Eupora senior Addison Mason is one of 16 Mississippi high school students honored by the Mississippi High School Activities Association as Lindy Callahan Scholar-Athletes. One boy and one girl from each of the MHSAA’s eight districts were chosen for their academic accomplishments and participation in high athletics and extracurricular activities. Mason was chosen from District 4. “It's really a big deal in Mississippi,” Mason said. “For me to represent my district is very important.” MHSAA Executive Director Don Hinton said recipients of the $1.500 college scholarships are the state's best and brightest. “This has been a difficult year and unprecedented last few months for our students in Mississippi, particularly the graduating seniors who have missed out on a number of sports, activities and events as their schools closed,” Hinton said. “We commend all 16 winners along with more than 150 nominees from throughout the state for their contributions and accomplishments that help demonstrate the value of school-based athletics and activities.” Mason was valedictorian of her graduating class with a 4.0 average, played fast and slow pitch softball, was a cheerleader and participated in numerous school clubs and activities. She played first and third in fast pitch and was a pitcher in slow-pitch. Activities included being a member of the student council, Juniorettes, a community service organization, and several clubs. Juniorettes participated in fund raising activities that included bagging groceries to raise money for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Despite being extremely busy, she maintained a straight-A average. “It's important to have your priorities in line. Studies come first,” she said. Because of the closing of schools, she missed out on many events this spring, including a banquet honoring the scholarship recipients. “It put a lot of things into perspective for me. It was hard that it ended early. But it did make me thankful for the times I have had.” Mason will attend Mississippi State to study kinesiology, with the goal of becoming a physical therapist. Mason has just launched a boutique fashion business for women's and children's clothes called Three Sisters on Facebook with her two younger sisters, 14 and 10. “It keeps me busy.” The Scholar-Athlete awards were launched in 1996 to honor Lindy Callahan, a long-time athletic director and coach at Gulfport High School.
