OXFORD, Miss. – Since its founding in 1848, the University
of Mississippi has nurtured state and national leaders, and
that tradition continues including special training
opportunities through the Trent Lott Leadership Institute.
Six freshmen have entered UM this fall as recipients of
$40,000 Lott Leadership Scholarships, which includes
association with the institute. The exceptional students
are chosen for the awards based on their leadership
ability, academic performance and record of community
service.
“This scholarship ensures that Ole Miss will continue its
long tradition of nurturing strong leaders for our state
and nation, and the caliber of these recipients proves that
point,” said Chancellor Robert Khayat, who invites the Lott
Scholars to join the Chancellor’s Leadership Class.
Scholarship recipients are Chelsea Caveny of Hattiesburg,
Christopher Cox of Moss Point, Richard Walters of Brandon,
Katie Watson of Louisville, and Alex McLelland and Matthew
Henry, both of Madison.
Lott Scholars are required to pursue the university’s
undergraduate degree program in public policy studies,
which is the first such degree program to be offered in the
state. Besides maintaining academic standards, the students
are expected to continue their commitment to community
service. To help them balance these requirements, they are
paired with faculty mentors in their major fields of
study.
“The faculty members understand that these young leaders
will need guidance to help lead Mississippi and America
into the future,” said Bill Gottshall, executive director
of the Lott Institute. “We commend each of these students
on receiving this scholarship, and now we hope to offer
them the education, skills and experience needed to endure
as tomorrow’s leaders.”
At Oak Grove High School, Caveny served as student body
president, forensics team tournament director and dance
team captain. A member of the Red Cross Club and National
Honor Society, she was a delegate to Girls State and was
one of two Mississippi senators there chosen to serve at
Girls Nation. Her awards include a finalist for the Youth
Advocate of the Year and a National Forensics League
All-American. A member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, her
community service included traveling to Saltillo, Mexico,
as a missionary and volunteering for Vacation Bible
School.
At Moss Point High School, Cox served as student council
president, class president and drum major. An honor roll
student, he was selected for the American Legion Boys State
and American Legion Boys Nation. His honors also include
runner-up for governor of Boys State, and he was a nominee
for president of Boys Nation. His community service
included volunteering at the local nursing home and for
Compassionate Friends, Environment Clean Up, Big Brothers
of America and Hurricane Katrina relief.
At Madison Central High School, McLelland served as student
body president, vice president and representative. An honor
roll student, he was elected Boys State governor, served on
the Mayor’s Youth Council and paged for Gov. Haley Barbour.
His honors include the Principal’s Leadership Award and the
Madison Central Citizenship Award. A member of Ridgecrest
Baptist Church, he volunteered for mission trips to
Montana, Wyoming and the Dominican Republic. He also
participated in Relay for Life, Walk for Diabetes,
Mississippi Food for Families campaign and Make-A-Wish
Foundation fundraiser.
At Jackson Preparatory School, Henry served as editor of
the school’s newspaper, captain of the debate team, vice
president of the student body and drum major. A National
Honor Society member, he was chosen state president of the
Junior Classical League, chaired the Mississippi Governor’s
School and was a member of the Junior Engineers of Tomorrow
Society. His honors include National Merit Semifinalist and
Classical Heritage Scholar. A member of Christ United
Methodist Church, he was a frequent volunteer in community
service, including the March of Dimes and Special
Olympics.
At Northwest Rankin High School, Walters was secretary of
the Fellowship of Jewish People, public affairs
representative of the executive council and president of
the Beta Club. An honor roll student, he served on the
Board of Governors for Youth Leadership Jackson. His awards
include maxima cum laude of the national Latin exam and
multiple Student of the Month honors. A member of St. Pauls
Catholic Church, his community service included chairing
the United Way Youth Donor Investment Committee and
participating in Hurricane Katrina relief. He also
volunteered for work with the American Red Cross, Salvation
Army, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity and the Blair E.
Batson Children’s Hospital.
At Winston Academy, Watson served as co-editor of the
Gazette, vice president of the student body and captain of
the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A member of the
National Honor Society, she was a Mississippi Governor’s
School Scholar and a STAR Student. Her other honors include
winner of the U.S. Achievement Academy English Merit Award,
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honoree and
President’s Volunteer Service Award. A member of First
Baptist Church, she volunteered for Vacation Bible School;
mission work in Tennessee, Georgia, Massachusetts and
Texas; Relay for Life and Mississippi Food Network.
For more information about the Lott Institute, visit