Scholarships

The MHSAA scholarship program helps students from Milan High School and children of alumni further their education after high school. Since 1957, the MHSAA has awarded 940 scholarships totaling $1,034,378.

Scholarships are open to the children, stepchildren and grandchildren of all MHS alumni. Selected independently funded scholarships may be open to all graduating Milan High School seniors as determined by scholarship donors. All scholarships but one (Andrew D. Holt) are awarded to Milan High School graduates. Applications are available each year through the MHS Guidance Office and the MHS Alumni Association website. Each of the scholarships listed below may not be awarded each year. Scholarship recipients are determined by the MHS Alumni Association Board of Directors. The student (preferably) or a family member must be present on Alumni Day to accept the scholarship or it will be forfeited. Scholarships are valid for twelve months after the recipient's high school graduation. Return completed applications to the MHS Guidance Office or by mail to the MHS Alumni Association, P.O. Box 223, Milan, TN 38358.

Scholarships Funded by the MHSAA - $1,500 each

The following scholarships are funded by the Milan High School Alumni Association through dues and contributions from MHS alumni and friends.

Awarded to MHS Graduates:

Mary Moore Collins Scholarship (Class of 1962) - Established in 2004, this scholarship honors this faithful and dependable volunteer for the Alumni Day Open House for many years and was one of the MHSAA honorees in 2002. Mary devoted 34 years to teaching in Milan schools, retiring in 2004.

Norris Hassell Scholarship (Class of 1945) - Established in 1989, this scholarship is awarded in memory of Norris Hassell who served faithfully as treasurer of the Milan High School Alumni Association for 27 years (1959-1986).

Edith Holt Scholarship (Class of 1920) - Begun in 1975, this scholarship is awarded in memory of Miss Edith Holt.  She taught in the Milan School System for 46 years before her retirement.

Ralph Holt Scholarship (Class of 1939) - Established in 2003 to honor the late Milan native, Ralph Holt, a 1939 graduate who was a prominent educator, coach, and administrator in Milan Schools for 28 years.

Glenda Houston Hughes Scholarship (Class of 1967) - Established in 2011, in memory of a lifetime educator who served as a teacher, counselor and was a principal at all levels.  She also dedicated many years and was an outstanding board member of the Alumni Association.  Ms. Hughes graduated from Milan High School in 1967 and was named the MHSAA special honoree in 2007.  She also served as president of the MHSAA in 1988.  This scholarship is to be awarded to a graduate that is planning a career in the field of education.

Lurla B. Daniels Keith Scholarship (Class of 1932) - Established in 1983, this scholarship is awarded to a senior with preference given to an individual who is pursuing a career in education. As the MHSAA secretary for many years, Mrs. Keith personally documented thousands of alumni names and addresses. The alumni office at Milan High School is named in her honor.

Milton Mayo Scholarship (Class of 1932) - Established in 1980, this scholarship honors the late Milton Mayo, a Milan graduate who devoted 32 years to the Milan school system.  He served his hometown as a teacher, winning coach, principal, and superintendent (1947-1979).

Johnnie Hale Metcalf Scholarship (Class of 1907) - Since 1972, this award has been presented to a deserving graduate who gave his or her best cooperative effort in all phases of schoolwork. Johnnie Hale was a prominent teacher and supporter of athletics and the Alumni Association.

Marcelle Stevens Moore Scholarship (Class of 1960) - Established in 2001, this scholarship honors Marcelle Moore for many years of dedication to the Alumni Association, she was the Secretary for 36 years (1982- until July 10, 2018) and a leader of the executive board.

Elizabeth Keaton Ownby Scholarship (Class of 1959) - Established in 2004, this scholarship honors a faithful and dependable volunteer for the Alumni Day Open House for many years. Liz has devoted a lifetime to Purple Pride, served a term as MHSAA president and was one of the MHSAA honorees in 2002.

Bob Parkins Scholarship (Class of 1947) - Established in 2008, this scholarship honors the late editor of the Mirror-Exchange, Bob Parkins. Mr. Parkins was a longtime member of the Milan alumni board of directors, serving many years as Publicity Chairman. He also served as president of the alumni association and was the MHSAA special honoree in 1998.

Lamar Pittman Scholarship (Class of 1927) - Started in 1957, this scholarship is awarded to a senior based on scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. It honors the Milan native who became a successful coach and administrator in Milan.

