Edna Marie Robinson Poer Memorial Scholarship Foundation

The Kids First Scholarship Foundation is in the business of advocating for teaching as a career. Our approach is straightforward and long-term: 1) encourage K-12 students to consider teaching as a career; 2) provide financial assistance to aspiring teachers enrolled in K-12 teacher education programs; and 3) serve as a mentor to Kids First teacher candidates on their journey to a degree and licensure.

As the Director of the Kids First Scholarship Foundation, I am deeply passionate about empowering young people to pursue teaching as a career. Being part of a team dedicated to supporting future leaders, fostering their academic growth, and equipping them with the resources to succeed is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing the tangible impact of our efforts in helping students achieve their dreams inspires and motivates me every day. It's a privilege to contribute to such a meaningful and transformative mission.

Regina Ginn – Kids First Foundation Director

Ways to Donate 

Donations will be accepted for the sole purpose of support to K-12 students, teachers, and administrators, and providing financial scholarships to aspiring teachers enrolled in K-12 teacher education programs. 

Donations may be made “In Honor” or “In Memory” of someone who has played an important role or made an impact in your life. 

 

Donate to the Kids First Scholarship Foundation

Kids First Scholarship Recipients

Sydney Higdon
In honor of Dr. Scott Rimes, 2024 MASA Superintendent of the Year. Sydney is attending Mississippi State University.
MaChalla Williams
In honor of the 2025 Tennessee Aspiring Young Educator program. MaChalla is attending the University of Memphis.
Savannah Tapp
In honor of Mississippi Association of Independent Schools. Savannah is attending Blue Mountain College.
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Macy Oliver
In honor of MDE 2024 Teacher of the Year, Shauna Waters. Macy is attending Mississippi State University.
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Daylon Horton
In honor of MDE 2024 Administrator of the Year, Anita Wansley. Daylon is attending Mississippi State University.
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Jordan Hollins
In honor of Ms. Melanie Davis, 2026 MS Rural Teacher of the Year. Jordan is attending Jackson State University.
Ryleigh Rushing
In honor of Mississippi Association of Independent Schools. Ryleigh is attending Mississippi State University.
Maverick Miller
In honor of Mr. Chris Chism, 2025 MASA Superintendent of the Year. Maverick is attending the University of Southern Mississippi.
Jenna Allen
In honor of the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools. Jenna is attending Southwest Community College.
Marciah Adams
In honor of Dr. Marsha Peoples, 2025 MS Administrator of the Year. Marciah is attending Holmes Community College.
Crislyn Lance
In honor of Dr. Lindsay Colyer, 2025 Rural Teacher of the Year. Crislyn is attending the University of Southern Mississippi.
Lillie Thompson
In honor of Ms. Laura Zarandona, 2026 Mississippi Teacher of the Year. Lillie is attending the University of Mississippi.
Samantha Smith
In honor of Dr. Matthew Fulton, 2026 Mississippi Administrator of the Year. Samantha is attending Mississippi State University.
Emma Watson
In honor of Dr. John Mark Cain, MASA 2022 Superintendent of The Year. Emma is attending Mississippi State University.
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Kylie Burnette
In honor of Ms. Susan Spiers, 2022 Rural Teacher of The Year. Kylie is attending Auburn University.
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Kaitlyn Ward
In honor of Dr. Lundy Brantley, MASA 2023 Superintendent of The Year. Katie is attending Mississippi State University.
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Kaylee Taylor
In honor of Mr. Kenneth Watson, 2023 Rural Teacher of the Year. Kaylee is attending the University of Southern Mississippi.
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Tamara Finklea
In honor of Ms. Louise Smith, 2023 MDE Teacher of the Year. Tamara is attending Ole Miss.
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Wesley Jobs
In honor of Dr. Caterria Payton, 2023 MDE Administrator of The Year. Wesley is attending Mississippi State University.
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Jasmin Lopez-Olmos
In honor of Katie Collins, 2025 Alabama Teacher of the Year. Jasmin is attending Jacksonville State University.
Zoe Beech
In honor of Ms. Elizabeth Von Hofe, 2026 Alabama Teacher of the Year. Zoe is attending the University of South Alabama.
Kaci Beach
In honor of Ashley Barefoot, 20205 Mississippi Teacher of the Year. Kaci is attending the University of Southern Miss.

Heart 2 Heart 

The Heart 2 Heart project was started by Kids First Co-Founder Chuck Poer for the purpose of giving life to the stories and heart songs of educators.  Chuck’s book, Heart 2 Heart, was published in August of 2020 and is a collection of life-shaping accounts from Chuck and his oldest son Hayden, as well as Kids First Co-Founder Cellie Scoggin, Kids First coaches and specialists, and career educators who have dedicated their lives to serving KIDS.  These Heart 2 Heart narratives are authentic and powerful with heart-warming accounts and strategies that motivate and inspire, anchored with a sincerity that will sustain over time. 

We at Kids First invite you to hear our story and join us in placing kids FIRST. We hope that you will consider ordering your own copy of Heart 2 Heart by clicking the link below. Proceeds from the sale of Heart 2 Heart will go to the Kids First Scholarship Fund.   

Get the book on Amazon

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