December 12, 2025
Several longtime friends have established the Paul Strahan Memorial Scholarship in honor of their high school classmate, Lawrence Paul Strahan. Randy Burge, Archie Rawls, Jerry Kendall, and Mike Amacker coordinated the effort, which will benefit students at Pearl River Community College for years to come.
From Poplarville, Strahan graduated from Poplarville High School in 1975, where he set the standard for many of his friends. Initially, he played baseball, basketball, and football before focusing on baseball. He attended William Carey University on a full scholarship, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business and was a member of the baseball team. Before graduation, he was offered the opportunity to play for a team in the major leagues, passing it by to pursue his call to ministry.
He continued his studies to become a pastor, earning a Master of Religious Education, Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served in various ministerial roles in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee before his final role as pastor of First Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky.
“We wanted to honor Paul by offering a scholarship to a player or trainer, particularly in baseball, who could benefit from receiving the scholarship money,” said Kendall. “Even though he didn’t attend PRCC, Paul had many connections to the school.”
The group recognizes the long-term generational benefits from paying it forward through the scholarship.
“The scholarship can help build community and advance some of Paul’s values, including sacrifice and humility,” said Kendall. “In the end, it makes us all a whole lot better.”
The group hopes to have the Paul Strahan Memorial Scholarship funded quickly so the first scholarship can be awarded by Fall 2026.
“It is always an honor when Pearl River Community College becomes a part of the story of friendship and cherished memories,” said Delana Harris, Executive Director of the PRCC Development Foundation. “This scholarship, established by the classmates and friends of Paul Strahan, reflects the powerful impact that relationships can have far beyond the classroom. Scholarships not only support our students and strengthen our college — they also preserve the stories and legacies of those who have shaped our community.
“We are truly grateful for the opportunity to play even a small role in carrying Paul’s memory forward for generations to come.”
How to Contribute to the Paul Strahan Memorial Scholarship
Community members wishing to support this scholarship can do so online, by phone, or by mail. Online donations are made at prcc.edu/alumni/alumni-donations/, where you can select general scholarships and put “Paul Strahan 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 Paul Strahan 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.
