Recipients named for the 2026 Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Akirah Lashon Watkins and Erion Wilson have been named the 2026 recipients of the Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship at the Community Foundation for Mississippi.

Established by Brown’s daughters, the endowed scholarship honors a beloved Vicksburg educator who inspired generations of students. Each year, the fund awards $10,000 scholarships to two graduating seniors in Warren County, reflecting Brown’s lifelong commitment to education and her belief in the potential of every student. 

Watkins, a graduate of Warren Central High School, will attend the University of Southern Mississippi, where she plans to major in graphic design. A High Honor Graduate, she participated in Madrigals Total Sound, the National Honor Society, the National Technical Honor Society and Art Club. Watkins was also named CTE Student of the Year in Simulation and Design and received the Master Tech Scholar Award.

Wilson, a senior from Vicksburg High School, will attend the University of Pennsylvania this fall. During high school, he distinguished himself through academic achievement, leadership and service, serving as student body Vice President, National Honor Society President and Student Council Vice President. He has also devoted time to tutoring, advocacy and community service as he prepares for a future in health care and service to others.

The Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund at CFM celebrates students whose academic excellence, leadership and promise reflect the values Brown shared throughout her career in education. For more information about the scholarship fund, click here.