BAY SPRINGS, MS. – TEC recently awarded $5,000 in tuition scholarship monies for two high school students in its service area. TEC is a long-time supporter of higher education in Mississippi and wishes to address the many potential setbacks for area students to afford collegiate fees.
“It is our hope that young people will use this opportunity to enhance their scholastic careers, their communities, and themselves. TEC is especially pleased to be able to offer educational support to our local students,” stated Joseph Fail, president of TEC.
Sydney Beech
Sydney Beech - 1st Place Winner
Sydney Beech, a senior from Laurel Christian High School, is the first place winner of the 2016 D. L. Fail Memorial Scholarship. Sydney’s one-year scholarship is worth $3,000. She aspires to attend Jones County Junior College and possibly pursue a career in U. S. history. Her hobbies are competitive dance, photography and graphic design. Her honors include 7th grade Citizenship Award, 9th grade Bible Award, and 11th grade Journalism Award. Sydney is the daughter of Dwayne and Melissa Beech of Ellisville.
Eli Kirkpatrick
Eli Kilpatrick - 2nd Place Winner
Eli Kilpatrick, a senior from Sylva Bay Academy (SBA), is the second place winner for 2016. His one-year scholarship is worth $2,000. Eli aspires to attend Mississippi College and major in business. His hobbies include football, math league, and the Mayor Youth Council. Eli’s honors consist of Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Wendy’s High School Heisman, and Eagle Scout. Eli is the son of Daniel and Marie Kilpatrick of Louin.
“The scholarship’s purpose is to encourage young citizens to pursue higher education, establish life goals, and voluntarily serve their community,” said Teresa Odom, manager of TEC. “We are grateful to our customers and are honored to have the opportunity to say thank you through this scholarship.”
“We established this scholarship to honor and remember my father, D.L. Fail, and his pioneering efforts in the independent telephone industry and in his community,” added Fail.
TEC opens the scholarship to eligible students each October.