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NATCHEZ – Four Miss-Lou student-athletes received scholarships this week for their competitive spirit and “never give up” attitudes.

The 2025 Ward Graning Memorial Scholarships were presented to Braxton Brice, Cathedral School graduate who will attend Alcorn State University; Aiden Roche, Adams County Christian School graduate who will attend McNeese State University; Kerry Johnson, Natchez High School graduate who will attend the University of Southern Mississippi; and Macie Green, Monterey High School graduate who will attend the University of Louisiana Monroe.

The scholarships are presented by the family of the late Ward Graning, a well-known Natchez businessman, athlete and supporter of community athletics who passed away in June 2019. Ward Graning was a standout athlete at Cathedral School and went on to play football at the University of Alabama.

“This the sixth year we’ve awarded this scholarship,” said Tom Graning, who co-owns Wardo’s in Natchez with their other siblings. The restaurant was developed as a tribute to their late brother, known by many as “Wardo.”

“Ward grew up in a large family where he developed most of his athletic ability. Whether it was racing to get to the bathroom first, wrestling in the hall or playing tackle football with the neighbors, there was always something to compete for and someone to compete against,” Tom Graning said.

Ward attended Cathedral School from kindergarten through his graduation in 1980.

“During that time, Ward was known for being a good student, friend, classmate and above all else a fierce competitor. He played basketball, baseball and football and always made a positive impact on his teammates and the game,” Tom said. “If you knew Ward, you knew that he was not a man with a large stature, but what he lacked in physical size he made up in heart, determination and a will to win.

“He always held a ‘never give up’ attitude which made him excel.”

After high school, Ward was a walk-on for the University of Alabama football team under legendary Coach Bear Bryant. He received a “315” ring during his time on the team when Bryant earned his 315th win.

After college, Ward Graning opened and managed Go Mart Chevron with his brother, Tom. Ward and his wife, Susan, had one daughter, Bailey Rose, and he was stepfather to two children, Shay and Hunter. “Although he won many awards throughout his life and accomplished many goals, he would tell you hands down his family was his greatest legacy,” Tom Graning said.

In awarding the scholarships on Sunday, Tom Graning reiterated the traits that earned the recipients the honor. “You also have shown many of the same characteristics that made Ward who he was,” he said. “You have proven to be good students, classmates and peers. You have shown a love for your sport, and you exemplify those traits of grit and passion and a ‘never give up’ attitude that made you successful in high school and will continue to make you successful in life.”

Each student received a $1,250 cash scholarship, which can be used to defer any college-related expenses.

The scholarships are funded through the annual Wardo’s Rouxdolph Roll, a 10K, 5K and Kids Fun Run held each December. This year’s run will be Dec. 13.

“We had really hoped to do $1,500 per student this year; hopefully if the run continues to grow, we can get to that next year,” Tom Graning said.