Incoming freshman Jonathan P. Jones of Calhoun City is the first A.C. Pilgreen Scholar at Mississippi State University.
Awarded for the 2003-04 school year, the $1,000 scholarship is a memorial to the Calhoun County native who was a 1950 agricultural engineering graduate of the university. Pilgreen, who died in December 2001, was a retired U.S. Soil Conservation Service engineer.
The scholastic honor is made possible through an endowment established by his widow, Rebecca Hardin Pilgreen. The couple was married for 51 years and has two daughters.
Jones, the son of Woody and Fran Jones, was salutatorian of his 2003 Calhoun City High School graduating class. In addition to serving as a class officer, he was a member of the student council and yearbook staff. He also was active in Beta Club, Junior Volunteers for Peace and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
As a member of the varsity baseball team, Jones earned most valuable player honors for six consecutive years and was named to the Mississippi Association of Coaches All-State Team in his senior year.
He also is receiving a $1,000 Freshman Leadership award from Mississippi State.
