21 September Chandler, Lyons receive MAMA scholarships September 21, 2023 By Thomas, Donna S. Career Center, General 0 With the announcement of Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association's 2023-24 Scholarship Recipients, MAMA's scholarship fund that has supported 205 students enrolled in Mississippi community colleges and universities reached a total of $407,500 awarded since 2006. Selected from Itawamba Community College include Quen'Darrius "Que" Chandler and Julius Lyons, both of Houston, sophomores in Industrial Maintenance and participants in the Advanced Manufacturing Technician program at Toyota Mississippi. Chandler wrote in his essay, "I am currently working at the Toyota plant in Blue Springs, where I am experiencing real-world maintenance training. I am hardworking and dedicated to becoming more knowledgeable about the automotive manufacturing industry, and I desire to improve it in any way that I can within my company and the industry as a whole. His group leader at Toyota Mississippi recognized Que's commitment in his letter of recommendation. "Quen'Darrrius has consistently shown his interest in learning new skills while applying his analytical abilities and critical thinking skills. He also actively seeks out opportunities to improve on the skills he has obtained while deepening his understanding of the high level of technological advancements in the maintenance of manufacturing/industrial equipment and processes." A 2022 high school graduate, Lyons learned to balance work and school during his high school years with jobs at Sam's Club, Walmart and McDonalds. Those balancing skills have come in handy as he attends classes at ICC two days a week and works three days a week at Toyota Mississippi in the AMT Program. He shared in his application essay that through high school he was always interested in taking technology classes such as robotics and electrical classes. The Toyota AMT program piqued his interest because it was a job where he could work with his hands and use critical thinking to be successful. In a letter of recommendation, one of his instructors stated, "Mr. Lyons will be an asset to whatever company is lucky to hire him." From an outstanding pool, MAMA awarded 13 scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year to community college and university students interested in pursuing a career in the automotive manufacturing industry. MAMA has supported the growth of a strong workforce essential to the health of all industries in the state since its inception in 2006. This year's scholarships were awarded to technical and engineering-related majors, as well as nontraditional majors, that can be applied within the automotive industry. Safety and environmental issues, along with the potential to make cars safer and more accessible for everyone particularly individuals with disabilities, with recurring interests expressed in essays submitted by this year's recipients. The students discussed the possibilities of integrating innovative technologies into vehicle production to create a world where each driver and passenger could embark on safe and enjoyable journeys. They expressed excitement about the opportunity to be a part of this transformative process and to witness the continuous advancements in automotive technology. MAMA serves its members by promoting growth, development and improvement in the automotive industry in Mississippi as well as serving as a forum for interaction among automotive manufacturing companies in the state. In extending his congratulations, Kevin Burgess, MAMA's President, said, "Mississippi has an environment conducive to advanced manufacturing. We are proud that Mississippi's higher education system has invested heavily in educational opportunities and facilities, which ensures the state will be able to produce the talented workforce necessary to keep the automotive industry strong. MAMA is committed to doing our part to recognize that workforce. I congratulate each of these students and wish them success in completing their degree, followed by a successful start in our industry." Related Articles Two ICC students receive Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association scholarships Two Itawamba Community College students were among the winners of Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association scholarships for 2022-23. Chad Bishop of Blue Springs and Joseph Harper of Baldwyn each received an award of $1,500 for one academic year to be used for educational expenses. Bishop, who is a sophomore at ICC majoring in robotics automation, has been a wastewater treatment plant operator at APMM in Guntown for the last 11 years. He is a certified treatment specialist and a hands-on practitioner with operational, analytical and maintenance proficiency across a full spectrum of wastewater systems and equipment. Bishop said that he is “excited for the opportunity to work as a maintenance team member in the automotive industry. With the hands-on training I am receiving, I will be more prepared to take on maintenance responsibilities at APMM when I finish. This degree will help me better support my family and reach higher occupational goals.” A sophomore at ICC, Harper is studying Industrial Maintenance and is in the Advanced Manufacturing Technician program at Toyota Mississippi. ... Students receive ICC Foundation scholarships Several area students are the recipients of Foundation scholarships at Itawamba Community College for 2022-23. They include Aberdeen – Tyler Gill, Linda Kay Gilreath Scholarship; Taylor Harrison, Donald A. Baker Endowed Scholarship; Micah Terry, John