The David L. Hubbard Foundation has awarded scholarships the last two years to JROTC and NJROTC students at both Vicksburg High School and Warren Central High School.

Shonna Hubbard-Morton, the daughter of Vicksburg native David L. Hubbard, began the foundation in her father’s memory in 2016. Hubbard, who died in 2007, served in the U.S. Army for 32 years and worked in security for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg after his retirement.

“I did some research and I found out that the JROTC here in Vicksburg, the one at Vicksburg High and the one at Warren Central, had never had anyone to cater to just the cadets,” Morton said. “I thought of a way of being able to give back to the community on his behalf, every year I’m going to give out a scholarship to hopefully several JROTC cadets at Vicksburg and Warren Central high schools.”

So far, four former JROTC and NJROTC students have been able to further their academic careers thanks in part to the scholarships.

To continue funding the $500 scholarship each student receives, Hubbard-Morton holds multiple fundraisers throughout the year for the foundation, the primary event being the New Year’s Even Masquerade Ball at the Vicksburg City Auditorium.

She’s looking for sponsorships from the community to help fund the foundation.

Sponsorships include diamond level ($2,500), platinum level ($1,500), gold level ($1,000), silver level ($500) and bronze level ($250). All sponsorships will be included in the souvenir program; however, diamond, platinum and gold level will also receive reserved seating and complimentary tickets to the ball.

Deadline for sponsorship is Nov. 29.

The ball is scheduled for 8 p.m. Dec. 31 with live entertainment, food and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

For more information on the David L. Hubbard Foundation, visit davidlhubbardfoundation.com or call Hubbard-Morton at 601-301-0513.