By Mary Kathryn Carpenter

NATCHEZ — Looking over the good works done in Natchez can be easy at times, but the Natchez Lions Club made sure at least some were recognized.

The club hosted a banquet Tuesday to award five scholarships to five local high school graduates for $500 each.

Lions Club President Bo Allen officiated the banquet and said he was happy to give the awards.

“It is very important to recognize all students, especially at this age,” Allen said. “They are becoming adults and going to college, and it boosts a lot of confidence. Confidence is going to help them in college, living on their own and choosing their classes.”

The scholarship winners were given advice from Copiah Lincoln Community College Professor Nancy McFarland.

She told the students to never be afraid to ask for help, to not stretch themselves too thin, to be on time always, to find the perfect major and to enjoy their time as a college student.

“The college experience is a time of great change, personal growth and self-discovery,” McFarland said. “Each one of you will have grand, diverse experiences during college.”

Deanna Hayden received the Bobby Irby Memorial Scholarship given in memory of Bobby, who was murdered at age 17.

Hayden graduated from Cathedral High School and plans to attend Spelman University, but has not yet chosen a major. Hayden is the daughter of Donna and Jessie Hayden.

Yasmine Jones received the Hailey Beth Estes Memorial Scholarship, given in memory of Hailey, who died in a car accident during her first year at the University of Mississippi.

Jones graduated from Natchez High School and plans to attend Jackson State University with a major in biology. She is the daughter of Naomi and Demetrick Jones.

Allison Sullivan received the Harry Wallace Williams Memorial Scholarship given in memory of Harry, who was a Lions Club member.

Sullivan graduated from Natchez High School and plans to attend Mississippi College, majoring in biology on the pre-med track. She is the daughter of Dr. Arcola and Isaac Sullivan.

Damien Henderson was awarded the Thomas Falkner Heard Memorial Scholarship given in memory of William, who was a Lions Club treasurer.

Henderson graduated from Natchez High School and plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi to become an OBGYN. He is the son of Barbara Henderson and Cornelius Isaac.

Kaitlyn Cloy received the Samuel L. “Chip” Blanchard Honorary Scholarship given by “Chip”, who is on the Board of Directors for the Natchez Lions Club.

Cloy graduated from Adams County Christian School and plans to attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College to become a lab technician. Cloy is the daughter of Jennifer and Timmy Cloy.

The recipients said they were humbled by received the awards after the banquet.

“I’m grateful,” Jones said. “A lot of the time the good we do doesn’t always get noticed.”