Judy Renshaw, left, with award recipients Emily Kuper, Evan Holt and Cole Cooper.

The Leadership Jackson Alumni Association (LJAA) announces three high school students in Jackson-Madison County have been awarded the annual alumni association scholarships. The Judy Renshaw Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Scholarship was awarded to Cole Cooper, University School of Jackson; Evan Holt, Madison Academic Magnet High School; and Emily Kuper, Home School. The students were presented awards at Leadership Jackson Alumni Association’s Quarterly Luncheon on Friday, June 1 at Jackson Energy Authority’s Training Facility, 320 Highway 45 Bypass. Each received $1,500 toward their higher education expenses.

Cooper plans to attend Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, while Holt will continue her education at Union University. Kuper will be attending the Tennessee Tech University.

“Part of Leadership Jackson Alumni Association's mission is supporting emerging leaders through educational programs and we recognize this starts with the youth of our community,” said Jinny Culpepper, president, Leadership Jackson Alumni Association. “The Judy Renshaw Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Scholarship allows us to invest directly in education for the future leaders of Jackson, as well as show them support from their community. We are extremely proud of these recipients and look forward to seeing their growth both in education and leadership moving forward.”

The scholarship, funded through dues to the association and gifts, amounts to at least $1,500 and as much as $2,000 payable to the college or university during the student’s freshman year. Other projects funded by Leadership Jackson Alumni dues include quarterly alumni luncheons, professional development programs and “Comfort Critters,” stuffed animals used by emergency first responders in Jackson.

The Judy Renshaw Leadership Jackson Alumni Association Scholarship was named in honor of Judy Renshaw in 2013 for her more than 35 years of developing the Leadership Jackson program. Individuals and/or donors wishing to make a tax-deductible donation in Renshaw’s honor to the scholarship can do so through the chamber’s foundation.

“I am humbled and honored to have this scholarship bear my name but tremendously excited for the youth that will receive additional funding for their college education,” Renshaw said. “We have so many bright and talented youth eager to make a positive difference. Jackson will be in good hands with these future leaders as they accomplish their dreams.”

For more information about the scholarship, email Brandy Stutsman, manager of leadership development or call 731-423-2200. To learn more about Leadership Jackson or the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association, visit leadershipjackson.com.