The Miss-Lou Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will hold its 37th annual Scholastic Awards Banquet at 7 p.m. Thursday at Hotel Vue.

The event aims to further the education of one senior football player from each of the seven local high schools. A total of $11,000 in scholarships will be awarded. One of the seven athletes will receive a top scholarship of $3,000.

This year’s athletes include, Caden Gillespie of Adams County Christian School, Henry Carpenter of Cathedral School, Deavern Mays of Delta Charter School, Jerrius Scott of Ferriday High School, Ernest Woods Jr. of Natchez High, Dee Fleming of Trinity Episcopal School and Zachary Nelson from Vidalia High.

One junior high/middle school player from each school will also be recognized during the banquet.

“We are excited to recognize these young men. It really makes our community stand out,” chapter president Freddie Sandel said. “It’s an outstanding group of athletes, and we are proud of their accomplishments. They are truly representative of the tradition in this area.”

Thursday’s speaker will be the Rev. Tim Brown of Natchez. Brown was a football player at South Natchez before then moving on to Copiah-Lincoln Community College and the University of Mississippi.

“I think his message is so much better than any coach because it will be directly to the players since he is from the area,” Sandel said. “We are excited to have Tim back home and are looking forward to his message to our scholar athletes.”

During the event, two community awards will also be presented. Willie Woods will receive the Contributions to Amateur Football award, while Clyde Webber will receive the Distinguished American Award.

Tickets to the banquet are $25 and can be purchased by calling Sandel at 601-442-9246, from any chapter member or by visiting the office of Terry Estes, State Farm Insurance on Seargent Prentiss Drive.