Perkins Foundation to showcase a ‘Dream Big’ trip for local students
By Sedrick Durr
JA Contributing Writer
What do you want to be when you grow up? Thanks to the Dr. John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation the ideal of any kid reaching heights that may or may not be clearly visible, is met with a semblance of reality by rewarding deserved students with a “Dream Big” trip to Seattle, Washington.
The Perkins Foundation was founded by John and Vera Mae Perkins over 65 years ago with a journey, a purpose, and a future without limits for youth.
What is being tabbed as a life-changing experience, 10 students representing Pecan Park, Isabel, and Johnson elementary schools, and Blackburn Middle School have been granted an opportunity to explore new places, build confidence, and dream bigger than ever before. This journey takes place May 26- June 1, 2026.
“Just because we live in our neighborhood doesn’t mean that we have to limit ourselves to just to our neighborhood,” said Co-President Elizabeth Perkins. “Through the program’s vision we are able to keep our hands full with a lot of wonderful opportunities for our local youth.”
“We have a continuing goal to build family and Christian values while assisting in developing communities,” said Perkins. Her message demonstrates the ongoing pattern to celebrate, support, and inspire youth as the case was with her father Dr. Perkins who passed away on March 13, 2026. The result of these efforts continue to mirror a man who was rooted in achieving something bigger than himself. Dr. Perkins’ legacy not only became contagious locally, but his values resonated beyond many stops including the Seattle area.
Loved dearly by the Mariners’ organization, an honorary first pitch was thrown out that kicked off a recent game in addition to a jumbotron video outlining his beloved legacy.
Part of its national outreach is demonstrated in the Perkins Legacy School, which is one of the locations in Seattle the students will visit during the trip. They also will visit Seattle Pacific University and the Space Needle. Highlights of the cross-country journey will include attending a Seattle Mariners baseball game and a Seattle Storm WNBA game.
“For the past four years, the Seattle Mariners have come to Jackson to host baseball camps. This year we are taking our students to Seattle to participate in a camp there.” Perkins went on to say that this would be the first time that several of the students have been on a plane. “We are excited to continue this bridge with our partners,” she continued.
Meanwhile, a mission of this magnitude does not always come with isolated efforts. The Perkins Foundation has always welcomed additional sponsors and community partners.
The program teams up with Jackson State University in an effort to provide a few incoming freshmen with scholarships. It also is able to raise funding through the Good News Club.
The John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation encourages supporters to wish the students bon voyage on the date of departure at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport.
