Please fill out the form to register as an organ and tissue donor. By registering as a donor you consent to donate your organs and tissues at the time of your death. Organs and tissues will be recovered for the purpose of transplantation, however, in the event a donated organ or tissue cannot be used for transplant, an effort will be made to use the donation for research.
February 26, 2025
Each year, the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) awards scholarships to graduating Mississippi seniors to support their education beyond high school. This year’s scholarships include two special memorial awards, made possible by generous donations raised by donor families honoring their loved ones who gave the Gift of Life: the Allie Carruth Memorial Scholarship ($5,000) and the Walker Wilbanks Memorial Scholarship ($2,265).
In addition, MORA is awarding three $1,000 scholarships—the Annie Lucious Gift of Life Scholarship, the Chuck Stinson Memorial Scholarship, honoring our beloved colleague and friend, Chuck, and the Dr. Shirley Schlessinger Scholarship—as well as two $500 scholarships.
To apply, students were asked to submit a 300- to 750-word essay on one of these topics: the importance of encouraging organ, eye, and tissue donation, their personal decision to register as a donor, or how donation and transplantation have impacted their lives or families.
The Walker Wilbanks Memorial Scholarship, however, was awarded based on a one-page letter written by an administrator, faculty, or staff member on behalf of the applicant, highlighting their exceptional character traits such as integrity, accountability, respect, and responsibility.
“The essays we received were truly inspiring,” said Trisha Byrd, MORA’s Director of Community Services and Relations. “It’s incredible to see how our efforts to raise awareness about donation are resonating with young adults. Hearing their personal stories and the ways donation has impacted families across our state makes this experience even more meaningful.”
The winners of the 2024-2025 scholarships are:
$5,000 – Allie Carruth Memorial Scholarship: Ty Davidson of Jackson Preparatory School
$1,000 – Dr. Shirley Schlessinger Scholarship: Katherine Geiser of Ocean Springs High School
$1,000 – Annie Lucious Gift of Life Scholarship: Walker Polk of Simpson County Academy
$1,000 – Chuck Stinson Memorial Scholarship: Hartley Kittle V of Pillow Academy
$500 – MORA Scholarship: Kendrick Cooley, Jr. of Moss Point High School
$500 – MORA Scholarship: Casey Hernandez of New Albany High School
$2265 – Walker Wilbanks Memorial Scholarship: Chloe Clark of Northeast Jones High School
Congratulations to these winners and thank you to all participants for sharing your moving stories about donation and transplantation.
