Scholarship

The Zeb Andrew Hughes

"Make It Count"

In loving memory of my son, I am honored to announce the establishment of the Zeb Andrew Hughes “Make It Count” Scholarship.

As you may guess, our IV lounge was named “Halo” as another way to keep his memory and legacy alive. He is my angel now.

This scholarship is dedicated to supporting students who have experienced the loss of a child or sibling and are pursuing higher education.

As a person who lost my oldest sister, Claudel Chassion, in 2002, I know that siblings are often forgotten by the world after a loss. So many times people only ask “How are your parents doing?”. I encourage you today to ask a sibling how they are doing. This scholarship allows the opportunity to remind siblings that my heart is with them, as well, and that their pain is not forgotten.

I am proud to be able to also honor my daughter, Marlee Hughes White, while recognizing the loss of her brother. Marlee, you are seen. You are loved. You are invaluable. You will always be “Sister” to Zeb, as he called you, instead of “Marlee”. You were and still are deeply loved by him and also by me.

I would be remiss if I did not take this time to also acknowledge Gunner Palmer’s sisters, who he loved so very much. As he was much younger than them, he was spoiled, doted on, and loved by his big sisters - Samantha Meese Stephens, Elizabeth Meese Nunnery and Katelynn Meese.

Zeb touched the lives of many with his kindness, compassion, encouragement, strength, determination, and sense of humor! As his memory continues to be cherished, I find solace in the opportunity to offer support and hope to others who have faced similar challenges.

He was always one of the first to notice when someone was down and would stop anything he was doing to lift someone up, defend them from a bully or lend a hand. I believe that through this scholarship, Zeb’s legacy will live on, providing support and encouragement to those who need it in a different way.

I would love for you to take a moment to read the “Make It Count” poem below the scholarship details. It will tell you a lot about how my son lived.

Thank you for helping in honoring Zeb's memory and recognizing Marlee’s loss of her brother while supporting students in need.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sharon Chassion Hughes

Scholarship Details

Two scholarships will be awarded annually.

Application Process & Requirements

Student has lost a child or sibling.

Eligible students can apply by sending an email including the following information to makeitcountscholarship@mail.com.

Name, address, phone, email address.

Letter sharing (what you are comfortable with) about your loss and something about your loved one. Include future plans that require furthering your education.

Proof of enrollment or acceptance at a community college, senior college or trade school in the State of Mississippi.

Deadlines

Applications will be accepted at the following times:

• February 1 – April 30 (for upcoming fall semester)

• August 1 – October 31 (for upcoming spring semester)

Applications will be prayerfully reviewed by the Chassion Family and a selection will be made.

The recipient will be notified, and a date and time set for an in-person presentation.

"Make It Count"

This is your life. Do what makes you happy.

Change the things you can and let go of the things you can’t.

If there is something that you want, go get it.

If you have a dream, follow it. Don’t let fear hold you back.

Trust your instincts and believe in yourself, you are capable of more than you think.

When people tell you that you can’t, show them that you can.

There will be times when you fall, but you will stand again.

Protect your heart, but recognize when to let it go.

Reminisce in the good times, but always look ahead.

Learn from your mistakes, but do not dwell on them.

Be confident in who you are, keep your head held high, and remember that you are beautiful.

Don’t be afraid to express how you feel.

Cry hard, laugh harder, and when you love – love with everything you’ve got.

Never settle. Find your passion. You can be whoever you want to be.

There are no set rules, there is only NOW.

THIS IS YOUR NOW!!

THIS IS YOUR TIME!!

THIS IS YOUR LIFE!!

And you only have ONE.

MAKE IT COUNT!!