Celebrating Greenville’s future through education and opportunity In the spirit of honoring community leadership and academic excellence, the Community Foundation of Washington County proudly spotlights the Mayor Errick D. Simmons Greenville College Access and Attainment Network (GCAAN) Scholarship Fund—a vital initiative advancing educational equity in the Delta. On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the City of Greenville, Mississippi, gathered at the Leyser Gallery to celebrate the achievements of 18 exceptional high school graduates during the 2025 GCAAN Scholarship Award Reception. Each student was awarded a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to higher education. Established in 2021 under the leadership of Mayor Errick D. Simmons, the GCAAN Scholarship Fund is part of a broader city-led initiative to expand college access and foster a college-going culture across Greenville. The fund supports students from Greenville’s public, private, and parochial schools and is powered by strong partnerships with educational institutions, nonprofits, and corporate sponsors. Key partners—including Mars Food, Molina Healthcare, Kroger, and the Community Foundation of Washington County—play a critical role in making the GCAAN Scholarship possible. Their investment represents a shared commitment to breaking down barriers and providing students with the resources they need to pursue higher education and long-term success. The GCAAN Scholarship is more than just financial support—it is a symbol of hope and opportunity, equipping students to reach their full potential and return to their communities as leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
2025 GCAAN Scholarship Recipients-
Akia Allen, Riverside High School – Law, University of Mississippi
Parker Scott Brown, Washington School – Physical Therapy, Northwest Mississippi Community College
Morgan Burks, Greenville Christian School – Biology, Alcorn State University Baker
Holmes Bush, Washington School – Biological Science, Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, University of Mississippi
Arianna Davis, O’Bannon High School – Biology (Pre-Nursing), Jackson State University
Mary Wright England, Washington School – Biological Science, Mississippi State University
Brennyn Faulkner, Greenville Christian School – Radiologic Technology, Hinds Community College
Zyon Ford, Unity Christian Academy – Early Childhood Education, Northwest Mississippi Community College
Jeriah King, O’Bannon High School – Business Administration, Mississippi Valley State University
Lailah Lovett, Washington School – Biology/Pharmacy, Northwest Mississippi Community College
Cadence McDonald, St. Joseph Catholic School – Pre-Med Psychology, Xavier University
Mackenzie Miller, O’Bannon High School – Business Marketing, Mississippi State University
Sharon Ni, Washington School – Biological Sciences/Pre-Dental, University of Mississippi
Mitchell Reece, O’Bannon High School – Music, Delta State University
Arianna Stanford, Greenville High School – Forensic Accounting, University of Southern Mississippi
Chandler Wade, O’Bannon High School – Kinesiology/Physical Education, Alcorn State University
Makayla Walker, Greenville High School – Biology, Mississippi State University
Joi Williams, O’Bannon High School – Pre-Dental, Alcorn State University
These remarkable scholars represent the best of Greenville’s next generation. Their dreams span disciplines—from medicine and education to law, business, and the arts—reflecting the diverse potential the GCAAN program was designed to inspire. As a proud community partner, the Community Foundation of Washington County—together with Mars Food, Molina Healthcare, and Kroger—remains committed to empowering every student with the tools and support to achieve their educational goals. Together, we are shaping Greenville’s future—one scholar at a time.
