By Jake Martin

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — The Miss-Lou Chapter of the National Football Foundation will host its 33rd annual awards banquet this Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Natchez Eola Hotel to honor the academics of represented student athletes across the Miss-Lou.

Tickets for the event are $25, which includes a pork loin dinner.

$10,000 in scholarship money will be handed to six high school seniors. First place for academic achievement will receive $3,000, while second place will collect $2,250 and third place will garner $1,750. The last three will each attain $1,000, ensuring that every student athlete from their respected high schools will receive a scholarship.

Delta State University head football coach Todd Cooley will be the honorary guest speaker for the event. Cooley led Delta State to a 7-3 record last season after being hired as the Statesmen’s 19th head coach in 2012.

“We always try to get a college coach around the area, and we haven’t had a Delta State coach in a while,” said Miss-Lou chapter president Brian Fisher.

Fisher is thrilled about another great way to give back to the community, and he’s planning on a good turnout with 175 people already purchasing tickets. Fisher, who received scholarship money from the same foundation in 1996 as a high school senior, is proud of the growth he’s seen in the chapter.

“Looking back, I received $200 years ago, and now, the fact that we’re offering $3,000 for one individual just shows you how much this has grown,” Fisher said. “The Miss-Lou does a phenomenal job of supporting us.”

The high school student athletes set to receive scholarships are Blair Eidt of Adams County Christian School, Thomas Garrity of Cathedral High, Cailyn Glenn of Ferriday High, Avery Jones of Natchez High, Jacob Sandrock of Trinity Episcopal and Kevin “Kyle” Coley Jr. of Vidalia High.

The former North Natchez High head coach Tom F. Williams, who had the Natchez High stadium named in his honor after his passing in 1997, is the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to American Football Award.

David Massey, who was a local official, will receive the Distinguished American Award.

For those wanting to attend can call Fisher at 601-442-9441 or Terry Estes at 601-597-3670. Tickets will be available at the door.