Bobbie Sue Pratt Priddy Scholarship (Class of 1954) - Established in 2004, this scholarship honors Bobbie Sue Priddy, a beloved Kindergarten teacher in Milan for 31 years, community servant and faithful volunteer to the alumni organization. She currently serves as MHSAA Chairwoman of Registration and as a member of the Executive Board. She is also involved in the alumni scholarship program and the Alumni Room screening process.

Laura Rushing Stewart Scholarship (Class of 1964) - Established in 2001, this scholarship honors Laura Stewart for her devoted years of service to the Alumni Association as Treasurer and outstanding board member.

Rex Tatum Scholarship (Class of 1953) - Established in 2004, this scholarship honors Rex Tatum, a MHS standout athlete. Rex has served the alumni association since 1961 in numerous capacities including a term as president. He started the movement for an alumni room and served as the building committee chairman, spearheading successful efforts that led to the current office headquarters.

J.W. Thomas Scholarship (Class of 1928) - Established in 1981, this scholarship is awarded in memory of J. W. Thomas, former principal and superintendent. He served education well in every facet imaginable from 1932-1974. Mr. Thomas was made an honorary graduate of the Milan High class of 1928.

Wylie Wheeler Scholarship (Class of 1944) - Established in 1997, this scholarship honors the Milan native who was a lifelong educator, highly successful coach, superintendent, and leader of the Alumni Association.

Wylie Wheeler/Purple Pride Scholarship - Established in 2008, honoring the memory of a former girls’ basketball coach and superintendent who was a member of the alumni executive board. The Wylie Wheeler/Purple Pride Scholarship will be awarded to a female team member.

George W. and Josie Burnett Anderson - Est. in 2022, Mr. & Mrs. Anderson impacted thousands of student sin Milan and Gibson County during their careers as outstanding and esteemed educators. From 1948 to 1972, Mr. Anderson was a teacher, coach, and principal at Gibson County Training School, Polk Clark High School, and integrated Polk Clark K-3 School. In addition to being a teacherat Trenton's Rosewald High School and in Milan, Mrs. Anderson was the guidance counselor at Milan High School where she advised students toward college and the workforce until her retirement in 1992. 


Awarded to a Non-MHS Graduate (one each year):


Andrew D. Holt Scholarship (Class of 1923) - Named in honor of the late Dr. Holt in 1970, this scholarship is selected impartially at the annual alumni meeting. Dr. Holt was President Emeritus, University of Tennessee and a 1923 graduate of Milan High School. This scholarship is open to the natural, adopted and stepchildren of MHS alumni. This is the only MHSAA scholarship that is not given to a MHS graduate. It is awarded to a graduate from a high school other than MHS. To apply for this scholarship, send a notarized letter from the applicant’s high school to MHS Alumni Association, P.O. Box 223, Milan, TN 38358. State the following information: (1) student’s name, address and phone number, (2) parent’s name and year graduated from MHS and (3) statement by principal indicating the applicant will graduate in the current year and has been accepted by a college, university or other institute of higher learning. Scholarships are valid for twelve months after graduation. Only out-of-town high school graduates with the above information filed properly by the second Friday in June will be eligible for this drawing.

Independently Funded Scholarships

The following scholarships presented by the Milan High School Alumni Association are independently funded and honor or memorialize family members, friends or classmates. The monetary value of these scholarships varies depending on private contributions.

Awarded to MHS Graduates:

Harold Lewis Belew (Class of 1941) and Richard Holmes Belew (Class of 1964) Memorial Scholarship - $2,000 - Established by the Belew family and first awarded in 2019, this scholarship is presented in memory of the father and son. Harold played football for the Bulldogs and received Most Valuable Player honors in the sport his junior and senior years. He received a four-year football scholarship to Sewanee (the University of the South) and completed one year before leaving to serve in World War II. Following his return, Harold received another football scholarship to Bethel College in McKenzie and became the first football player inducted posthumously into the Bethel Athletics Hall of Fame. Rick was also a standout athlete. He was part of the Bulldog football, basketball and track teams and received Most Valuable honors in basketball his senior year. Rick loved MHS, and the inaugural presentation of this award in Rick's memory was fittingly at his class's 55th school reunion. This scholarship is given to a student who was an outstanding sportsman in football or basketball for Milan High and plans to attend a university.

