Cathedral senior Keylann Kordell Hinson has been named 2007 Gates Millennium Scholar. Only 1,000 students out of 11,000 applicants received this prestigious honor. It is a testament to the strong leadership, community service, and academic achievement that Hinson has demonstrated. The GMS program provides scholarships and offers Academic Empowerment services for scholars to support academic success and graduate education planning. In addition, it provides a wide range of resources including mentoring services, and an online resource center that allows access to internship, fellowship, scholarship and the opportunity to attend other conferences.

Hinson has also been selected recipient of the $20,000 distinguished 2007 Horatio Alger Award. Receipt of these stellar awards is indicative of diligent study habits, discipline and determination, that Hinson has incorporated into the educational process. Horatio Alger scholars recently attended the National Conference in Washington, D.C., during April 11-15. While there, fellow scholars from across the United States interacted, enjoyed touring national places and meeting prominent people such as Colin Powell, former Secretary of State; Clarence Thomas, U.S. Supreme Court Justice; Roger Staubach, Hall of Fame former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys; Tom Brokaw, NBC News Anchor, and other prominent people.

In addition to the above named scholarships, Hinson was selected as a 2007 KFC Colonel’s Scholar for $20,000 over a four-year period. Hinson was one of 50 scholars selected from a field of thousands of applicants. The criteria established by these awards mandate students achieve academic excellence, demonstrate strong leadership combined with community service.

He scored a 26 on the ACT. Further, he has maintained honor roll status throughout his primary and secondary school career and is presently listed on Cathedral’s High School A-average honor-roll for this semester. Recently Hinson was inducted into the Cathedral High School National Honors Society and he received the Natchez Business and Civic League’s Youth Award.

He participated in numerous extracurricular activities, including Key Club and served as captain of the Green Wave’s basketball team, which is a testament to his leadership skills, motivational abilities and the respect garnered from teammates. He has been on the bowling, track and cross-country teams.

Hinson is very active in the Christian Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor John Scott Jr. This association has provided him the opportunity to incorporate biblical teaching in his life, producing chaste character and moral virtues.

He has chosen pharmacy as his choice of career and has implemented a specific course of study throughout high school to prepare him for college. Hinson will be attending the University of Mississippi. He is a dependable student with tremendous potential. Hinson is the brother of Keish and the son of Bobbie Hinson and Donald Hinson.