McKenzie Rotary Awards Six Scholarships

McKENZIE (MAY 8) — The Rotary Club of McKenzie announced the recipients of six prestigious scholarships, totaling $8,000 in local educational support. The awards, funded through the club and the Fannie Baxter Moore Fund, were presented to five McKenzie High School seniors and one Bethel University student following a recent selection process.

Among the top honors, MHS senior Charli Weatherford and Bethel University student Hannah Dillingham each received a $2,000 scholarship to Bethel. These significant awards for Bethel scholarships are made possible through a partnership between the Moore Fund and Bethel University.

Four additional MHS seniors—Gracie Aird, Carlton Townes, Coleson Cook, and Brody Berryhill—were each granted $1,000 scholarships. These awards are renewable annually and can provide up to $4,000 in support for each student throughout their college careers.

The program’s expansion was led by club Vice-President Armand Hebert, who spearheaded the effort to establish an endowment in 2026 to sustain the scholarship funds. In years past, the scholarships have always been one or two, one-year, non-renewable awards of $1,000.

The funding is provided by a scholarship endowment supported by Rotary members and the Moore Fund, dedicated to assisting “worthy, needy people” within the McKenzie community.

The selection process was rigorous, involving an application focused on academic achievement, community service, and financial need. Following the teacher evaluations, candidates were interviewed in person on April 23 with a panel of Rotary Club members.

While the club also offered a specialized scholarship for the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in McKenzie, club officials noted that no applications were received for that specific track this year.

Beyond scholarships, the Rotary Club continues its commitment to local education by sponsoring annual Honors Banquets at McKenzie High. Additionally, the Moore Fund recently allocated $750 to assist a few graduating seniors with the costs of caps and gowns for the 2026 commencement.

The McKenzie Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at noon at Bethel University.