Allie Vee Fly Blankenship and Martha Louise Blankenship Scholarship - $1,500 - Established by Allie Vee Fly Blankenship and first awarded in 1996, this scholarship is presented to a Fly family descendant graduating from Milan High School.

Gordon (Class of 1947) and Louise Chapman Scholarship - $2,000 per year for four years - Established by Mr. Chapman and first awarded in 2016, this scholarship is awarded to a student with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher. It is renewable for up to four years provided the recipient maintains a college GPA of 2.8 or higher and is enrolled in at least 15 credit hours each semester.

Class of 1965 Scholarship - $1,000 - Established by the MHS Class of 1965 and first awarded in 2000.

Class of 1966 Scholarship - $1,000 - Established by the MHS Class of 1966 and first awarded in 2003, this scholarship is presented in memory of their deceased classmates.

Fred (Class of 1961) and Mary Moore Collins (Class of 1962) Scholarship - $1,000 - Established in 2009 by their son McLean Collins (Class of 2000) in celebration of their lifelong commitment to education and to honor their many years of service to the students and community of Milan. This scholarship is awarded to a student who displays integrity, compassion and intellectual curiosity in the classroom and community.

Bobby L. Crayton Scholarship - $1,000 - Established by his daughter Felicia Crayton (Class of 1991) and first awarded in 2018, this scholarship is presented to a deserving student who excels in academics and sports and demonstrates good conduct and school spirit. Mr. Crayton is a long-standing citizen of Milan. He worked for Foamex Corporation for more than 25 years and the Milan Utility Department before retiring in 2016. He is an avid Milan Bulldog fan. Mr. Crayton raised his family in the Milan area, and all four of his children are Milan High School graduates.

Hazel Culver Scholarship - $1,000 - Established by Dr. C.D. Culver (Class of 1947) in memory of his mother and first awarded in 1991, this scholarship goes to a graduate who plans to attend Jackson State Community College. The recipient is selected on the basis of character, ability, need and the likelihood of success in a chosen field. A grade point average of at least a "B" in high school is required.

Escue Family Scholarships - 2 awards for $1,000 each - Established by Nathan (Class of 1996) and Suzy Escue and first awarded in 2019. One scholarship is presented to a first generation college student. A second scholarship is presented to a student whose parent, stepparent or grandparent serves or served in the military. Recipients must be attending a technical school or four-year state university.

Peggy Lynn Johnson Fain Scholarship (Class of 1950) - $1,000 - Established by George Fain (Class of 1946) and first awarded in 2008 in honor of his late wife Peggy who was an MHS cheerleader. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a female cheerleader.

Fuchs Family Scholarship - $1,000 - Established by the Fuchs family reunion in May 1995 and first awarded in 1996, this scholarship is presented to a Fuchs family descendant graduating from Milan High School.

Joseph and Alta Mae Crocker Fuchs Scholarship - $1,000 - Established by their son Richard Fuchs (Class of 1954) and first awarded in 2012, this scholarship is presented to a graduate in consideration of the student's academic record, school and extracurricular activities, character and financial need.

David Harrison Holt, Sr. M.D. (Class of 1950) and Joy Vernelle Carr Holt (Class of 1951) Scholarship - $1,500 or more - Established by Dr. Holt and first awarded in 2018, this scholarship is presented to a student with need who plans to pursue a career in the medical field and will be attending a community or junior college, technical college or university.

Jeffrey Hines Hopper Memorial Scholarship (Class of 1985) - $6,000- Established in 1994 by his parents Jim and Judy Hopper in memory of Jeff, a standout football and baseball player and Mr. Milan High School. It is presented to a male student-athlete.

Ben (Class of 1959) and Tina Huey Scholarship - 2 awards for $1,000 each - Established by their children Walker Huey (Class of 1997) and Kendall Huey Gill (Class of 1998) and first awarded in 2020. A former Marine Corps officer, Mr. Huey had a successful 30-year career as an attorney in Milan. He has held a number of civic leadership positions and served as MHS Alumni Association president in 1977-78. Mrs. Huey dedicated many years to Milan students as a beloved high school teacher and is an accomplished artist and published author.

Glenda Houston Hughes and Deceased Members of the Class of 1967 Scholarship - $1,500 - Established by the MHS Class of 1967 and first awarded in 2012, this scholarship is presented in memory of Mrs. Hughes, former educator and MHS Alumni Association volunteer, and their deceased classmates.

