Citizens National Bank Wealth Management Supports Foundation
Ten Mississippi State University-Meridian Branch students have been selected as the 2018 recipients of scholarships totaling $35,000 that were made possible by the Jerry and Ruth Scott Foundation. The recipients are Alyssa Cochran, Summer Richardson, Wendy Jackson, Jerrie Hubbard, Dre’Anna Gates, Jason Frulla, Ashley Breier, Megan Moffett, Steven Bennett and Tiffany Wright.
On October 23, 2018, a lunch honoring the recipients was held. CNB representatives in attendance were Archie McDonnell, Hampton Thames, Teresa Thornhill, Colton Dooley and Mary Lauren Wilson. In attendance from MSU-Meridian were Dr. Terry Dale Cruse and Lisa Sollie. Colton Dooley explained how the funds given to each of the students grew from the principal contributed by the Scotts, while Teresa Thornhill gave a brief history of the trust and day to day functions. Students were also given an opportunity to explain how these scholarships will help them to achieve their dreams for the future.
The Jerry and Ruth Scott Foundation is managed by Citizens National Bank’s Wealth Management Division and was established in March of 2016 by the late Jerry and Ruth Scott to benefit working adult students who are completing their degrees and who have maintained high academic achievement. Scholarships distributed since inception total over $42,000.
The benefactors, Jerry and Ruth Scott, resided in Meridian for 32 years and were active members of the community and dedicated to its betterment. Jerry was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with Anderson’s Hospital, while Ruth was a graduate of Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University-Meridian and a well- known local political activist.
In addition to their appreciation for education, the Scotts also shared passions for art, music, and travel. Jerry played guitar and piano and Ruth was an art collector. Jerry was an avid pilot and they enjoyed traveling in their plane to various vacation destinations.
Jerry and Ruth’s dedication to the citizens of our community endures through the Foundation they established to assist these deserving students.
The Bank has assets in excess of $1.3 billion and manages over $1.2 billion in its Wealth Management Division, which is committed to assisting clients with the accumulation, preservation, and transfer of wealth.