Lena Mitchell Marquette Council Scholarship. Majoring in business with a minor in biology on the pre-dental track, he is an active member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. Street is a leader in the Reformed University Fellowship organization on campus. While in high school, he held leadership positions in his school’s Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A state championship teams in football, basketball and track. Street was also a member of the National Honor Society and the Science Olympiad Team. A Heisman school winner, he was elected as Mr. Madison Ridgeland Academy. Fun Fact: Street was the recipient of the first Haskins Scholar Award for kindness, character and strength.

Kate Trosclair is a Freshman OMWC Scholar from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, awarded the Margaret Barker and Phyllis Shane Council Scholarships. At Ocean Springs High School, Kate founded “WE Can Together”, a diversity and acceptance initiative for special needs awareness. Kate also served as Editor-In-Chief of Greyhound TV for two years, Senior Class Vice President, Youth Activation Committee Vice President, Ocean Springs Cotillion Organization Vice President, and was a member of The National Honor Society. At the end of her Senior year she was honored with acceptance into the Ocean Springs High School Hall of Fame and was named Ocean Springs High School Student of the Year.

Kate is majoring in Journalism with an emphasis in Sports Media, and has been named a Provost Scholar, has been awarded Academic Merit and 1848 Scholarships. She is a member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Class for 2024-25, Kappa Delta Sorority, where she was recently elected to be the Assistant to the Vice President, and the Special Olympics.

Nate Underwood, a freshman from Pearl, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Christine Hickonbottom Council Scholarship. Majoring in accounting at Ole Miss, he is a member of the Pride of the South marching band, where he plays French horn. In high school, Nate was a member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. He also played the French horn in his high school’s symphonic band. Fun Fact: Nate is an avid sports fan and enjoys reading and watching sports with family and friends.

Kaitlyn White, a sophomore from Pelahatchie, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Sarah and James Powell OMWC Scholarship. Majoring in elementary education, she has been accepted as a Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program fellow. In high school, Kaitlyn participated in the Beta Club, Future Farmers of America, newspaper staff and the varsity volleyball team. She served as president of the school’s student council and was a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee. Fun Fact: Kaitlyn enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and meeting new people.

Locklyn Wilchynski, a freshman from McComb, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Prescott Alden Sherman Leadership Council Scholarship. Majoring in law studies at Ole Miss, she is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. While in high school, Locklyn was president of the Beta Club, lead electric guitarist for the Mississippi School of the Arts (MSA) house band, founder of the MSA annual Take Back the Night event, and executive producer of North Pike School District’s monthly news broadcast. She has had many of her literary works published in various literary magazines and recognized in statewide writing competitions. Fun Fact: Locklyn enjoys reading, writing, playing her guitar, watching movies, collecting music, and spending time with family and friends.

Bella Yant, a freshman from Oxford, Mississippi, is the recipient of the Jennie Mosby Cochran Council Scholarship and the Elizabeth Brevard Council Scholarship. She is a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and the recipient of Academic Merit, 1848 and Ole Miss Leaders scholarships. While in high school, Bella founded the Oxford High School-Lafayette County Literacy Council Organization, was editor of Evoke, Oxford High School’s literary magazine, was a member of the National Honor Society, and was Senior Class Vice President. At Ole Miss, she is a prospective new member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Bella also served the Oxford community as a weekly More Than a Meal volunteer and active member of her church. Fun Fact: Bella enjoys taking pilates classes and spending time with friends and family.