L.R. and Hassie Powell Scholarship - $2,000 - Established by Robert Powell (Class of 1940) and first awarded in 1992, this scholarship honors his parents who always showed an interest in young people. It is given to the student who has shown the most improvement in four years of high school.

Purple Pride Memorial Scholarship presented by the MHS Class of 1988 - $1,000 - Established by the Class of 1988 in memory of their deceased classmates, this scholarship was first awarded in 2018. It is presented to a graduating senior from Milan High School who plans to attend a four-year institution, is involved in school activities and has a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Kip Reel Scholarship - $1,500 - Established by his wife and former Milan director of schools Dr. Mary Reel and sons Ben, Matt and Lincoln and first awarded in 2012, this scholarship honors the late school administrator's lifelong commitment to education. It is presented to a student with high achievement in areas of career and technical focus or who plans to pursue a career in education.

Barbara Thompson Memorial Scholarship (Class of 1978) - $2,000 - Established by her family and first awarded in 2014, this scholarship is presented to a student planning to attend the University of Tennessee at Martin who has financial need, preferably a "B" average but a hard worker with desire and potential to succeed in college.

Butler Family Scholarship - The $1,500 scholarship recipient shall graduate from Milan High School with at least a B average or equivalent GPA. Financial need will be considered in determining the recipient of the scholarship. The scholarship may be awarded to a recipient for use at any university or college including, without limitations, a Tennessee College of Applied Technology or the equivalent. 

Class of 1962 - $2,775 - Scholarship will be giving 2 scholarships to 1 boy and 1 girl. They must be involved in extra curricular activities - football, band, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, etc. and must have a good GPA (88-up) and attending college.

Class of 1997 

Coach Tim Warren Memorial Scholarship (Class of 1998): Established in 2022 in memory of a lifetime player, coach, educator, and administrator of MHS. Coach Warren was a 1974 graduate of Milan High School where he played  football for the Legendary John Wade Tucker. He was a member of the 1971 Championship football team.  He became a teacher and football  coach in 1980 for 15 years. He also coached softball and tennis. He served as assistant principal for 5 years and principal for 7 years at MHS. He was named Principal of the Year in 2003. He was President of the TN Association of Secondary School Principals and a member of the MHS Alumni Association for several years.  He also served as a member of the Gibson County Sports Hall of Fame. This scholarship is to be awarded to an outstanding athlete on the MHS football team. 

Andrew and Lou Hawkins - The Andrew and Lou Alice Hawkins Civil Service & Entrepreneur Scholarship of $2,500 will be awarded to a deserving African American Milan High School senior who has maintained a 2.5 GPA or higher and demonstrated commitment to his / her community by performing a minimum of 20 hours civil service that improved the quality of life for Milan citizens.

Class of 1987 - The MHS Class of 1987 established a scholarship in 2023.  

This amount of this scholarship will be $1500 and will be open to the following applicants:

- Current MHS graduating seniors

- The children or grandchildren of MHS alumni regardless of where they attended high school.

- Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate/graduate college degree or technical/vocational school training.

Steve and Susan Short - Steve and Susan Short scholarship of $1500 established in 2023 is awarded in the memory of Steve and Susan Short. Steve and Susan married in 1977 and spent 43 years together in Milan. Steve wrote for the Milan Mirror Exchange for 40 years and Susan worked as a pharmacist at Milan General Hospital for 24 years. This scholarship is awarded with consideration to the student’s character, academic record, financial need and extracurricular activities.

Macy Barrentine Memorial Scholarship (Class of 2022) - $2000 - Established by her family and first awarded in 2024, this scholarship is to be awarded to a student who shows extraordinary school spirit and displays exemplary kindness and compassion to others.

Previously Awarded Scholarships

The Milan High School Alumni Association expresses gratitude to the donors who made these scholarships possible:

Ann Culbreath Singleton, Charles Washburn, Christy Fisher Coleman, Cindy Pickard Russell, Class of 1940, Class of 1976, Class of 1977, Coach John Wade Tucker, Deonza Spain Pafford, Ed Jenkins, Fit 4 Life, Gene McClain, Harry Pillow, Jamie Appleton, Jerry Thetford, Jimmy Dyer, McLemore Family, Olga Balko Mallard, Pete Evans, Robert Lee and Mildred Allen Cunningham Caldwell, Thelma Seavers, Betty Fisher Short