2018 Athletic Scholarship Recipients
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Billy and Margie Schrivner Scholarship
The Jackson Madison County Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors sponsors the Billy and Margie Schrivner Scholarship in honor of the couple’s dedication to the organization. Billy was a Hall of Fame inductee and former president and board member. After retiring from the board, Billy served as a valued advisor and mentor until his passin in March 2014. Billy and Margie demonstrated a passion for the Hall of Fame’s mission over the years and dedicated countless hours of their time to promote the recognition of sports excellence in Jackson-Madison County.
Jack Edwards of the University School of Jackson is the recipient of the Billy and Margie Schrivner Scholarship. Edwards played soccer for the Bruins and the Lobos Rush Premier club team. As USJ team captain the past three seasons, Edwards was named to the All-State and All-West teams three times, All-Region and All-District teams twice, and All-State Honorable Mention in 8th grade. Edwards helped lead the Lobos club team to a Division 1 state championship in 2015 and 2017. His team qualified for the National League in 2014, Premier League Central in 2014, and Southern Regional Premier League in 2015-17. Edwards was named to the Tennessee State Olympic Development Program First Team in 2013-15 and the Lobos Rush Select National Team in 2017. He also participated in the Olympic Development Program Regional in 2015. Off the field, Edwards participated in National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Science National Honor Society (president), National Social Studies Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Club, Environmental Club, and Key Club. He also served as a Jackson Symphony Ambassador. With a 4.3 GPA, he was named an Honors Chemistry Medalist and Advanced Placement Scholar. Edwards plans to continue his soccer career at the University of Memphis.
Ed "Too Tall" Jones Scholarship
The Ed "Too Tall" Jones Scholarship is sponsored by the legendary Edward Lee "Too Tall" Jones, a Jackson native and Hall of Fame inductee. Jones was one of the most dominant defensive NFL players of his era, playing in 16 playoff games and three Super Bowls. He was part of three NFC championship teams and the Super Bowl XII championship team. Jones is passionate about supporting local student athletes as they pursue their dreams.
Carly Sanders of South Side High School is the recipient of the Ed “Too Tall” Jones Scholarship. Sanders played tennis and soccer for the Lady Hawks. She was named to the All-District First Team for her accomplishments on the soccer field. Sanders has maintained a 3.9 GPA in honors and dual enrollment courses, and ranks 16th in her class. Sanders plans to continue her soccer career at Dyersburg State Community College in the fall.
Morgan Leah McCarty Memorial Scholarship
The Morgan Leah McCarty Memorial Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit organization funding college scholarships to local student athletes. The foundation was established in September 2006 in loving memory of Morgan Leah McCarty. Morgan was a junior at UT Knoxville when she was hit and fatally injured by a hit-and-run driver. Morgan’s legacy will be to help students complete their college education.
Jeremy Huelin of Madison Academic Magnet High School is the recipient of the Morgan Leah McCarty Memorial Scholarship. Huelin played tennis for the Mustangs and served as team captain. He helped lead his team to the regional finals, and made it to the individual doubles regional semi-finals. With a 3.9 GPA, Huelin ranks 18th in his class and plans to attend Rice University.
R. Bradley Hancock Award
The R. Bradley Hancock Award is given by the Board of Directors of the Hall of Fame annually as a memorial to former board member Brad Hancock. Brad’s legacy is a testament to his life and the good works he did. He was instrumental in starting the scholarship foundation, so it is only fitting that an award bears his name.
Eric Jeffords of Madison Academic Magnet High School is the recipient of the R. Bradley Hancock Award. Jeffords played baseball for the Mustangs, and he was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and National Honor Society. He also participated in and led the writing team. As an Eagle Scout, Jeffords had the unique opportunity of having an American flag flown over the Capitol Building in honor of achieving Eagle Scout. He enjoys participating in the youth musical group at Northside United Methodist Church. With a 3.4 GPA, Jeffords plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Richard Ross Scholarship
The Richard Ross Scholarship honors the memory of the late Richard Ross, who was a Hall of Fame inductee in 1993. He was the head football coach at Jackson High School and Jackson Central-Merry High School from 1966 to 1985. He passed away in 1993 after a long battle with cancer. The scholarship was established shortly after to help athletes with their college costs.
