JACKSON - Trace Beard, a recent graduate of Choctaw County High School, is among 10 Mississippi students receiving $1,000 scholarships from the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents. He is the son of Glen and Karla Beard.
Named in honor of the late veteran educator Walter S. Bounds, the Bounds Scholarship for Excellence rewards top-performing students who excel in leadership, community service and extracurricular activities. Recipients also must meet academic requirements and be recommended by their superintendents.
"To ensure that Mississippi has strong, capable leaders to guide us into the future, we must encourage and train those leaders today,” said Dr. Phil Burchfield, MASS executive director. “The Bounds Scholarship program celebrates students who not only demonstrate a clear commitment to excellence but also seek to be responsible leaders in their careers and communities.”
Recognized for his strong work ethic and impressive leadership skills, Beard is praised by instructors for his adaptability, creativity, teamwork and problem solving.
As salutatorian and STAR student for Choctaw County High’s Class of 2022, he was active in Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student council, and the yearbook staff. Beard also participated in football, baseball, golf, skeet shooting, and choir.
He plans to attend East Mississippi Community College to major in business.
The Mississippi Association of School Superintendents and the Alliance of Educational Leaders of Mississippi is a non-profit association whose membership is made up of 139 public school superintendents and more than 2,000 public school administrators. Its mission is to provide resources, advocacy, leadership, policy information, training, support, renewal, and public relations services that improve the quality of public education.
