John Lamar Awarded "The Spirit of Northwest" to be Honored at Northwest Soiree
Senatobia, MS (02/05/2026) — The Northwest Mississippi Community College Foundation is proud to announce that Senatobia attorney, John T. Lamar Jr., will be honored with the Spirit of Northwest Award at the Northwest Soiree - A Garden Gala on April 18, 2026 at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts.
A football alumnus of the college who enrolled as a freshman in 1970, played and studied at the college for two years. During his sophomore year, he married his wife and fellow attorney, Ann Hannaford Lamar. After Northwest, the Lamars transferred to Delta State University in Cleveland before continuing his education at Mississippi College School of Law, where he earned his law degree in 1977.
Since his time at Northwest, much has changed for Lamar who set off to work in law, then came back to his hometown to practice. In 1998, he was appointed to serve temporarily as Northwest's board attorney, a role that soon became permanent. He has since provided decades of dedicated service to the College.
Lamar has been an involved community member beyond his career, as he serves as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Senatobia and an active Rotarian - Paul Harris Fellow. He served for more than 10 years on the Northwest Mississippi Community College Foundation Board and he was also a long-time board member on the Board of Trustees at Magnolia Heights School. Lamar was named as Citizen of the Year by the Tate County Economic Development Foundation in 2025.
Lamar is a proud alumnus and continues to be inspired by the growth of the College. He said he's seen the impact it has on the students, staff and beyond."It has just had a tremendous effect on the community," said Lamar.
This award is given to those who represent what it means to be a Northwest Ranger and their outstanding service and support of the college.
The Soiree will begin in the evening with a social hour and hors d'oeuvres, followed by an awards ceremony and entertainment by Dave Barnes. This year's Soiree is presented by Mini Systems, Inc.
As the Foundation's premier fundraising event, The Northwest Soiree supports student success across the college. Last year's event raised more than $140,000 for students, and this year's garden-inspired theme is set to bloom once again.
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Photo provided by Lamar.
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Andrew Dale, Associate Vice President of Community Relations, adale@northwestms.eduShare this Story
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