Valerie Rabb Academic Scholarship Essay My name is Charles Higgins III, and I am a 17-year-old senior at Raymond High School in Raymond, Mississippi. Music, faith, leadership, and service are the four pillars that guide my life and shape the person I am becoming. I am passionate about music, especially playing the trumpet, and I plan to pursue a career in music where I can inspire others, perform, and eventually teach or mentor young musicians. Through music, I hope to make a positive impact by encouraging creativity, discipline, and confidence in young people the same way music has influenced me. My faith has always been the foundation that keeps me steady, focused, and moving forward, especially when life gets busy with school, band, and other responsibilities. I attend St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, where I help operate the PA system and music with my grandfather, who serves as the Deacon Chairman. Working in the church has taught me responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of using my talents to serve others. It reminds me that every gift I have, including music, has a purpose. I want to use those gifts not just for personal success, but to uplift my community. Community service is also an important part of my life. I have volunteered at events such as the Back-to-School Supply Giveaway, Trunk or Treat, the Omega Pi Highway Trash Pickup, and the City of Hazlehurst Splash Park renovation. I have also volunteered with Empowering Doves Corporation and participated in the Chamber Ambassadors Walk the Town event, where I met local leaders and discussed youth goals for our community. At the Young Leaders of Copiah County Vision, Burgers and Beans Annual Event, I shared my vision board and talked with community leaders about my dream of pursuing music. These experiences helped me understand that leadership means showing up, listening, and working together to make a difference. One challenge I have had to overcome is balancing many responsibilities while staying focused on my goals. Between academics, band practice, community service, and church responsibilities, my schedule can be demanding. There were times when it felt overwhelming, but I learned how to manage my time, stay disciplined, and keep my priorities straight. My faith, family support, and commitment to my goals helped me push through those challenges. Instead of giving up, I learned how to stay organized and keep working toward my future. In my career, I hope to inspire young musicians and show them that their talents matter. Music has the power to bring people together, tell stories, and give people confidence. I want to use my education and musical abilities to mentor youth, perform, and help create opportunities for others who may not always have access to music programs. I believe that with dedication, faith, and a heart for service, I can use my career in music to make a positive impact on the world. My goal is not only to succeed personally, but also to give back and help the next generation find their voice through music. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Valerie Rabb Academic Scholarship.

Charles Higgins III Neil Margeson Sound Scholarship My name is Charles Higgins III. I attend Raymond High School in Raymond, Mississippi. My faith has always been the foundation that keeps me steady, focused, and moving forward, especially when life gets busy with school, band, and everything else I’m involved in. Growing up, I was taught that faith isn’t just something you talk about, it’s something you live through your actions, your discipline, and the way you treat people. That belief has shaped the way I approach my academics, my music, and my future goals. I attend St. James MB Church in Hazlehurst, Mississippi where I am responsible for the PA system music with my grandfather, who is Deacon Chairman. Working in church reminds me that every gift I have, including music, has a purpose, and it pushes me to use those gifts to make a positive difference in my community. Music became part of my life in middle school when I picked up a trumpet for the first time. At first, it was just something fun to try, but over time, it became a way for me to express myself and stay grounded. Faith taught me to stay committed even when things get hard, and that mindset helped me grow as a musician. Whether I’m practicing late at night, learning a new arrangement, or preparing for a performance, I remind myself that consistency and discipline matter. That’s why I’ve worked hard to take advantage of every opportunity I’ve been given performing solos in Hazlehurst and Raymond, attending JSU High School Band Camp for four years, and earning spots in honor bands like JSU Honor Band, Southwest Band Clinic, Hinds Honor Band, William Carey Honor Band, and the Mississippi Alumni All-Star Band. Faith also taught me the importance of serving others, which is why community involvement means so much to me. I’ve volunteered at numerous community events like the Back-to-School Supply Giveaway, Trunk or Treat, and the City of Hazlehurst Splash Park renovations. I’ve volunteered with Empowering Doves Corporation and joined the Chamber Ambassadors Walk the Town, where I met local leaders and talked about youth goals. At the Young Leader of Copiah County Vision, Burgers and Beans Annual Event, we shared our vision boards and talked with community leaders about my future in music. These moments helped me understand that leadership is about helping people, listening to them, and showing up when your community needs you. My family has also played a huge role in pushing me toward higher education. They’ve always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. They taught me that education opens doors and that I should never limit myself. My band directors, mentors, and the musicians I’ve met along the way have also encouraged me to keep going. Seeing their passion and dedication makes me want to work even harder. Visiting colleges like Grambling State, Xavier, Alcorn, Jackson State, Florida A&M, the University of Tennessee, and Southern Miss helped me picture myself on a campus where I can grow as a musician and a student. My goal is to study Music Technology or Music Engineering or even become a Band Director one day. I want to learn how music works behind the scenes and help create sounds that inspire people the way music has inspired me. Everything I’ve learned from music to leadership to community service will help me reach my goals and make a positive impact wherever I go. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Neil Margeson Sound Scholarship.

