Our Giving Will Continue To Inspire
Investing in the Next Generation.
Scholarships, youth leadership, community partnerships, and volunteer service the Class of 1971 continues to honor the values our parents instilled in us: faith, education, service, and community.
Scholarship Fund
North/South Natchez Class of 1971 Scholarship Fund
Everything in life starts out as a seed. A conversation in the Spring of 2013 between Chester Barnes and Rev. Jerry Baldwin began to develop, grow, and expand into something much larger than we could ever imagine.
We talked about creating a Scholarship Fund which honored our Parents who had passed, loved Natchez, played Little League, worked in the Ferriday, Natchez, and Vidalia areas, and had a desire for education. Rev. Jerry Baldwin, Rev. Herman Polk, and Charlie Rice joined us in the following conversation.
We decided to give back to deserving graduating seniors from Natchez High School by giving $500 scholarships at the Forty-Second Year Class Reunion in honor of our Parents who had given so much to us.
The following criteria was selected: student must be in the top ten of the Class, a good citizen, exemplify leadership, and be college bound.
The rest is history!
An EIN number was requested and, once received, officers were selected:
President – Rev. Herman Polk
Vice-President – Rev. Jerry Baldwin
Treasurer – Chester Barnes
Secretary – Glenda Washington
Chaplain – Leonard Harris
Sergeant-at-Arms – Robert Long
Chester Barnes and Rev. Herman Polk opened up a bank account and letters were then sent out to classmates seeking contributions.
At the Forty-Second Reunion, we gave five $520 scholarships to those graduating seniors and left Natchez with a
depleted bank account.
The Members of the Committee made a decision to do only two scholarships per year in the years 2014 and 2015.
The Members of the Committee believed that GOD intervened and developed in us a spirit that allowed us to dig deep within ourselves so that we could fulfill our commitment to honor our Parents and provide assistance to those worthy graduating seniors from Natchez High School to help further their education.
The Scholarship Committee of the North/South Natchez Class of 1971 stepped out on FAITH in the year 2013 when this Scholarship Fund was created.
Hebrews Chapter 11 Verse 1 states:
“Now FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
We placed our FAITH and TRUST in GOD. GODLY FAITH is defined as TRUST, relying on GOD when looking to the future, and obeying even when we don’t fully understand all of the details.
In 2013 we presented five $520 scholarships to members of that senior class.
We simply believed that GOD would reward our FAITH in HIM based on the good deed we were performing. GOD simply gave us increase! We had no idea what the outcome of this endeavor would be:
71 Scholarships totaling $35,100 in a matter of 12 years.
GOD rewarded our FAITH in HIM because we simply remained FAITHFUL.
AIN’T GOD GOOD!
None of this could be done without generous contributions from members of this class.
They answered life’s persistent and urgent question asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
“What are you doing for others?”
Classmates, thanks for showing up and showing out!
What we did as a class as a service to others would not be possible without our Parents.
They were our greatest teachers who provided us with clear instructions. They taught us to put GOD first and to have FAITH and TRUST in HIM. They instilled in us the values of hard work, discipline, integrity, and education. Many of our Parents did not have formal educations, but they understood the value of one.
They took what they knew and paid it forward.
We followed the examples set by our Parents and paid it forward by providing scholarships to honor them.
Where would we be without them?
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Class of 1971 Archive
Newspaper articles, publications, and historical documents preserving the legacy of the North & South Natchez High School Class of 1971.
RECIPIENT HONOUR ROLL 2013-2024
2013 · 42nd Reunion
Jasmine Davis (Louisiana at Monroe), Marneria White (Southern Miss), Michael Cleveland (Tougaloo), Daysha Brown (Jackson State), Damion Washington (Southern Miss). Five $520 scholarships, presented by Rev. Jerry Baldwin, Chester Barnes, and Addie Paxton-Robinson at the Natchez Manor, November 29, 2013
2014
Xavier Bradford, Latasha Ford, Kayla Long, Terry McBeth. Presented by Addie Paxton Robinson.
2015 - $500 Scholarship recipients
Aniyah Bynum
Aaron Cornelius
Damien Henderson
Marquis Jackson
Alana Singleton
Allison Sullivan
E'Keria Williams
Seven scholarships awarded.
2016 · 45th Reunion
Carl Knight Jr., Taylor Fry, Mar'Kaja A. Ramirez, Shaylin Williams, Joy J. King, Reginald Good.
2017
Destiny Lyles, Simone Thomas, Robert Alexander, Candi Ware, Nigel Dent. The class marked $13,600 given across 27 scholarships in its first five years.
2018
Jakerrion Davis, Cordejhai McDonald, Destinee' Campbell, Deep Panchal, Jamira Smith.
Scholarship Recipients 2019
Zhari Barnes
D'Ashia Bernard
Charmaine Brown
DeAsia Combs
Kayla Hargrove
Melanie Tennessee
Scholarship Recipients 2020
Hope Bell
Desnick Bolden
Vinicia Davis
Malliyah Pullman
Carleigh Sproulls
Aliyah Woods
Scholarship Recipients 2021
DeMarria Brown
DeMarcus Jackson
Kenneth Seals
Dionte Thomas
Joshua Trask,Jr.
Ashlee Williams
2022 · Mission Accomplished
Kenneth Seals (Co-Lin / Mississippi State), Joshua Trask Jr. (Mechanical Engineering), DeMarria Brown (Mississippi State), Ashlee Williams (Alcorn State, Social Work), DeMarcus Jackson (Alcorn State, Computer Engineering Technology), Dionte Thomas (Ole Miss, cardiothoracic surgery track).
2023 - $500 Scholarship Recipients
Khajordan Chatman
Cierra Demby
Cadriana Douglas
Taylor Henry
Nilah Jones
Saniyah Malone
Micaela Patton
Seven scholarships awarded in conjunction with the 50+ Reunion Celebration.
