Alcorn State earns award for high rate of graduating student athletes

Alcorn State University received the David M. Halbrook (traveling) trophy in the men’s division from the Mississippi Association of Colleges and Universities for its achievement in posting the highest percentage of graduating student athletes, marking the third consecutive year it has earned the distinction.

“It is an honor for Alcorn to receive the David M. Halbrook (traveling) Trophy award for the third consecutive year,” said Derek Horne, director of athletics, in a statement. “Alcorn strives to help all our student-athletes succeed athletically and academically, setting them up for future success in their respective fields.”

In addition to the Halbrook trophy, student-athletes Troymain Crosby and Jada Hargrove were recognized with the David M. Halbrook Certificate Award for Academic Achievement Among Athletes. The individual honors are given to student athletes who excel in academics, leadership and service.

“Receiving the Halbrook Award is an outstanding recognition of the hard work and efforts of Alcorn’s student-athletes,” said Cyrus Russ, assistant vice president for athletic compliance and academic services. “This recognition represents the dedicated efforts of Alcorn’s faculty, academic counselors and staff that work so diligently to ensure student success.”

The Halbrook Award for Academic Achievement Among Athletes was established in 1984 as a result of the passage of House Concurrent Resolution No. 88. The awards program is made possible through endowments from former Rep. David M. Halbrook of Belzoni, Mississippi, and his brothers, John C. and James G. Halbrook of Belzoni, and J. A. Halbrook of Beaumont, Texas, in honor of their parents, John C. and Ernestine McCall Halbrook.