Hutchinson awarded Heisman High School Scholarship

By Courtney Warren

John Hollis Hutchinson, a senior at Canton Academy, was recently named the School Winner and State Winner of the Heisman High School Scholarship presented by Acceptance Insurance.

Hutchinson was excited to receive the scholarship and said, “I feel blessed to be honored for this national scholarship. Sometimes life sets you up to shine, sometimes it requires a lot of hard work. This scholarship is truly a culmination of years of hard work and determination to be the very best that I can be; not only on the athletic field, but also in the classroom.”

“We couldn’t be more proud of John Hollis. CA is proud of both our students and our athletes. I have no doubt this work ethic will continue to be a valuable tool in the future,” said Headmaster Tripp McCarty.

Hutchinson currently plays third base, catcher, pitcher, and second and third base for the Canton Academy varsity baseball team.

“I’ve been taught my whole life to glorify God in all of my actions. On the field and in the classroom, I strive to find ways to glorify Him over myself. This action in itself has made me the well-rounded individual that I am.  The importance of being well-rounded for me is to give me more platforms in my daily life to show the world that my number one goal is to glorify God. The way I work, the way I play, the way I study, and even the way I walk the hallways. Him over me,” said Hutchinson.

Hutchinson is committed to play baseball at Hinds Community College under Coach Dan Rives. At Hinds, he plans to study computer science and general studies. 

“I would like to use collegiate baseball to elevate me into a senior college, where I can study architecture or engineering,” he said.

He boasts a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society and Madison County Youth Leadership. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is on top of his scholarly duties. John Hollis also has an after-school job.

He will attend a banquet at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame to receive a trophy and be recognized for his achievements.

Eligibility for the High School Heisman begins with maintaining a weighted GPA of 3.0 (B average) or better. Applicants also need to be proven leaders and role models within their school and community. Applicants must also participate or have participated in grades 9, 10, or 11 in at least one of the sports recognized by the International Olympic Committee in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, or the National Federation of State High School Associations.

State winners receive a $1,000 scholarship.

The twelve National Finalists are selected from 100 State Winners, made up of six senior males and six senior females from each of the six geographic regions.
A judging panel will select one senior male and one senior female from the 12 National Finalists as National Winners. The two National Award Winners will receive a $10,000 college scholarship.