Pratt scholarship established at Northwest
Senatobia, MS (05/26/2017) — At the recent stockholders meeting of First Security Bank, Sybil Canon, associate vice president of Development and Special Projects of Northwest Mississippi Community College, announced the decision by Frank West, president and CEO of First Security, and the Board of Directors to establish a scholarship endowment honoring the memory of Larry Joe Pratt, Sr.
On hand for the announcement were his wife Brenda Pratt, daughter Beth Ann Pratt Dunlap, and son and daughter-in-law, Larry Joe Pratt, Jr. and Denise.
A 1961 graduate of the University of Mississippi, Pratt was a 50-year employee of First Security Bank in Batesville, beginning as a teller and ending as president and chairman of the board. At the time of his death in December of 2016, he was serving on the bank's board of directors.
A civic leader in Batesville during a time of economic growth, he was instrumental in recruiting industries. He was named Panola County Man of the Year for 1974-75. He served as president of the South Panola Chamber of Commerce in 1973-74, as president of the Batesville Rotary Club in 1989-90, and as a trustee for the South Panola Community Hospital for over 20 years.
In establishing this permanent tribute, West expressed the sentiments of all those in attendance. "Larry Pratt was an integral part of the success of First Security Bank. He served our bank with distinction and integrity while, also, working tirelessly to promote the city of Batesville. The Board of Directors and I are pleased to have this scholarship in place that will be helping students in Larry's name for generations to come," West said.
Canon reminded the shareholders that this is the second endowment established by First Security Bank. The first was The First Security Bank / John Meacham, Jr. Endowed Scholarship,
"With the initial investment made by First Security Bank, subsequent donations, and earnings, the Meacham Endowment has provided $12,000 in scholarships over and above all of the donations received," Canon said.
She provided information about those students who have received this scholarship, with students now having bachelor's degrees in such fields as banking, nursing, and education and who are currently working in the Batesville area in their respective careers.
The First Security Bank / Larry Joe Pratt, Sr. Endowed Scholarship will be awarded for the 2017-18 academic year to students who demonstrate promise and financial need and who reside in counties where First Security Banks are located.
For more information about the Northwest Foundation, contact Canon at 662-560-1103 or e-mail srcanon@northwestms.edu.
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LaJuan Tallo, Assistant Director of Communications, 662-560-5283, ltallo@northwestms.eduShare this Story
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