It all started when...

The Terrance Herbert Conner Memorial Scholarship provides a $1000 scholarship to a qualified Jackson High School graduate. The award recognizes students who demonstrate motivation in their pursuit of higher education, are actively involved in their community, and have a financial need. Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books, fees or other academic costs. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college, university, vocational or technical institute and be a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credit hours. A designated committee of the Lily Missions Center will make the selection. An interview may be requested at the discretion of the scholarship committee.

Terrance Herbert Conner began his formal education in the Jackson Public Schools, graduating from Jackson High School in 1988 as class valedictorian. Terrance has the unique distinction of being the first athlete in the history of Jackson High to graduate as both valedictorian and a First Team All-State Football Player. He accepted an academic scholarship to Howard University in Washington D.C. rather than an athletic scholarship to Western Michigan University. Terrance earned his B.A. degree in psychology from Howard University in 1993. After a two-year battle with cancer, Terrance passed away January 12, 1997 at the age of 26.

Pastor Hines and Terrance’s parents, James and Chlorita Conner, were inspired to create a scholarship in his honor in February 2005. The Hines and Conner families contributed $10,000 each to start the fund. His legacy of strengthening minds to strengthen society continues with this memorial scholarship.