CLARKSDALE, Miss. — The Coahoma Community College National Alumni Association awarded its inaugural Maroon and White scholarships to two legacy students during a special presentation in Clarksdale, Mississippi, on Friday, Sept. 25.
Mrs. Yvonne Stanford, Coahoma Community College National Alumni Association president, presented the newly created scholarships to Zoey Ratliff, a sophomore general studies major from Clarksdale, Miss., and Joda Herron, a sophomore business administration major from Marks, Miss. The selection process was highly competitive, utilizing a scholarship committee and a formal grading rubric to evaluate applicants. Notably, both scholarship recipients have mothers who are graduates of the institution.
Ratliff plans to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree in biology, with aspirations of attending medical school to become a pediatrician. She noted that applying for the scholarship was about more than just financial assistance; it was a chance to build a stronger relationship with the institution's graduates and utilize the college's available resources.
"There are so many resources and opportunities available to us that often go overlooked," Ratliff said. "I viewed this scholarship as a great chance to connect with our alumni and fully utilize the support Coahoma has to offer. It is incredibly important for alumni to reach out and share their experiences with us. Receiving their guidance and support means so much to me, and I am truly thankful."
Following her time at Coahoma, Herron intends to transfer to a four-year college to study psychology, working toward her ultimate goal of opening a private therapy clinic. She applied for the Maroon and White scholarship to ensure she capitalized on every avenue for success, and she encourages her peers to do the same.
"When I saw this scholarship, I knew I had to seize the opportunity," Herron said. "Sometimes students hesitate to apply because they are unsure if they will be selected, but these funds are specifically here to help us succeed. I am incredibly grateful to the alumni association for this award. They didn't have to do this, but they believed in me and my potential to earn this scholarship."
“In this day and age, young people need to know that there are people behind them who want them to succeed and who are praying for their success,” Stanford said. “Any type of financial assistance will help them meet their goals in life.”
The scholarship presentation aligns with several new organizational goals for the alumni association. The group is actively working to reactivate local alumni chapters to build a stronger community presence and is adopting Robert's Rules of Order to ensure professionalism during meetings. Stanford emphasized that alumni must serve as a vital bridge to help mitigate potential funding shortfalls facing historically Black colleges and universities.
The association plans to award the Maroon and White scholarships annually every September, with hopes of increasing the monetary value as alumni support grows. Individuals interested in getting involved or making a financial contribution are encouraged to contact Rita S. Hanfor, community liaison, at 662-621-4144.
About Coahoma Community College
Founded in 1949, Coahoma Community College is a public, comprehensive, historically Black community college serving the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Coahoma offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and specialized certificates across dozens of diverse academic and career pathways. Located on a 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the College is celebrating 77 years of academic excellence. In addition to its affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities, Coahoma has earned widespread recognition in nursing and health sciences, career-technical education, and university transfer programs. Outside of the classroom, students are involved in competitive NJCAA athletics as well as a variety of organizations and clubs, including student government, the celebrated college choir, and the renowned Marching Maroon Typhoon.