Evangelist Nellie Delores Blount Boyce Scholarship My name is Charles Higgins III. I attend Raymond High School in Raymond, Mississippi. My faith has always been the foundation that keeps me steady, focused, and moving forward, especially when life gets busy with school, band, and everything else I’m involved in. Growing up, I was taught that faith isn’t just something you talk about, it’s something you live through your actions, your discipline, and the way you treat people. That belief has shaped the way I approach my academics, my music, and my future goals. I attend St. James MB Church in Hazlehurst, Mississippi where I am responsible for the PA system music with my grandfather, who is Deacon Chairman. Working in church reminds me that every gift I have, including music, has a purpose, and it pushes me to use those gifts to make a positive difference in my community. Music became part of my life in middle school when I picked up a trumpet for the first time. At first, it was just something fun to try, but over time, it became a way for me to express myself and stay grounded. Faith taught me to stay committed even when things get hard, and that mindset helped me grow as a musician. Whether I’m practicing late at night, learning a new arrangement, or preparing for a performance, I remind myself that consistency and discipline matter. That’s why I’ve worked hard to take advantage of every opportunity I’ve been given performing solos in Hazlehurst and Raymond, attending JSU High School Band Camp for four years, and earning spots in honor bands like JSU Honor Band, Southwest Band Clinic, Hinds Honor Band, William Carey Honor Band, and the Mississippi Alumni All-Star Band. Faith also taught me the importance of serving others, which is why community involvement means so much to me. I’ve volunteered at numerous community events like the Back-to-School Supply Giveaway, Trunk or Treat, and the City of Hazlehurst Splash Park renovations. I’ve volunteered with Empowering Doves Corporation and joined the Chamber Ambassadors Walk the Town, where I met local leaders and talked about youth goals. At the Young Leader of Copiah County Vision, Burgers and Beans Annual Event, we shared our vision boards and talked with community leaders about my future in music. These moments helped me understand that leadership is about helping people, listening to them, and showing up when your community needs you. My family has also played a huge role in pushing me toward higher education. They’ve always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. They taught me that education opens doors and that I should never limit myself. My band directors, mentors, and the musicians I’ve met along the way have also encouraged me to keep going. Seeing their passion and dedication makes me want to work even harder. Visiting colleges like Grambling State, Xavier, Alcorn, Jackson State, Florida A&M, the University of Tennessee, and Southern Miss helped me picture myself on a campus where I can grow as a musician and a student. My goal is to study Music Technology or Music Engineering or even become a Band Director one day. I want to learn how music works behind the scenes and help create sounds that inspire people the way music has inspired me. Everything I’ve learned from music to leadership to community service will help me reach my goals and make a positive impact wherever I go. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Evangelist Nellie Delores Blount Boyce Scholarship

Charles Higgins III – Marshall and Dorothy Smith Music Scholarship My name is Charles Higgins III, and I am a senior at Raymond High School in Raymond, Mississippi. I am an honor student, member of the Ultimate Soul Band and Ranger Baseball Team. I am the baseball team captain and the section leader for the Ultimate Soul Band. My inspiration for pursuing music started the moment I picked up a trumpet in middle school. I didn’t know much about music then, but something about that first sound made me feel connected in a way nothing else did. Plus, both of my granddads played the trumpet and performed in college bands. Being around other musicians inspired me to take my talent seriously and imagine a future where I could help create the sounds that move people, relaxed people, help them get away from the problems at home and in the world. I love music, playing my trumpet, and creating music arrangements for my high school Ultimate Soul Band. Music has taught me leadership, discipline, confidence, and teamwork, not just to make myself better, but to help our band and teammates grow. Representing my school in numerous University and Community College Honor Bands has taught me to perform with excellence. Volunteering in my community, for example, upgrading the city Splash Park, distributing school supplies, and meeting with city leaders showed me that teamwork brings projects together. As a band section leader, baseball captain, and student leader, I stay committed to what I start. For four years, I have participated in the Jackson State University High School Band Camp, JSU Honor Band, Willam Carey College