Taryah Riley

Dear Gulf Coast Heart Institute, I want to sincerely thank you for selecting me as a recipient of the Mississippi First Scholarship. Receiving this award truly fills me with gratitude and excitement as I continue my journey in higher education. Your support eases the financial challenges that come with pursuing my degree, which allows me to focus fully on my studies and my growth as a future educator. As someone who is passionate about teaching and lifelong learning, this scholarship is especially meaningful to me. I look forward to inspiring young minds in the classroom, while also learning from them every day. Your commitment to providing educational opportunities to students regardless of financial background deeply resonates with me, and motivates me to give back to my community in the future. Thank you again for your incredible generosity and for investing in my dreams. Your belief in students like me makes a lasting difference. Thank you, Taryah Riley

Gabrielle Drews

Dear Gulf Coast Heart Institute, Thank you for choosing me as one of your scholarship recipients. Your contribution towards my education and career as a whole inspires me to further my goals of becoming a clinical psychologist on the Gulf Coast. I appreciate your institution's funding for the future of the Gulf Coast and Mississippi as a whole, and I know that the other recipients and I will make you proud! The essay I wrote for you was one of my personal favorites, as I don't usually get to write about my dreams for Mississippi or my city's rich artistic and cultural history, so thank you for giving me the opportunity to write about what I love. I hope you continue this scholarship for the next year of high school graduates! Sincerely, Gabrielle Drews

Malayah Rogers

Dear Gulf Coast Heart Institute, I am incredibly grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of the Mississippi First Scholarship. Receiving this support brings me so much encouragement and hope as I continue working toward my dream of higher education. Your generosity eases the financial challenges of college, allowing me to focus more on my studies and devote even more time to developing my American Sign Language skills. As someone who aspires to become an interpreter, I’m excited about helping bridge communication between the Deaf and hearing communities. I’m passionate about languages, and I find joy in expressing myself through art and music—all of which inspire me to keep growing and connecting with others. It’s truly inspiring to know that your mission is to give everyone in our community a fair chance at education, no matter their financial circumstances. Your commitment deeply motivates me to work hard and ultimately give back to others. Thank you for your kindness and belief in my potential. I’m looking forward to the future and hope to make you proud. Thank you, Malayah Rogers