
Hayley Nicolle Handford is the daughter of Adrienne Miller and a graduate of Alma Bryant High School where she attained a 3.5 GPA, and was an Honor Roll and Dual Enrollment Student. She was also a member of the National Technical Society and a member of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). Hayley will be attending Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL pursuing her career as a psychologist. She said, “I feel that by attending college I can expand my horizon and achieve my career goals. I know that I can, as long as I put God first all things are possible.” Hayley assists in the Church Nursery at her church, Mobile County Church of Christ, Grand Bay, AL. She is the legacy of the Miller Family through her grandfather Ruben Miller class of ‘72. Her grandaunt Earnestine Miller was the first Miss St. Elmo, 1952-53 and a classmate of her sponsor Jean Tolbert, class of ‘55.

Jereme Evans is the son of Barnette Evans, and is a graduate of Theodore High School where he attained a 3.8 GPA. and was a member of the National Thespian Honor Society. His school activities included: Cross Country, Soccer, Track and Field, Swim and Dive as well as the Game Club. Jereme will be attending Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL and majoring in Forensic Biology. He said, “I have been interested in plants and animals since taking a class in the seventh grade. This is why I chose this field.” Jere attends Cedar Park Baptist Church, Mobile, AL where he participated fully in youth activities: including the choir and president of the Usher Board. He is a legacy of his grandmother Earlean Evans, class of ‘65 and is being sponsored by Billie James Evans, his granduncle, class of ‘58.

Elissa Keyonna Murry is the daughter of Edward and Kendra Murry, and graduated from Theodore High School where she was an honor student and a member of the Varsity Basketball Team. She will be attending Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and majoring in Nursing. She said, “I want to go to college because it is a stepping stone for me to become the best person and nurse I can be. The sky is the limit when you are educated. A college education will put me in a position to receive my blessings now and in the future.” Elissa is a member of New Welcome Baptist Church, St. Elmo, AL and is a legacy of the Murry and Nelson families. Her grandmother Melinda Murry was in the class of ‘72 and is her sponsor.

Ashton Quintez Dickinson is the son of Tina Dickinson, and a graduate of McGill Toolen High School where he obtained a 4.5 GPA. In addition to being selected Mr. McGill, his school activities included Key and African American Clubs, and AP Scholar for four years. Ashton will be attending Auburn University and majoring in Investment Banking. He said, “I want to go to college to enhance my study for banking so that I can become one of America’s best corporate leaders.” He is a legacy of the Quinnie and Dickinson families of whom many attended St. Elmo including Addie Dickinson who was in the first graduating class of St. Elmo, 1953. His Grandparents Valiant Quinnie class of ‘74 and Andrew Dickinson class of ’72 also attended St. Elmo. His Sponsor is Patricia McCants, class of ‘72.

Braxton Hunt is the son of Marshall Hunt and Chelly Nettles, and a graduate of Blount High School with honors. His school activities included: Junior Varsity Football, football manager, Gentlemen’s Academy and National Technical Academy. Braxton will be attending Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, AL and majoring in Food Science/Sports Management. He said, “I am attending a Historical Black College because it will allow me to build on past legacies and walk in the footsteps of prominent African Americans.” My plan is to use that to go forward.” Braxton is a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Mobile, AL and participates in youth activities. He is a legacy of the Woodard family. His grandaunt Regina was in the class of ‘66, and his sponsor is his grandmother Joycelyn Woodard Hunt, class of ‘68.

Mitchell Kameron Smith is the son of Mitchell and Dr. Kimberly Smith. He is a graduate of Tucker High School in Tucker, GA where he attained a 3.6 GPA. Mitchell played Soccer and was involved with various organizations including: Black Men of Excellence, UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, and American Chemical Society. He will be attending Furman University, Greenville, SC. majoring in Bio-Chemistry with a Pre-Med concentration. He said, “Growing up I held many leadership positions and was proud to be a leader in my school and community especially holding the position of First Chair Clarinetist in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Mitchell plans to works in Sports Medicine as a physician or therapist. He is a member of West Mitchell Street CME Church, Atlanta, GA. His legacy extends from the Logan family including several grand- aunts, and his grandmother Voncile Logan Jackson, class of ‘63 who is his sponsor.
Since beginning the Scholarship Program in 2008, the group has awarded more than $25,000 to legacy students. Most of the students have gone on to successful careers or still in college pursuing their degree. In 1969 the high school was discontinued after integration, but the students incorporated and are pursuing their mission of “School and Heritage Preservation.” One goal of this mission is to award scholarships to students who are legacies of the students who attended St. Elmo High School.
Patricia McCants, class of ‘72 is the President and Jean Tolbert, Class of ‘55 and Faye Logan Glass Class of ‘69 are Scholarship Chairman, and Co-Chairman respectively. We invite all who attended St. Elmo to participate in the organization. For more information call Jean Tolbert at 251-661-3915 or 703-447-5293.