Honor Band, Hinds Community College Honor Band, Southwest College Band Clinic. In 2025-2026 I was selected to the Mississippi All Star Band and the State Alumni Band opportunities I did not take lightly. These opportunities opened my eyes to the discipline and dedication required to excel. Being surrounded by talented students from across the state pushed me to work harder, and learning from Jackson State University instructors showed me what it meant to pursue music at a higher level. One of the most influential experiences was training with the JSU Band and Drum Majors. Watching the drum majors lead with pride and greatness made me realize that music is not just about playing note, it is about leadership, responsibility, and representing something bigger than yourself. These experiences inspired me to take my music much more seriously and imagine a future where I could achieve a big career in music. Music and school leadership opportunities have helped me gain my purpose. I was selected to the Mississippi Alumni Band, The State Allstar Band, local colleges and universities honor bands all because music, leadership, community service has helped me grow and get me where I am today. I give back to others by mentoring younger musicians, volunteering with youth groups, and showing students that their talent can take them further than they imagine. I performed solo at birthday parties, church programs, and our school Jazz Band. My goal is to study Music Technology or become a Band Director so I can understand the creativity behind music and lead. I want to learn how sound is shaped and recorded into something that touch me and others. I believe that music can bring people together, and I want to be part of that togetherness.

My name is Charles Higgins III, and I am a senior at Raymond High School in Raymond, Mississippi. I am an honor student, member of the Ultimate Soul Band and Ranger Baseball Team. I am the baseball team captain and the section leader for the Ultimate Soul Band. My inspiration for pursuing music started the moment I picked up a trumpet in middle school. I didn’t know much about music then, but something about that first sound made me feel connected in a way nothing else did. Plus, both of my granddads played the trumpet and performed in college bands. Being around other musicians inspired me to take my talent seriously and imagine a future where I could help create the sounds that move people, relaxed people, help them get away from the problems at home and in the world. I love music, playing my trumpet, and creating music arrangements for my high school Ultimate Soul Band. Music has taught me leadership, discipline, confidence, and teamwork, not just to make myself better, but to help our band and teammates grow. Representing my school in numerous University and Community College Honor Bands has taught me to perform with excellence. Volunteering in my community, for example, upgrading the city Splash Park, distributing school supplies, and meeting with city leaders showed me that teamwork brings projects together. As a band section leader, baseball captain, and student leader, I stay committed to what I start. For four years, I have participated in the Jackson State University High School Band Camp, JSU Honor Band, Willam Carey College Honor Band, Hinds Community College Honor Band, Southwest College Band Clinic. In 2025-2026 I was selected to the Mississippi All Star Band and the State Alumni Band opportunities I did not take lightly. These opportunities opened my eyes to the discipline and dedication required to excel. Being surrounded by talented students from across the state pushed me to work harder, and learning from Jackson State University instructors showed me what it meant to pursue music at a higher level. One of the most influential experiences was training with the JSU Band and Drum Majors. Watching the drum majors lead with pride and greatness made me realize that music is not just about playing note, it is about leadership, responsibility, and representing something bigger than yourself. These experiences inspired me to take my music much more seriously and imagine a future where I could achieve a big career in music. Music and school leadership opportunities have helped me gain my purpose. I was selected to the Mississippi Alumni Band, The State Allstar Band, local colleges and universities honor bands all because music, leadership, community service has helped me grow and get me where I am today. I give back to others by mentoring younger musicians, volunteering with youth groups, and showing students that their talent can take them further than they imagine. I performed solo at birthday parties, church programs, and our school Jazz Band. My goal is to study Music Technology or become a Band Director so I can understand the creativity behind music and lead. I want to learn how sound is shaped and recorded into something that touch me and others. I believe that music can bring people together, and I want to be part of that togetherness. Thank you for this opportunity to apply for the Nick Lindblad Memorial Scholarship.

