January 30, 2024
Ardent supporter of Pearl River Community College, Eddie English, is memorialized through a new scholarship for PRCC students from Marion County. The Eddie English Memorial Scholarship will be given to one Career and Technical Education student and one academic student annually.
Eddie trained to be a diesel mechanic at PRCC in the late 1970s and always talked fondly of his time at The River. His passion for PRCC influenced multiple family members to attend – including his sons and multiple nieces and nephews. He never missed a chance to praise how well the college prepares one for whatever they decide to do after graduation.
English spent countless hours supporting The River through the Marion County Alumni Chapter. One aspect of his volunteer time was the annual steak dinner to fundraise for scholarships to PRCC for Marion County students.
“We are thankful for the English family and their support to our college and students,” said Executive Director of Development Foundation/Alumni Association Delana Harris. “Mr. Eddie was an excellent example of everything we strive to have our college represent. We hope to continue his legacy through the students who receive his Foundation Scholarship.”.
The scholarship was arranged by his wife, Lynn Porter English, and their sons, Dr. Warren English and Tucker English. Additional support came from English’s brother and sister-in-law Mr. Tom and Mrs. Renee Porter.
“Along with his strong work ethic, he used his technical education from PRCC both in his vocation and as a tool to build up his family, friends, church, and community,” said his sons and wife. “Friends and family knew if they ever needed anything, he would be there to help. He truly had the heart of a servant and would do anything for anyone.
“His memory and love for PRCC will now live on, as 2 deserving students from Marion County will receive a scholarship to his alma mater to continue their education.”
How to Contribute to the Eddie English Memorial Scholarship
Community members who would like to donate to this scholarship can do so online, by phone, or by mail. Online donations are done at prcc.edu/alumni/donate where you can select general scholarships and put “Eddie English Memorial Scholarship” in the comment box.
Phone donations can be made by calling the PRCC Development Foundation at 601-403-1183. Alternatively, checks can be mailed to PRCC Development Foundation at PO Box 5389 Poplarville, MS 39470. Please make sure to note Eddie English Memorial Scholarship on the check.
How to Start a Scholarship Fund
Anyone interested in starting a scholarship fund can start the process through an online form at prcc.edu/alumni/scholarship. The scholarship can be named and have specific criteria for the eligibility of students for the award. Fully funding a scholarship requires a minimum of $10,000 that can be delivered over time or in a lump sum.
Questions about the process can be directed to Harris at dharris@prcc.edu.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Photos provided by the English family.
