Lexington, Tenn. – The Community Foundation of West Tennessee is excited to announce four scholarships for students in Henderson County provided by Ollie Lue and James Haywood Pearson.
The Pearsons will provide five scholarships annually for black students to help remove financial barriers in pursuing a post-secondary education.
Ollie Lue Shute Pearson is a graduate of Tennessee State University and worked as an educator for 36 years. As a graduate of Lane College, James H. Pearson started his career in teaching and advanced in educational research until his retirement. As educators and community leaders, the Pearsons wanted to provide local students with a path to explore their educational goals.
“Both my wife and I were blessed to be given an opportunity to attend college. As black students, it was tough to fund a college education and remain in school. Ollie and I feel an obligation to give back to our community,” said James H. Pearson.
The five scholarships provided by the Pearsons are:
· Ollie Lue Shute Pearson Scholarship was established in 2017 and provides a scholarship opportunity for a black student at Lexington High School, living in Henderson County to attend a college of their choice.
· Ollie Lue and James H. Pearson Scholarship provides scholarship opportunities for a male and a female student at Lexington High School, living in Henderson County to attend Lane College.
· James H. Pearson Scholarship provides a scholarship for a black, male student at Lexington High School, living in Henderson County with plans to pursue a career in teaching and attend a Historically Black College or University of their choice.
· Inez Marie Flakes Memorial Scholarship provides a scholarship for a black student at Lexington High School, living in Henderson County to attend a Historically Black College or University of their choice.
Each scholarship may be renewed annually and provides an opportunity for the student to receive $1,000 each year towards their education. Recipients are required to earn volunteer service hours, inspiring them to improve their community.
Scholarship applications will be available at Lexington High School through the guidance office beginning in March. The deadline to apply is April 6, 2024, at 8 a.m.
The Henderson County Chapter of the Community Foundation is working alongside other leaders and community members to form the selection committee for these scholarships.
“I am not aware of any other family that has made this kind of commitment to seeing black students succeed. This is an amazing commitment from the Pearsons,” said Toywona Mayo, board member of the Henderson County Chapter.
Previous Pearson Scholars include:
· 2020 – Aleia Wooden, University of Memphis
· 2021 – Devonte Bard, Union University
· 2022 – Diamond Holland, Dyersburg State Community College
· 2023 – Devin Bryant, Jackson State Community College
The Community Foundation is proud to see the passion of the Pearsons and their commitment to giving students a path to meet their educational goals. It was a great way for the Henderson County Chapter to connect with their community through the scholarship process.
“I am highly impressed with the Pearsons’ desire to help young, black students pursue a college education. Henderson County is blessed with a rich history, and this will make a lasting impact on future generations,” said Frank McMeen, President of the Community Foundation of West Tennessee.
Please email scholarships@cfwtn.org for more information about the Pearson Scholarships.
The Community Foundation of West Tennessee was established in 1985 to strengthen the health and well-being of the region by serving as a catalyst for positive changes in the arts, education, healthcare, and other causes. It enhances the quality of life for residents by supporting programs, initiatives, and organizations serving rural West Tennessee. Learn more at www.cfwtn.org.
The Henderson County Chapter of the Community Foundation was established in 2022 and focuses on maximizing existing resources and creating new programs to improve the quality of life in Lexington and surrounding communities. The chapter’s goal is to support underserved individuals and work to solve problems for the most vulnerable in their community.
(PHOTO: Ollie Lue and James Haywood Pearson with Steve Lindsey, principal, Lexington High School – courtesy Frank McMeen, President of the Community Foundation of West Tennessee)