Charles Higgins III – William “Billy” Smith Scholarship My name is Charles Higgins III, and I am a senior at Raymond High School in Raymond, Mississippi. I am an honor student, member of the Ultimate Soul Band and Ranger Baseball Team. I am the baseball team captain and the section leader for the Ultimate Soul Band. My inspiration for pursuing music started the moment I picked up a trumpet in middle school. I didn’t know much about music then, but something about that first sound made me feel connected in a way nothing else did. Plus, both of my granddads played the trumpet and performed in college bands. Being around other musicians inspired me to take my talent seriously and imagine a future where I could help create the sounds that move people, relaxed people, help them get away from the problems at home and in the world. I love music, playing my trumpet, and creating music arrangements for my high school Ultimate Soul Band. Music has taught me leadership, discipline, confidence, and teamwork, not just to make myself better, but to help our band and teammates grow. Representing my school in numerous University and Community College Honor Bands has taught me to perform with excellence. Volunteering in my community, for example, upgrading the city Splash Park, distributing school supplies, and meeting with city leaders showed me that teamwork brings projects together. As a band section leader, baseball captain, and student leader, I stay committed to what I start. For four years, I have participated in the Jackson State University High School Band Camp, JSU Honor Band, Willam Carey College Honor Band, Hinds Community College Honor Band, Southwest College Band Clinic. In 2025-2026 I was selected to the Mississippi All Star Band and the State Alumni Band opportunities I did not take lightly. These opportunities opened my eyes to the discipline and dedication required to excel. Being surrounded by talented students from across the state pushed me to work harder, and learning from Jackson State University instructors showed me what it meant to pursue music at a higher level. One of the most influential experiences was training with the JSU Band and Drum Majors. Watching the drum majors lead with pride and greatness made me realize that music is not just about playing note, it is about leadership, responsibility, and representing something bigger than yourself. These experiences inspired me to take my music much more seriously and imagine a future where I could achieve a big career in music. Music and school leadership opportunities have helped me gain my purpose. I was selected to the Mississippi Alumni Band, The State Allstar Band, local colleges and universities honor bands all because music, leadership, community service has helped me grow and get me where I am today. I give back to others by mentoring younger musicians, volunteering with youth groups, and showing students that their talent can take them further than they imagine. I performed solo at birthday parties, church programs, and our school Jazz Band. My goal is to study Music Technology or become a Band Director so I can understand the creativity behind music and lead. I want to learn how sound is shaped and recorded into something that touch me and others. I believe that music can bring people together, and I want to be part of that togetherness.

Charles Higgins III Patricia Lindsey Jackson Foundation Essay My name is Charles Higgins III. I attend Raymond High School in Raymond, Mississippi. My faith has always been the foundation that keeps me steady, focused, and moving forward, especially when life gets busy with school, band, and everything else I’m involved in. Growing up, I was taught that faith isn’t just something you talk about, it’s something you live through your actions, your discipline, and the way you treat people. That belief has shaped the way I approach my academics, my music, and my future goals. I attend St. James MB Church in Hazlehurst, Mississippi where I am responsible for the PA system music with my grandfather, who is Deacon Chairman. Working in church reminds me that every gift I have, including music, has a purpose, and it pushes me to use those gifts to make a positive difference in my community. Music became part of my life in middle school when I picked up a trumpet for the first time. At first, it was just something fun to try, but over time, it became a way for me to express myself and stay grounded. Faith taught me to stay committed even when things get hard, and that mindset helped me grow as a musician. Whether I’m practicing late at night, learning a new arrangement, or preparing for a performance, I remind myself that consistency and discipline matter. That’s why I’ve worked hard to take advantage of every opportunity I’ve been given performing solos in Hazlehurst and Raymond, attending JSU High School Band Camp for four years, and earning spots in honor bands like JSU Honor Band, Southwest Band Clinic, Hinds Honor Band, William Carey Honor Band, and the Mississippi Alumni All-Star Band. Faith also taught me the importance of serving others, which is why community involvement means so much to me. I’ve volunteered at numerous community events like the Back-to-School Supply Giveaway, Trunk or Treat, and the City of Hazlehurst Splash Park renovations. I’ve volunteered with Empowering Doves Corporation