Jordan Chandler of North Side High School is the recipient of the Richard Ross Scholarship. Chandler played soccer for North Side and the Jackson Futbol Club, and he served as manager for the girls’ soccer team. Chandler helped lead the Jackson Futbol Club Wolves to a state championship. Chandler was a member of Junior Rotarian, Beta Club, Technology Scholars, and the 21 & Up Club. Chandler received first place in the hand-made jewelry competition at the 2018 Tennessee Beta Club Convention and was invited to attend the national convention in Savannah, Georgia. He is committed to serving the local community, accumulating 197 hours of community service. With a 3.7 GPA in honors and AP courses, Chandler ranks 15th in his class and will graduate with honors. He plans to attend Tennessee Tech in the fall.
Sports, Orthopedics and Spine Scholar Athlete Award
The Sports, Orthopedics and Spine Scholar Athlete Award honors an athlete who has excelled in their athletic endeavors, as well as scholastic achievements, while a Jackson-Madison County student. This athlete is recommended by guidance counselors and coaches. Funding is possible due to a grant provided by Dr. Keith Nord and the staff from the Sports, Orthopedics and Spine Clinic.
Noah Stewart of Madison Academic Magnet High School is the recipient of the Sports, Orthopedics and Spine Scholar Athlete Award. Stewart ran track and cross country for the Mustangs. In cross country, he qualified for the state meet as one of the top runners on the team. In track and field, Stewart finished as a top runner in the region and holds a school record in the 200 meter dash as the sprint captain. With a 3.5 GPA, Stewart plans to attend the University of Memphis.
Sports, Orthopedics and Spine Athlete Awards
The Sports, Orthopedics and Spine Athlete Awards honor athletes who have excelled in their athletic endeavors and other extracurricular activities while a Jackson-Madison County student. These athletes are recommended by guidance counselors and coaches. Funding is possible due to a grant provided by Dr. Keith Nord and the staff from the Sports, Orthopedics and Spine Clinic.
Griffin Laird of the University School of Jackson is a recipient of the Sports, Orthopedics and Spine Athlete Award. Laird played baseball and football for the Bruins. A five-year letterman on the baseball team, Laird helped lead his team to a state championship in 2014 and state runner-up finish in 2017. On the football field, Laird had 67 tackles, 41 solo tackles and two interceptions over the past two seasons. He was named to the All-District Second Team (2016) and All-District Honorable Mention (2017). With a 4.8 GPA, Laird is recognized as an AP Scholar and Head of School Scholar. He participated in National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, National Social Studies Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. Laird plans to attend Rhodes College in the fall
Lauren Ragsdale of Sacred Heart of Jesus High School is a recipient of the Sports, Orthopedics and Spine Athlete Award. Ragsdale was a cheerleader and played soccer and basketball. She also had lead roles in various theatre programs within the Department of Performing Arts, and she was part of the All-West Honor Choir, All-State Honor Choir, and Quad State Honor Choir. Ragsdale was a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, Forensics Team, Music Club, and Young Life. She led her peers as a Student Government Association officer all four years, serving as vice president, treasurer, and secretary two years. Ragsdale received multiple academic and performing arts awards: Forensics Award, Drama Award, Algebra II Award, Best Access Award, and a full scholarship to Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts summer program for both voice and theatre. She enjoys volunteering for various organizations and programs, such as Vacation Bible School at her church, Make-A-Wish Foundation, school summer camps, and the Miss Tennessee Pageant. With a 4.5 GPA, Ragsdale plans to attend the University of North Carolina in the fall.
Van and Louise Thompson Scholarship
The Van and Louise Thompson Scholarship honors the memory of Van and Louise Thompson. Van is a Hall of Fame inductee and a former Jackson High School multi-athlete star. He played tailback on two National Championship teams at the University of Tennessee in the late 30s and early 40s, when the Volunteers went to the Orange, Rose, and Sugar Bowls. Louise is also a UT graduate and taught school in Jackson for over 25 years.
Noah Holsinger of Trinity Christian Academy is the recipient of the Van and Louise Thompson Scholarship. He played football and soccer for the Lions. As kicker for the football team, Holsinger was honored as Tennessee Mr. Football Kicker of the Year semi-finalist and Region 6-2A Kicker of the Year. Holsinger was named to the TN Sports Writers All-State Team, Jackson Sun All-West TN Football First Team, and Tennessee Football Association All-State Team. He was selected to play in the Toyota East/West All Star game. Over his junior and senior seasons, Holsinger made 145 tackles and recorded 93% accuracy on extra points attempted. In 2017, Holsinger kicked the longest field goal in the state at 54 yards and had 33 touchbacks. In soccer, he was named to the All-Tournament and All-District teams multiple times. Off the field, Holsinger served his peers as Senior Class President and was a member of the National Honor Society. With a 4.2 GPA, Holsinger plans to attend Harding University to play football and study criminal justice.