2024 · Final Scholarships
Tahkhari Doss (Jackson State, Biology), Ceairra Franklin (USM, Medical Laboratory Science), Alaina Hughes (USM, Sports Medicine), Alexia Jackson (Tougaloo, Biology), Jayden Thomas (USM, Nursing), Kylesha Winchester (Alcorn State, Psychology). Luncheon hosted by Rev. Jerry L. Baldwin at Rolling River Reloaded — the last students the Class of 1971 was able to support through this program.
“The scholarship program concluded in 2024, reaching a final total of 71 scholarships and $35,100 given since 2013.”The Natchez Stewpot
North/South Class of 1971 Inspired by Mr. David Lewis to Donate to the Natchez Stewpot
Committee members of the North/South Class of 1971 involved themselves in a search for an organization to donate funds to in the year 2018. A decision was made to create a Class Donation Fund. Once everything was established, we decided to begin making donations to the Natchez Stewpot in honor of Mr. David Lewis.
Why did we choose the Natchez Stewpot?
Our Class made this commitment to the Stewpot, which helps alleviate hunger and assists with meals for the elderly, handicapped, and shut-ins in our hometown. They serve over 300 meals daily, with approximately 160 meals delivered to shut-ins.
A quote by Maya Angelou states:
“If you find in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”
The members of this class simply want to continue to search within our hearts to give back to a community that gave so much to us. This is why we chose the Stewpot.
Why did we choose Mr. David Lewis?
No Committee Member has ever met him. Based on what we read and heard about him, he was an extraordinary man. He wasn’t afraid to be who he was, a real and compassionate individual who made it his life’s mission to be of service to others.
Mr. Lewis didn’t make national headlines because, in this world, those who perform good deeds and inspire others go completely unnoticed most of the time.
He was a volunteer at the Natchez Stewpot, religiously spread the word of GOD, and above all wanted those whose lives he touched to TRUST IN GOD. He didn’t seek headlines or accolades. He simply went about the business of trying to better humanity in his own small corner of the world.
Mr. Lewis joined the Army as a young man and, after his service, worked at the Holsum Bakery and the Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company, where he eventually retired. He was married to the lovely Mrs. DeElla Lewis, and they had three children. After retirement, he looked around for some worthwhile way to use his time.
As a volunteer at the Natchez Stewpot for twenty-six years, he worked at the bread station, delivered meals, and helped people from all walks of life. He took the word of GOD seriously.
Every time people saw Mr. Lewis at the Stewpot, he was smiling and serving. Mr. David Lewis died on October 18, 2017, after twenty-six years of volunteering at the Stewpot on a daily basis. All who worked with him or served with him would like to say: Thank you, Mr. David! The members of the North/South Class of 1971 would like to thank the family and those he touched.
Thanks to Mary Jane Gaudet for shining a light on his good deeds with her article in the Natchez Democrat, Freddie Johnson for posting it on his Facebook page for others to see, and Mr. William Terrell for setting the wheels in motion and for all he has done for our class. Above all, the members of the North/South Class of 1971 thank GOD for creating this inspiring and giving man.
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders
Junior Cadet Leadership Academy
Two leadership initiatives led by classmate Ella Clark with organizing support from Bessie Green, Jackie Campbell, and Linda Gooden — carrying forward work set in motion by beloved classmate Diane Prater Smith, in whose honor the 2019 workshop was held.
2019 · In-person
Junior Cadet Leadership Academy
Ella Clark traveled from Chattanooga to Natchez to conduct an interactive workshop using the Maxwell Youth Leadership curriculum. Students explored leadership, character, communication, teamwork, goal setting, personal responsibility, and making positive choices. Graduation day, July 19, 2019, at the Louis Gunning Community Safe Room: 25 of 30 cadets completed the program.
2020 · Pandemic-era
Virtual Youth Leadership Initiative
When COVID prevented in-person gatherings, Ella Clark facilitated weekly online sessions for Junior Cadet participants. The class also supported the academy with gift cards, meals and snacks, school supplies, financial donations, and student incentives confirmed by a letter from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office thanking George Brice and the class.
Honoring Those Who Served
Zion Hill Veterans Day Service
The idea came from the church’s pastor, Rev. Joe W. Pickett, who asked four members of the congregation to put the celebration together: Alice Jones, Linda Williams, Carol Merritt, and our own classmate Rosena Mayberry Profice. Williams and Merritt have since passed; Jones and Profice have carried it forward 349 Lower Woodville Road, Natchez every year for fourteen years and counting, on the second Sunday in November.
The 2024 event welcomed more than 140 veterans from Mississippi and Louisiana plus the widows of veterans who have passed, who are invited and receive gift bags too. During the pandemic, the ministry adapted rather than paused a drive-thru thank-you so no veteran went unrecognized. Chester Barnes coordinates donations from classmates to support it, and Rosena Mayberry Profice’s leadership keeps it running.
Honoring Our Own
Awards presented at the 55th Reunion, April 2026.
Legacy and Historical Advisor
Chester Barnes
For leading and supporting class reunions, advancing the scholarship fund, serving others through community outreach and giving, preserving the class’s history, and keeping the class connected across five decades.
Creative Director
Ella Clark
“In recognition of your dedication and countless contributions” and for “creating events that have allowed us to share lifelong memories,” with thanks from Co-Chairs Chester Barnes, Jr. and Robert Long, Jr.
This section is built to hold every award the class has given or received , if there are other honorees, this is where they belong.
Our Ongoing Promise
“We choose not to dwell on the negative remarks made about our youth today. Instead, we choose to emphasize the great possibilities that exist in them. They represent our future.”
— Chester Barnes