2024 Scholarships

MUNA Awards Five $1,000 Scholarships in 2024

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MERIDIAN, MS — Five exceptional high school seniors have been selected as recipients in MUNA Federal Credit Union’s community scholarship program, with each being awarded $1,000 to continue their education.

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“MUNA believes in giving back — both to its members and the community,” said Bo Pittman, President and CEO of MUNA. “We asked each applicant to write an essay telling us what he or she has done to give back so far in life. We were especially pleased to receive more than 11 applications for the scholarships.”

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Board member Richelle Putnam, who also served as one of the judges, agreed. “What an impressive group of applicants! It was gratifying to see how much each of these students has done so far in life to ‘give back.’”

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Scholarship applications were open to any graduate who is a member of MUNA or has a relative who is a member. Five $1,000 rewards were given and six $250 Honorable Mention awards. The five recipients of the $1,000 scholarships are:

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Taleah Anderson

A graduate of Meridian High School, Taleah Anderson plans to attend Meridian Community College in the fall. Taleah said one of them most significant ways she gives back to her community is by volunteering. “Whether working at a food bank, helping at a homeless shelter or spending time with older people, volunteering has allowed me to make a difference in people's lives,” she said. She has volunteered with The Carter Foundation, The Salvation Army and other organizations. “It helps me be more grateful for what I have,” she said.

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Jett Calvert

A graduate of West Lauderdale High School, Jett Calvert will be attending Delta State University in the fall in the aviation program. He credits his faith in God with leading him into a life of giving. “The Bible teaches us to give and expect nothing in return,” he said. As a leader of his school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he said “this opened my heart, getting to lead younger kids to Jesus.” As a member of the National Honors Society, he has also given back to his community through such events as Trunk or Treat, 5K runs to raise money for cancer and raffles to raise funds for L.O.V.E.’S Kitchen.

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Sariyah Coleman

Sariyah Coleman is a graduate of Oxford High School and will attend the University of Mississippi. She recalls being blessed to have a family that encouraged her at every turn and found herself asking, “Can I do more?” She found a way to do more as a dancer with “Moving Spirits II,” a community theater performance highlighting the resiliency, courage, creativity and the humanity of enslaved individuals on Sheegog Plantation, better known as Rowan Oak. “Moving Spirits II helped me realize that giving back isn’t just about money, time or good vibes, but is about helping establish a place where every outsider feels welcome and supported.”

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Brittani Houston

Brittani Houston is a graduate of Meridian High School and has set her sights on attending the University of Alabama to continue her education. She has focused her efforts on giving back through work with the Mississippi Children’s Museum and SPOT a non-profit organization that supports individuals with disabilities or differences. “By volunteering with SPOT, I am helping to create a supportive and inclusive space where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential,” she said.

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Jasmine Moore

A graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School, Jasmine will be going to Mississippi State University in the fall. Jasmine credits her sister, born with autism, for teaching her about love, patience, resilience and the power of connections. Jasmine’s lifeline — the written word — bridges her work in giving back. “Giving back is important because it’s a testament to our humanity, a reflection of our interconnectedness and a celebration of the ways in which we can make a difference, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.”

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$250 Honorable Mention Recipients

Ahmyir Brown • West Lauderdale High School

Emmanuel Shemar Cistrunk • Meridian High School

Macey Irby • Northeast Lauderdale High School

Samiya Lewis • Meridian High School

Sequoia Norman • Meridian High School (Not pictured)

Frank Taylor III • Summerville High School (Not pictured)

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Judges for the Scholarships

MUNA engaged Board Member Richelle Putnam to put together the team to judge the scholarship essays. Richelle is an award-winning writer and musician, with many published works to her name. The judging team included Ida Bea Tomlin, a senior search consultant who serves as a consultant for the MAX and is on the Board of Directors of Meridian Architectural Trust and the Meridian Museum of Art. Kate Cherry, Executive Director of the Meridian Museum of Art with extensive experience in non-profit organizations and volunteer management, was also a judge. Rounding out the three-person judging panel was Marty McIntyre, owner of MK/MCI Design, SCORE mentor and serving as a Board of Directors member at Illuminations Center for Dyslexia and Meridian Architectural Trust.