Contact: Addie Mayfield
STARKVILLE, Miss.—An incoming Rosedale freshman is the 2016-17 selection for the Adolph and Bernice Michael Family Scholarship at Mississippi State University.
Jailyn A. Smith, daughter of Guy and Rita Smith, graduated earlier this year from West Bolivar High School. She plans to pursue a degree in biological sciences/pre-veterinary medicine at the university.
The scholarship was established by David and Shirley Michael of Bonita Springs, Florida. He is a 1969 MSU chemical engineering graduate.
Recognizing Smith’s scholastic achievements and ACT score, among other criteria, the academic award was designed as a living memorial to David Michael’s parents, former Rosedale residents and longtime owners of Michael’s Department Store.
“The scholarship was created to honor my family and salute the wonderful education I received at both Rosedale High School and MSU,” he said.
Smith is the second to be honored with the scholarship providing $17,000 annually for tuition, housing, meals, books and supplies. She may be eligible to continue the award for up to four years.
“I am thankful for this scholarship because it’s giving me the chance to go to Mississippi State and really prove what I can do,” Smith said. “This is a big opportunity for me, and I’m excited to start fulfilling my dream of becoming a veterinarian.”
In high school, she was actively involved with community service efforts while maintaining a high grade-point average and taking several higher education-level courses for dual credit. She also was chosen to attend the Science, Language Arts and Mathematics summer workshop at Jackson’s Tougaloo College.
For more information on the Michael Family and other scholarships provided through the MSU Foundation, contact Cathy L. Lammons, executive director of communications and donor relations, at 662-325-7843 or clammons@advservices.msstate.edu.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.