Three 2024 graduates of Charleston High School were presented with Norma Jean Bradford Scholarship awards.
The scholarships went to:
» SanDeon T. Edwards
» Jaterrica Jenkins
» MarQuavus Wrenn
Each winner received $500 to use as needed for future college endeavors.
Although these graduates are attending her HBCU, they have been accepted into their respective junior colleges and are well on their way to a bright future.
Bradford, a Cascilla native and a 1983 graduate of Charleston High School. currently resides in Southaven.
After graduating from high school, Bradford attended and graduated from one of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities, Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) in Itta Bena.
She believes, to this day, that going to college changed the course of her life.
Norma said that her HBCU holds a special place in her heart, and she would like to see other students from her high school attend MVSU or any HBCU. With this scholarship opportunity, Bradford said she would like to help them do so.
“I believe that my college experience laid the foundation for a successful career in the military and thereafter,” she said, noting that she still has some of the same friends she met while attending MVSU.
Bradford, who had joined the ROTC at MVSU, served in the Army for 30 years, attaining the rank of colonel.
After retiring from the military, Bradford moved back to her home state. While she did not move back to her home community, she remains very much involved in both her home church and community.
Now, she wants to continue to give back through providing a scholarship to deserving students who have completed the application process and chosen to attend college to further their education.
