2021-22 Scholarship Winners Announced

May 25, 2022

Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) recently announced its 2021-2022 scholarship winners.

MORA is presenting three memorial scholarships from donated funds raised by donor families in memory of their loved one who gave the Gift of Life: the Allie Carruth Memorial Scholarship ($5,000), the Walker Wilbanks Memorial Scholarship ($2,265), and the Matthew Gaskin Memorial Scholarship ($1,000). MORA is also giving two $1,000 scholarships: the Annie Lucious Gift of Life Scholarship and the Dr. Shirley Schlessinger Scholarship, named after MORA’s long time medical director, as well as two $500 scholarships.

Among other criteria, students submitted a 300-750 word essay on the topics of how they or their family have been affected by donation and/or transplantation, why they are a registered donor or want to become registered, or the importance of encouraging others to be donors.

The Walker Wilbanks Memorial Scholarship, however, was based solely on a one page letter written by an administrator, faculty or staff member on behalf of the applicant describing how he or she exhibits exemplary character traits such as integrity, accountability, respect, and responsibility.

The winners of the 2021-2022 scholarships are:

  • Allie Carruth Memorial Scholarship ($5,000)—Kaitlyn Sanborn, Noxapater Attendance Center
  • Walker Wilbanks Scholarship ($2,265)— Matthew Roncalli, Saltillo High School
  • Matthew Gaskin Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)—Tayshaun Smith, Amory High School
  • Annie Lucious Gift of Life Scholarship ($1,000)—Emily Adcock, Madison Central High School
  • Dr. Shirley Schlessinger Scholarship ($1,000)—Alyssa Nunn, Hattiesburg High School
  • MORA Scholarship ($500)—Rilee Blake Maxwell, Itawamba High School
  • MORA Scholarship ($500)—Katherine Hyer, Oak Grove High School

At present, approximately 1,300 Mississippians and 108,000+ Americans are in need of a lifesaving transplant.  A new patient is added to the national transplant waiting list every 9 minutes and an average of 17 people die each day awaiting a lifesaving transplant that never comes. One organ donor can save eight lives and one tissue donor can save or improve the lives of 75 recipients or more. Register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor at msora.org.