and joined the Chamber Ambassadors Walk the Town, where I met local leaders and talked about youth goals. At the Young Leader of Copiah County Vision, Burgers and Beans Annual Event, we shared our vision boards and talked with community leaders about my future in music. These moments helped me understand that leadership is about helping people, listening to them, and showing up when your community needs you. Another way faith has shaped me is by teaching me to take care of myself spiritually and have faith in my dreams. To get ready for marching band and all the camps I attend, I created my own fitness routine to build strength and endurance. The experiences I’ve had have shown me that preparation is a form of respect for yourself, your team, and your goals. My family has also played a huge role in pushing me toward higher education. They’ve always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. They taught me that education opens doors and that I should never limit myself. My band directors, mentors, and the musicians I’ve met along the way have also encouraged me to keep going. Seeing their passion and dedication makes me want to work even harder. Visiting colleges like Grambling State, Xavier, Alcorn, Jackson State, Florida A&M, the University of Tennessee, and Southern Miss helped me picture myself on a campus where I can grow as a musician and a student. My goal is to study Music Technology or Music Engineering or even become a Band Director one day. I want to learn how music works behind the scenes and help create sounds that inspire people the way music has inspired me. Faith has taught me to dream big but also to work hard, stay humble, and use my talents to uplift others. Everything I’ve learned from music to leadership to community service will help me reach my goals and make a positive impact wherever I go. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Patricia Lindsey Jackson Foundation scholarship.

Charles Higgins III - Essay My inspiration for pursuing music started the moment I picked up a trumpet in middle school. I didn’t know much about music then, but something about that first sound made me feel connected in a way nothing else did. Plus, both of my granddads played the trumpet and performed in college bands. Being around other musicians, learning from JSU instructors, and training with the JSU Drum Major showed me how powerful music can be. It inspired me to take my talent seriously and imagine a future where I could help create the sounds that move people. I love music, playing my trumpet, and creating music arrangements for my high school Ultimate Soul Band. Music has taught me leadership, discipline, confidence, and teamwork, not just to make myself better, but to help our band and teammates grow. Representing my school in Honor Band has taught me to perform with excellence. Volunteering in my community showed me that teamwork brings projects together. As a band section leader, baseball captain, and student leader, I stay committed to what I start. I plan to major in Music Technology or become a Band Director and share my talent with my community. For four years, I have participated in the Jackson State University High School Band Camp, JSU Honor Band, Willam Carey College Honor Band, Hinds Community College Honor Band, Southwest College Band Clinic. In 2025-2026 I was selected to the Mississippi All Star Band and the State Alumni Band opportunities I did not take lightly. These opportunities opened my eyes to the discipline and dedication required to excel. Being surrounded by talented students from across the state pushed me to work harder, and learning from Jackson State University instructors showed me what it meant to pursue music at a higher level. One of the most influential experiences was training with the JSU Band and Drum Majors. Watching the drum majors lead with pride and greatness made me realize that music is not just about playing note, it is about leadership, responsibility, and representing something bigger than yourself. These experiences inspired me to take my music much more seriously and imagine a future where I could achieve a big career in music. My goal is to study Music Technology, Music Engineering or become a Band Director so I can understand the science and creativity behind how music is produced and lead. I want to learn how sound is shaped and recorded into something that moves people. I believe that music can inspire, heal, and bring people together, and I want to be part of that togetherness. Whether I am producing tracks, designing sound for artists, or creating music that speaks to young people who need encouragement, I want my knowledge to carry purpose. I want to use my skills to help others find their voice the same way music helped me find mine. I also plan to stay connected to my community as I grow in my career. The programs connected to Jackson State University and Raymond High School Ultimate Soul Band have taught to feel the music in your soul. I give back to others by mentoring younger musicians, volunteering with youth programs, and showing students that their talent can take them further than they imagine. My dream is not just to succeed in music, but to represent my community well and create opportunities for others to follow. Music changed my life, and through my career, I hope to change lives in return.