Past Scholarship Recipients

2024 Jones Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Aliysha Butler, the 2024 recipient of the Napoleon & Mable Jones Memorial Scholarship!

Aliysha, a 2024 graduating senior of Minden High School, will attend the University of Louisiana-Lafayette this fall and major in elementary education.

In high school, Aliysha has served as president of the Student Council, a member and leader in the Louisi-Annes, and a member of the prom committee and ring staff. She has also been a part of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s Delta G.E.M.S, Delta Academy, and Debutante cotillion.

Aliysha remained on the school honor roll list all four years of high school and completed a dual enrollment class for college credit. In the community, Aliysha helped organize a Christmas toy drive and volunteered at the Seeds Banquet, St. Jude’s, Meadowview Nursing Home, and health fairs for the Louisiana Department of Health.

“I wish to use my college education to make a positive impact in the world,” Aliysha says. “By becoming an educator, I will have the opportunity to shape young minds, inspire a love for learning, and foster values like empathy and kindness. I will empower future generations to be confident in their own skin and know they can achieve success in any endeavor.”

“The legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Jones exemplifies intelligence and strong leadership of successful African-Americans residing in Webster Parish,” she adds. “Their example means a lot to the young adults of our community by showing that regardless of race, you can always shoot for the stars.”

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2023 Jones Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Michael Dozier, the 2023 recipient of the Napoleon & Mable Jones Memorial Scholarship!

Michael is a 2023 graduate of Minden High School and is now a freshman at Grambling State University, where he majors in education.

During his freshman year at MHS, Michael was a member of the Minden High School choir. He was also a pianist and the Freshman Class Vice President. Michael participated in the JROTC program during his freshman and sophomore years and was an editor for the MHS Yearbook club during his junior year. In his senior year, Michael volunteered in the music ministry at First Baptist Church in Minden, Louisiana.

“My goal is to become an educator and use my knowledge, skills, and resources to help students learn and grow,” Michael says of his educational and career aspirations. “I want to focus on providing educational opportunities to those who are underserved or underprivileged. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality education regardless of their background or financial situation.”

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2022 Jones Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Kevin Gill, the 2022 recipient of the Napoleon & Mable Jones Memorial Scholarship!

Kevin is a 2022 graduate of Minden High School and is now a freshman at Grambling State University, where he majors in kinesiology.

As a high school student, Kevin was an Honor Roll student, the Harvey Mitchell Award winner, a Louisiana Boys State delegate, and a three-year varsity basketball letterman.

Kevin has also been very active in serving the community through activities such as his church’s Youth Usher Board, Youth Leadership Group, and Clothing Giveaway Drive. In addition to his academic success, community service and athletic achievements, Kevin worked part-time as a cashier at Brookshires.

“In the fall of 2022, I will be majoring in kinesiology at Grambling State University with plans of becoming a physical therapist,” Kevin wrote after receiving the Jones Memorial Scholarship in May. “Thanks to you, I am one step closer to my goal.”

He added, “I hope one day to be instrumental in providing a scholarship for another young person as you have done for me.”

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2021 Jones Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Clotis Ary, the 2021 recipient of the Napoleon & Mable Jones Memorial Scholarship!

Clotis, a 2021 graduate of Minden High School, will attend Northwestern State University in Natchitoches and major in nursing. 

As a high school student, Clotis was a member of the National Honor Society, MHS Student Council, Nature Club, choir, and the Lady Tiders basketball team.  She is an A-honor roll student and competed in the state literary rally, among many other accomplishments.  Through high school, Clotis was an active member of the youth group at First Baptist Church and worked part-time at Sonic.

“I knew growing up as a kid I always had a thing for helping others and hated watching people suffer,” says Clotis, in describing why she chose to major in nursing.   “I always found it amazing how nurses and doctors get to change people’s lives, get to witness new life being born, and have an everlasting impact in people’s lives. Nursing is a field that takes a lot of heart, hard work, and dedication to be in and I think that is where I fit in. I believe that with this scholarship it will help me achieve my goals of becoming the nurse I want to be by helping with my financial situations dealing with paying for school.”

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2020 Jones Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Carrington Curry, the 2020 recipient of the Napoleon & Mable Jones Memorial Scholarship!

Carrington, a 2020 graduate of Minden High School, plans to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge this fall, pursuing a degree in civil engineering.

While at Minden High School, Curry was on the “A” honor roll and a member of the National Honor Society and the varsity football team.  He also participated in the MHS Quiz Bowl, Kudos, and a number of other community service activities.

In noting the example of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Carrington says, “It is that legacy that encourages young people all over the world to work hard for what they want in life and that regardless of their backgrounds they can do anything if they are determined enough and that to better themselves it starts with getting an education.”

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2019 Jones Memorial Scholarship Recipient