The inaugural Norma Jean Bradford Scholarship has been presented to Charleston High School Class of 2023 member Jaylon Brooks.
Brooks, who plans to attend Alcorn State University in Lorman this fall, received a $500 check.
Bradford, a 1983 graduate of CHS from Cascilla, currently living in Southaven, said the award is made available to any deserving CHS student who has completed the application and chosen to attend any historically Black college or university.
After high school, Bradford graduated from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, also an HCBU.
“I believe, to this day, that going to college changed the course of my life,” noted Bradford. “My HBCU holds a special place in my heart, and I would like to see other students from my high school alma mater attend MVSU or any HBCU. With this scholarship opportunity, I would like to help them do so.”
Attending an HBCU, said Bradford, exposed her to many different people from varied backgrounds and helped her realize so many opportunities.
While at MVSU, Bradford was a part of the U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.
She went on to serve more than 27 years on active duty and retired in 2017 at the senior rank of colonel.
“Besides the love and support from my family, I believe that my HBCU laid the foundation for my successful career in the military and thereafter,” said Bradford, who noted that she still has some of the friends that she met while attending MVSU.
After retiring from the military, Bradford moved back to her home state. Although she did not move back to Tallahatchie County, she is very much involved in her home church and community.
Now, she is giving back.
