the herk foundation Scholarships
​for 2025 Graduates

Thank you for your interest in the Herk Foundation and its scholarships: Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship and the Lion Legacy Scholarship.  The mission of the foundation is to provide opportunities for young people to be enriched by music through empowerment of educational music programs, scholarships, and grants.  Please read all the application information and best wishes in your future endeavors. For questions or comments, please contact Calandra Jones-Howard, Founder and President of the Herk Foundation, via email at [email protected].

2025 Scholarship application is now closed
Thank you to all that applied.

 The Lion Legacy Scholarship continues his vision as band director by  providing college financial support to a member of the H. W. Byers High School Band. Details on application.

Lion Legacy Scholarship

 Scholarship Amount: $500 (see application for details)
Eligibility:
  • Must be a student attending H.W. Byers High School
  • High School Senior with at least a 2.5 GPA
  • Planning to attend a college or university full-time
  • Satisfactory Conduct

Requirements:
  • A complete application form.
  • High School Transcript
  • One letter of recommendation - Band / Music Director, Teacher, or Individual (non-relative)
  • Media Release Form
  • One page essay (1 inch margins, 12 font, Title)

Deadline
Application may be submitted by mailed or electronically. Mail-in applications must be postmarked no later than April 26, 2026. The Online Application submissions via the website must be submitted by April 30, 2026, but be sure to read important details prior to completing the application. All others posted or received after the deadline will not be eligible for consideration.  

All Information is provided in the Scholarship Application Packet. 
 

Congratulations to our scholarship recipients!

2024
​trinity dockery

The tenth recipient of the Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship is Trinity Dockery of Lewisburg High School. She was member the National Honor Society, Superintendent's Youth Leadership Council, 30+ Club, Betha Club, Student Council, Mu Alpha Theta, and Club Volleyball. She is also a two-time College Board Scholar and ranks in the Top 3 of her class. She plans to major in Chemistry and minor in Education. 

2023
Kayleonyah davis

Our 15th anniversary and our the ninth recipient of the Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship is Kayleonyah Davis of Rosa Fort High School in Tunica, Mississippi. She was a Cheerleader Captain and a member of FBLA, P.R.E.T.T.Y., Newspaper Club, and the National Honor Society. She plans to major in Early Education.

2023
rickyejaenae davis

Our first-ever Herk Foundation Book Scholarship recipient is Rickyejaenae Davis of Rosa Fort High School. She was student athletic and member of the National Honor Society, FBLA, FCCLA, etc. She plans to major in Biochemistry and a minor in Education.

Past Honorees

2020
​Jayden Rembert

​The second Honorary Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Jayden A. Rembert of Nashville, Tennessee of Strafford High School.  He is the grandson of the Fred Jones. He is a member of the Stafford Football Team, JROTC Cadet, Wresting Team, Choir, and Band (Brass, Clarinet, Saxophone) and is an Honor Student. At his church, he is on the Mime Praise Team and plays drums. She plans to major in Criminal Justice and Minor in Music.

2017
​ALexus Smith

The first honorary recipient of the Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Alexus L. J. Smith of Hernando High School in Hernando, Mississippi.  She is the granddaughter of the Fred Jones. She is a member of the National Honor Society, HHS Choir, Science Club, and Archonettes of Zeta Phi Beta. She is a member of Beachum Chapel CME Church of Hernando, where she is the associate pianist. She plans to major in Electrical Engineering and Minor in Music.

2015
Kierra Aycock

The seventh recipient of the Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship was Kierra Aycock of Southaven High School in Southaven, Mississippi.


2016
Jay'Colby Robinson

 The eighth recipient of the Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship was Jay'Colby Robinson of Holly Springs High School. (not pictured)

2014
Anthony Rice, Jr.

The sixth recipient of the Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship was Anthony Rice, Jr. of Rose Fort High School in Tunica, Mississippi. He is a graduate of Rosa Fort High School Class of 2014. He was a member of the "Mean Green" Marching Band. He is currently enrolled in Jackson State University, where he is majoring in music education. His plans are to be the greatest band director in the land.

Anthony is the son of the late Anthony Rice, Sr. and Valerie Rice.

2013
Zsa'Xhani Davis

The fifth recipient of the Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship was Zsa'Xhani Davis of Potts Camp High School in Marshall County, Mississippi. Miss Davis was a member of the FFA, Beta Club, Mu Theta - Math Club, Basketball and Softball teams, and SGA - Class President. She is also a proud member of Shiloh M.B. Church.  She is a pianist (13 years) and plans to attend college with a major in music.

2012
Jana Holder

The fourth recipient of the Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship was Jana Holder of Horn Lake High School. This is the second time a student from Horn Lake High School has received this honor. She a violinist and vocalist that will be majoring in Music Therapy / Music Education

2011
Caitlyn Bjork

The third recipient of the Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship was Caitlyn Bjork of Horn Lake High School. This is the first time a DeSoto County student has received this award. Ms. Bjork was a member of the National Honor Society, Horn Lake High School Band/Colorguard, and community orchestras. She was honored with this award for her academic excellence, musicianship, and ambitious attitude as a future educator.

2010
Katerrica Dorsey

The second recipient of the Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship was Katerrica Dorsey of Rosa Fort High School. Ms. Dorsey was honored with this award for her academic excellence, musicianship, and ambitious attitude as a future educator. The scholarship award was presented at the Rosa Fort 2010 Class Night Program in Tunica, Mississippi by Calandra Jones-Howard, Herk Foundation Founder. The scholarship in the amount of $500.00 will be applied directly to the recipient’s college of choice.

2009
Marvin Rayford

Herk Foundation awards its FIRST-EVER Fred E. Jones Scholarship Mr. Marvin Rayford  

The Herk Foundation, a non-profit organization founded to help support music educational programs in Mississippi, proudly awarded its FIRST Fred Earl Jones Memorial Scholarship to Marvin Rayford of H.W. Byers High School in Mt. Pleasant, Mississippi.