TRUE Community Credit Union, Dawn Foods, and the Muray Family just put their money where their values are, backing scholarships through the Jackson Juneteenth Celebration that’ll help local students chase down their education goals.
Whether you’re a high school senior gearing up for college, already grinding through your undergrad years, or learning a trade that’ll actually pay the bills, these scholarships are designed to clear some of the financial hurdles standing between you and that diploma or certificate.
The partnership isn’t just about cutting checks, though that’s obviously helpful. It’s about three organizations that actually give a damn about Jackson coming together to build real pathways for students who might otherwise struggle to afford their next step.
“Supporting students as they pursue their educational goals is one of the most meaningful ways we can create legacy-defining moments by investing in the future of our community,” said Sarah Ermatinger, Chief Community Impact Officer at TRUE Community Credit Union. She added that Juneteenth, with its themes of freedom and progress, makes this the perfect time to double down on that commitment. “We are honored to stand alongside Dawn Foods and the Muray Family to help students step confidently into their next chapter.”
These aren’t just participation trophy scholarships, either. Recipients showed up with determination, leadership chops, and a clear vision for their future. For many of them, this financial boost means more than tuition money. It’s validation that their community sees their potential and wants to help them win.
The scholarship program ties directly into what the Jackson Juneteenth Celebration is all about: honoring freedom, celebrating culture, and making sure the next generation of leaders has what they need to succeed. By knocking down financial barriers to college, trade school, and other post-secondary education, the partners are betting big on education as a catalyst for real, lasting change.
Meet the 2026 Scholarship Recipients
These are the students whose hard work just got recognized:
- London Brown
- Michaela Brown
- A’Leeyah Bynum
- Jahnai Ganaway
- Xavier Gibbs
- Jadelyn Gibson
- Tyshon Gray
- Justice Hampton
- Kialye Harrell
- Kyla Johnson
- Shaniah Mohead
- Amaurion Moore
- Lyndard Oliver II
- Grace Parker
- Jayden Potter
- Jazzmyne Schultz
- Javen Tumey
- Parris Union
- Mahoganey Ware
- Amir Hicks
- Kelli Higgins
Congratulations to all the recipients. Go make Jackson proud.
Related:
A Fresh Partnership as TRUE Community Credit Union Invests in local Food Hub
TRUE Community CU voted Jackson Magazine’s Best Credit Union