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Braxton Hobson Receives ‘Call Me Mister’ Scholarship

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McKENZIE (November 7) — Braxton Hobson, a senior at McKenzie High School, contracted with UT-Martin and the ‘Call Me Mister’ servant leadership program. Hobson is the first from McKenzie to participate in the new UT-Martin program.
It is available to Asians, Hispanics, and African-American students who earn a minimum on their ACT and agree to teach in Tennessee public school for each year of assistance provided by the ‘Call Me Mister’ program.
Braxton, whose mother is a teacher, said he is eager to help others. The 2020 MHS graduate earned 26 on his ACT, is the president of the Beta Club, and was voted as a superlative as Best Personality. He plans to earn a degree in education for K-12. He is the son of Craig and Renee Hobson. He also plays piano at his church.
UT-M Co-directors Sam Tharpe and Austin Ferrell were in attendance at Braxton’s signing last Thursday at McKenzie High School. Braxton’s family and several MHS seniors attended the signing, held on the stage at McKenzie High School Theater.

The program is limited to 20 students at UT-Martin. The first class of five cohorts were signed in 2018. UTM MISTERs complete their program of study in teacher education by becoming certified to teach and assuming a teaching position in an under-served Tennessee public school.
Tharpe, a retired educator who served as principal of Henry School and Grove in Paris, along with previously serving as mayor of Paris, said there is a major need for leadership in the schools by minorities in the northwest Tennessee area. UT-M is the lone school in Tennessee offering the program.
Tuition financial assistance is 25 percent for the first year, and 35, 50 and 70 percent respectively in years two through four. The scholarship pays 100 percent of the housing expense.
The recipient must teach one year in an elementary or middle school for each year of funds received through the program.
Braxton will attend training at Clemson University, the founding school, over the summer.