Bay Springs, MS (January 17, 2025) – TEC is proud to announce Scarlett Kirkland as the recipient of the prestigious D.L. Fail Memorial Scholarship. Scarlett, a senior at Sylva Bay Academy, has distinguished herself as a leader among her peers. She is a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society and actively participates in the Jasper County 4-H Club. In addition to her academic achievements, Scarlett balances her time between showing livestock and running her own small business, The Branded K, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication.
In the fall, Scarlett plans to attend East Central Community College, where she will pursue a degree in surgical technology. Her forward-thinking perspective on overcoming challenges in rural education was evident in her scholarship application. She thoughtfully explored the benefits of high-speed internet for distance learning, access to online resources, and participation in virtual classrooms, illustrating how connectivity empowers students in underserved areas.
TEC congratulates Scarlett on her achievements and looks forward to seeing all she will accomplish in the future.
Scarlett’s essay is featured below.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
The scholarship’s purpose is to encourage young citizens to pursue higher education, establish life goals, and use their success to serve their community. We also hope to make young adults more aware of the positive attributes of their communities and the benefits of returning to their hometowns after college. Two scholarships, totaling $5,000 in tuition monies, are awarded annually in conjunction with MACS, the Mississippi Affordable College Savings Program to two high school students in TEC’s Mississippi residential service area. The winning submission will receive $3,000, and the 2nd place submission will receive $2,000. Both scholarships can be used to pay tuition and related expenses at any college or university of the student’s choice.
ABOUT TEC
TEC provides economic stability to its local service areas, employing more than 200 people across Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana. TEC has invested in and maintains approximately 4,600 miles of fiber in its rural markets. For over a century, TEC has been a forerunner in providing telecommunications services to rural America and was the first to bring internet options to many rural markets more than 20 years ago. For more information, visit www.TEC.com or find us on social media under the handle, @TECconnects.