Jackson Memorial Funeral Services, LLC, provides seven scholarships to Jackson Public Schools’ graduating seniors

JANS – Jackson Memorial Funeral Services, LLC awarded seven $1,000 scholarships to deserving graduate seniors during a private Scholarship Luncheon on Tuesday, May 19, at the Georgetown Community Event Center, located at 800 West Woodrow Wilson Avenue in Jackson. The event recognized and honored the seven scholarship recipients and their special guests. 

As part of his commitment to giving back to the community where he was raised, Damian Murriel established this scholarship initiative to support students throughout the Jackson Public School District. The scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic improvement, leadership, strong character, and a commitment to continuing their education beyond high school. 

Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, books, or other educational expenses at an accredited college, university, trade school, or vocational program. This initiative shows Jackson Memorial Funeral Services’ ongoing commitment to community development and supporting local students’ educational advancement. 

“At Jackson Public Schools, we are deeply grateful for community partners like Jackson Memorial Funeral Services, LLC, who recognize the importance of investing in our scholars,” said Dr. Laketia Marshall-Thomas, Assistant Superintendent of High Schools at Jackson Public Schools. “These scholarships not only provide financial support, but they also affirm the hard work, resilience, and potential of our graduating seniors. We commend Mr. Damian Murriel for his commitment to uplifting students and strengthening the future of our community through education.” 

——————————-

Editor’s Note: Dr. Laketia Marshall-Thomas, Assistant Superintendent of High Schools with Jackson Public Schools, spoke passionately at the scholars program. The following are her remarks:

Today is special because it represents something much greater than a scholarship check or a certificate. Today represents belief.

Belief in potential.

Belief in dreams.

Belief in young people and what they are capable of becoming.

I often say that every scholar has a story. Behind every scholar seated here today is a story of perseverance, sacrifice, determination, and hope. There were early mornings, late nights, challenging assignments, moments of doubt, and obstacles that many people may never know about. Yet each of these scholars continued moving forward.

That matters.

Because success is not simply measured by grades, awards, or titles. Success is often measured by the decision to keep going when things become difficult.

Today we celebrate seven remarkable students representing our Jackson Public Schools high schools. Seven scholars who have distinguished themselves through hard work, commitment, and the belief that their future is worth investing in.

To our scholarship recipients: I want you to understand something very important.

This scholarship is not simply recognizing where you are today. It is recognizing what others see in you for tomorrow.

Someone looked at your work, your character, your potential, and said, “This student deserves an opportunity.”

Never take that lightly.

As you continue your educational journey, remember that success is not about how far you go alone. It is also about how many people you lift along the way. Stay humble. Stay focused. Continue to lead with integrity. Continue to work hard even when no one is watching.

And remember that where you come from does not limit where you can go.

To the parents, grandparents, guardians, and families – thank you. Behind every successful student is a support system that encouraged them, prayed for them, corrected them, sacrificed for them, and loved them. Today also belongs to you.

To our principals, teachers, counselors, and staff members – thank you for planting seeds every single day. Education is one of the few professions where you often do not immediately see the impact of your work. But today is evidence that your work matters.

And to Mr. Murriel and Jackson Memorial Funeral Services, thank you for choosing to invest in our scholars and our future. Scholarships create access, but more importantly, they create possibility. Your generosity will have an impact far beyond today.

To our students, I leave you with this:

Dream beyond what you can currently see. Walk into every room knowing that you belong there. Do not allow fear, circumstances, or temporary setbacks to convince you otherwise.

Your story is still being written, and I believe some of your greatest chapters have yet to come.

Congratulations to each of our scholarship recipients. We are proud of you, we celebrate you, and we cannot wait to see what you will accomplish.

Thank you, and may God continue to bless each of you.