and Beth Cleveland Endowed Scholarship; Kaleb Wilkinson, Thomas Griffith Memorial Annual Scholarship; Amory – Ella Browning, A.J. Pitts Endowed Memorial Scholarship; Matthew Carter, Dorothy D. and George H. Ruff Foundation Career Education Special Needs Endowed Scholarship; Marley Edwards, Linda Kay Gilreath Scholarship; Dorien Griffin, Linda Kay Gilreath Scholarship; Brooklyn Owen, Emily W. Horne Annual Scholarship; Baldwyn – Caden Cates, Dr. Marshall E. Hollis Endowed Pharmacy Scholarship; Batesville – Albert Martin, Dorothy D. and George H. Ruff Foundation Career Education Endowed Scholarship; Belden – Breia Foster, Mounce Family Excellence in Healthcare Endowed Scholarship; Adelin Mathis, Billy and Edna Fisher Todd Annual Scholarship; Min-Hao Sun, Pearl Markham Burch Memorial Endowed Scholarship; Belmont – Karly Weeks, Quail Unlimited Annual Scholarship, Sherry Senter Stubblefeld and Nancy Senter Presley Endowed Scholarship; Blue Mountain – Jazmine Moreno, Mike and Marcia Eaton Endowed Scholarship; Blue Springs – ... Dabbs, Caldwell receive MNF scholarships Itawamba Community College sophomores Emma Dabbs and Mason Caldwell, both of Nettleton, have been awarded Mississippi Nurse’s Foundation RN Car Tag Stipend scholarships. Dabbs is a 2015 graduate of Nettleton High School, where she was selected to the Hall of Fame and ranked in the top 10 of her class. At ICC, she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She attends Celebration Church in Tupelo where she assists with the children and youth ministry. She is the daughter of Deanna and Tommy Ray Dabbs. Also a 2015 graduate of Nettleton High School, Caldwell was ranked in the top five of his class and selected to the Hall of Fame. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Nurse’s Christian Fellowship at ICC. Caldwell attends Crosspointe Fellowship in Nettleton. He is the son of Brent and Niki Caldwell. Among the criteria for selection for the $5,000 scholarship include the purchase of a Nurse’s Foundation car tag, enrollment in a nursing school, submission of a 500-word essay, minimum of 3.0 grade point average and three letters of reference. Both Dabbs and Caldwell ... Students receive ICC scholarships Scholarship recipients at Itawamba Community College for 2017 include several area students. They include: Amory – Brendan Koehn, ACT Achievement Incentive, Special Achievement, Leadership; Colby Williamson, ACT Special Incentive; Caledonia – Parker Humber, ACT Achievement Incentive, Leadership; Cedar Bluff – Lacey Whitt, Leadership; Greenwood Springs – Hunter Colburn, Valedictorian/Salutatorian; Houston – Mitchell L. Harmon, ACT Regular Incentive; Mantachie – Andrew Mark Dill, Special Achievement, Leadership; Sarah Grace Minor, Academic, Leadership; Plantersville – Contavious Walker, Leadership; Ripley – Justin Medlin, Academic, Leadership; Tupelo – Keyuanna Gunn, Academic, Special Achievement; and Vardaman – Caley Greer Lloyd, Academic, Leadership. Students receive Adult Learner Incentive scholarships Recipients of Adult Learner Incentive scholarships at Itawamba Community College for the 2017 fall semester include several area students. They are: Aberdeen – Victoria Bell, Megan Booth, Kayla Hatcher; Amory – Patsy Archie, Phillip Armstrong, Wendy Culver, Lesley Francis, Brandon Gille, Christopher Logan, Hollie Martin, Amanda Phillips; Baldwyn – Jennifer Bean, Shannon Bell, Kayla Simpson, Carl Weeks; Belden – Alexander Thornton; Belmont – Hannah Payne-Syers, Justin Perry; Blue Springs – Mallory Maddox; Bruce – Celia Hodge; Columbus – Selinda Walker, Shanteria Williams; Ecru – Angelina Armella; Fulton – Amber Childers, Tiffany Robbins, Cassandra Tucker; Golden – Casey Crum; Houlka – Elizabeth Brassfield; Houston – Edward Jernigan; Mantachie – Christopher Banik, Dawn Begner, Brianna Ellis, Leigh Franks, Jessica Harrison, Monyette Hubbard, Jennifer Lewis, Callie Thompson, Lina Vegas; Mooreville – Molly Edwards, Mitzi Poe; Nettleton – Tammy Fields, Vince Lee; New Albany – Justin Garrison; Okolona – Roy Freeman,Unshay Randle, Johnny Rodgers; Oxford – Jessica Blessike; Plantersville – Micki Harper; Pontotoc – Hope Armstrong, Philip Fitts, Michelle Frazier, Samantha Harris, Denise Hurst, Farrah Jones, Stephanie Montes, Kimberly Robinson, Lisa Stegall; Saltillo ... ICC students receive Foundation scholarships Several area students are the recipients of Foundation scholarships at Itawamba Community College for 2020. They include Aberdeen – Kirstin J. Metcalf, Anson Aven Memorial Endowed Scholarship; Jaden Buchanan, Dr. Marshall E. Hollis Endowed Pharmacy Scholarship; Perashia C. Dunlap, Phillip A. Sheffield Memorial Endowed Scholarship; Amory – Abigail E. Hitt, A.J. Pitts Endowed Memorial Scholarship; Mattie Knox, Billy Spigner Disability Annual Scholarship; Pamela L. Dankins, Donald A. Baker Endowed Scholarship; Lukecia Freeman, Herrick Foundation Endowed Scholarship; Brody McGonagill, JT Crabb Memorial Annual Scholarship; Brandon W. Bryant, Pat Miles Memorial Endowed Scholarship; Caden Booth, Suzanne Summerford Endowed Scholarship; Abigail E. Hitt, W.O. Benjamin Memorial Endowed Scholarship; Jake T. Williams, Walmart Endowed Scholarship; Belden – Connor J. Gable, Gene M. Tilghman “Gone Fishing” Endowed Scholarship; Jenelle Harkins, R.T. (Mickey) West Memorial Endowed Scholarship; Booneville – Larissa E. Smith, Ernest and Jamie Joyner Adult Learner Endowed Scholarship; Caledonia – Leslie Jaydan Ray, North Mississippi Education Consortium Endowed Scholarship; Ecru – William H. Hooper, Adam N. Wages Memorial Endowed Scholarship; Makenzie Hamilton, Honorable Sharion R. Aycock ... Comments are closed.