Attending college and coming out debt free is an honor and a privilege. Two Hinds Community College Marching Band members have received that honor because of the donations from Hinds band alumni.

There are two new scholarship opportunities for members of the band that have been established through the Hinds Foundation and by Hinds Alumnus and Band Chapter President Marty Robertson in honor of cherished bandmates from his time at Hinds and in honor of the legacy created by two-time Hinds band director Dr. John “Doc” Manchester, who was at Hinds 1971-1975 and 1977-1989.

“Hinds holds such a special place in my heart,” Robertson said. “These additional scholarships will benefit kids in the band and guard: just as I was blessed to be able to receive assistance when I attended Hinds.”

Dylan Stanley, 19, of Raymond, received the Manchester Music Legacy Scholarship. And, Captain of the Color Guard Shea Hartling, 19, of Clinton is receiving the Color Guard Leadership Scholarship.

Both scholars had to meet certain criteria that included leadership, creativity and their ability to bring fellow band mates together. In other words, they had to be the kind of band member who shows a strong sense of community and comradery with bandmates.

Robertson said he started the Manchester Legacy Scholarship in honor of Manchester, his bandmates from 1985-1986 and all the band alumni from the Manchester years. “Doc impacted all of our lives in a meaningful way,” he said.

Hartling said she is grateful for the scholarship. She plans to major in Elementary Education at the University of Southern Mississippi after she graduates from Hinds and plans to become a member of USM’s Pride of Mississippi marching band. “When I get to Southern I will start debtfree, and that’s an awesome feeling,” she said.

She said the scholarship also means a lot because it recognizes her dedication to the Guard.

“It shows that all of my work, all of the creativity that I have been putting into Color Guard, was noticed. That makes me feel really good, really proud,” she said.

Stanley, a percussionist who is also transferring to USM, said the Manchester Scholarship means a lot to him in particular because of the legacy of community Doc Manchester created.
He said the band becomes a tight knit community.

“It’s a large group of like-minded people,” he said. “Getting this scholarship in particular is really important to me. It feels like a natural fit.” He said he likes to foster a sense of togetherness and friendship among fellow bandmates – what the Manchester award is all about.

“I love playing music with other people. There’s a certain feeling to it that’s hard to put into words. We’re all in this together, and we are all doing great together,” said Stanley while standing on the practice field the week before classes started.

Both scholars said Hinds is creating a solid foundation for their college careers. Stanley said he feels like the band’s leadership and the Hinds community have made him ready for the university.

“I feel incredibly grateful,” Stanley said. “And even more importantly, I feel a great sense of confidence in myself. I had instructors here that I felt like really cared about me.” And as a Business Administration major in his sophomore year, he said he has great appreciation for what Hinds has
done for him. “I’m going to Southern feeling good that my schooling is paid for.”

Recipients of these scholarships may retain the scholarship for up to four consecutive fall and spring semesters if the student continues to meet the criteria and if funds are available.

Robertson said he hopes this honor will help students financially and continue a legacy that made such a difference in his own life. “This scholarship is dedicated to a fearless leader, ‘Doc’ John Manchester, from all of us whose lives he impacted in such a meaningful way through the power of music and community of band,” he said.

‘Doc’ John Manchester