MERIDIAN —     • Mitchel Glen Babb and Lara Caitlyn Ainsworth have been selected to receive the Dorothy McCauley Bates Memorial Scholarships at Meridian Community College.

     These $2,250 awards are funded through the MCC Foundation from an endowment established by George Wade Bates of Birmingham. The Bates met while attending Meridian Junior College (MCC) and shared a marriage that spanned 43 years. Bates wanted to create a memorial that would help deserving students in future years.

    Babb, a 2011 honors graduate of South Panola High School in Batesville, is a sophomore in the University Transfer Program. He is a member of the Baptist Student Union, MCC Eagles Baseball Team and Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year college students. His goal is to complete a dual degree in chemical and mechanical engineering.

    Ainsworth, a 2011 highest honors graduate of Meridian High School, is a President’s List scholar and a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year college students. Ainsworth’s plan is to work toward a bachelor’s degree in interior design at Mississippi State University.  Her dream is to study abroad and travel around Europe.

     • Lewis Dudley Eldridge of DeKalb and Caleb Cook of Lauderdale have been selected to receive the Austin and Alice James Accounting Scholarships at Meridian Community College. 

    These $1,250 awards are funded through the MCC Foundation from an endowment established by Great Southern National Bank at the retirement of both Mr. James from the Bank, and Mrs. James from the faculty of Meridian Community College.

     Eldridge, a 2009 salutatorian graduate of Kemper Academy, is in the University Transfer Program studying accounting. A Dean’s List scholar, Eldridge is a member of the Mississippi Air National Guard and works part-time at the Mississippi Care Center of DeKalb. He plans to continue his education at Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus to attain his bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting.

     Cook, a 2011 honors graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School, was a member of the Junior Civitan Club and the National Honor Society for High School Students. A Dean’s List scholar, Cook is in the University Transfer Program at MCC. He works part-time for Hibbetts Sports and Weidman’s Restaurant. He plans to pursue a degree in business administration at Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus.