Recognizing someone for their accomplishments and personal commitments are two of the most esteemed ways to honor to that individual.

In our community we have a high regard for those that go above and beyond to serve their community, their teammates, and themselves with the utmost integrity and faith.

The mission of the Miss-Lou Chapter of the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame is “to promote and develop the power of amateur football in developing the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, competitive zeal and drive for the academic excellence in America’s young people.” We will do just that at 7p.m. this Thursday, Feb. 25 as we honor and award 13 local student-athletes at our annual awards banquet. Each of our student-athletes have excelled in the class and on the football field, but also in other areas of their school, church, and community. We are very happy to recognize this year’s award winners with $10,000 in scholarships.

Our local chapter was established in 1981 by many of the local football legends including Joe Fortunato, Allen Brown, Tony Byrne and Bob Dearing to name a few. At first the Foundation awarded each recipient a certificate of accomplishment, but through the hard work and dedication of the founders and the support of this community we are now able to give away $10,000 in scholarships every year. All of the scholarship money is raised by the support of this community through our annual Joe Fortunato Celebrity Golf Classic which will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Duncan Park.

Our guest speaker this year will be All-pro and former New Orleans Saints running back, Deuce McAllister. We are very pleased to have Deuce at our annual banquet, and we look forward to hearing his message to our local student-athletes.

Each year we have the honor of recognizing the best and brightest high school student-athletes from around the Miss-Lou by awarding $10,000 in scholarships to these deserving recipients. We also recognize the best and brightest from the local junior highs as well as making presentations to two locals that have influenced the lives of thousands of children through their dedication to amateur sports via our Distinguished American and the Contribution to Amateur Football awards. This year we will honor Coach Robert “Red” Owens with the Contribution to Amateur Football and Coach Mike Martin is recognized with the Distinguished American Award.

Tickets may be purchased by calling Freddie Sandel (601)442-9246, Terry Estes (601) 446-6555 or Big Joe Oil Co. Office (601) 442-5481.

 

Joe Willis is the president of the Miss-Lou Chapter of the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame.