Hinds students benefit from Foundation scholarships

Hinds is a vehicle for Grizzell’s mission to end world hunger

Weldon Grizzell has a passion for agriculture fueled by his grandfather’s benevolent spirit throughout communities in Grenada.

“He would harvest fruits and vegetables from his crops and go door to door delivering food to people in the community,” he recalled. “He would give without blinking; it was like second nature to him.”

His grandfather inspired him in his career choice as well as his choice of Hinds Community College.

Grizzell’s admiration for agriculture mirrors Hinds’ commitment to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.

“My goal is to be in a position that enables me to provide resources or farming techniques to aid individuals who face food insecurities,” Grizzell said. “I chose Hinds because it is the perfect place for me to begin my academic career and my journey to becoming a farmer.”

Grizzell received the Vashti and Clyde Muse Impact Scholarship. After completing his degree at Hinds, he aspires to continue pursuing his life’s mission of ending world hunger by advancing his studies in agriculture and business at Mississippi State University and someday working for the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

Savana Ashley finds the ‘total package’ at Hinds

“It just feels like they want you to win, and that inspires me to push myself every day to succeed,” said Savana Ashley, a sophomore majoring in agribusiness management at the Hinds Community College Raymond Campus.

Before enrolling at Hinds, Ashley had considered numerous colleges, but after touring the campus, she knew that Hinds was an excellent fit for her. “When I walked into Fountain Hall and saw all of the smiling faces, it just felt like home,” Ashley said.

In addition to the hospitable nature of the college, Ashley said she also enjoys being a member of Hinds Connection because it enables her to network with alumni and prospective students throughout the college.

“Hinds Connection has opened more opportunities than I could have ever imagined,” said Ashley. “I really enjoy meeting alumni because they are so passionate about Hinds. Their passion inspires me to appreciate the experiences I have now as a college student.”

Ashley said she also chose Hinds because it is affordable and offers scholarships for students of all majors. “What I pay here for a semester would probably not equal the cost of a dorm room at a university.” Ashley received the Mississippi Farm Bureau Scholarship.

“They also offer transfer scholarships which will help me pay to advance my degree at a four-year institution after I graduate,” she added.

Hinds enables Wilson to follow his dreams in forensics

The iconic image of Superman flying above cities halting emergent dangers is what typically comes to mind when people imagine television heroes, but 19-year-old Colby Wilson of Raymond envisioned himself being a different type of hero.

Wilson aspires to become a renowned scientist for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He plans to work alongside some of the nation’s best forensic scientists to unlock the mysteries involving high-level crimes.

In his early teens, Wilson discovered a passion for forensics after watching episodes of the television series “Criminal Minds.” The idea of providing closure for grieving families concerning the death of their loved ones became the niche that Wilson needed in his decision to further his education.

Although the television show sparked his obsession with the profession, Wilson’s decision to enroll at Hinds was ignited during one of the college’s Thursday Night Lights recruiting events.

He was drawn to the college’s family-like atmosphere and has since joined academic clubs and organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and the Hinds Honors Institute.

Wilson is also a recipient of the Hinds Family Memorial Endowed Scholarship. “I am thrilled to have been selected for the scholarship,” he said. “Receiving this scholarship further confirms the college’s commitment to supporting my academic and career goals.”