Scholarship Program

our scholarship opportunities

Dr. Harrison D. Lawless Scholarship award Application

Dr. Harrison D. Lawless was a 1928 graduate of McKinley High School. Throughout his career as an educator, he was committed to the proper training and education of young people in the State of Louisiana. Dr. Lawless will be long-remembered for his exemplary work at Southern University (Baton Rouge) as Dean and Coordinator of Freshman Studies. The commitment to excellence, love and devotion that typified his work with young people, especially underprivileged minority students, was the legacy that provided the impetus for the Dr. Harrison D. Lawless Award. It is in keeping with his spirit that the McKinley High School Alumni Association will bestow this Award in his honor.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: APRIL 17, 2026

Interested in applying?

Eddie and jeannine johnson female athlete scholarship

The Eddie and Jeannine Johnson Female Athlete Scholarship Award, offered through the McKinley High School Alumni Association, recognizes the dedication and hard work of a graduating female senior who has demonstrated outstanding participation in McKinley High School athletics. This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Eddie and Jeannine Johnson by supporting an athlete who not only excels in sports but also embodies the values of commitment, leadership, and teamwork. The recipient of this award, a member of the Class of 2026, will receive financial assistance to further their education while continuing to promote the spirit of athletics and perseverance that Eddie and Jeannine championed.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: APRIL 17, 2026

our 2025 recipients

In 2025, six (6) recipients were selected to receive the Dr. Harrison D. Lawless Award in the amount of $1,000 each. One recipient (Emery) received a $1,000 scholarship award in memory of Virtle T. Jones, and one recipient was selected to receive the Eddie and Jeannine Johnson Female Athlete Scholarship Award.

John Emery

Ariyana Taylor

Daniel Franklin

Erin Jones

Makirah McKnight

Mar’Qiria Cerda

Sinia Bazille

Rylee Rodgers

our 2021 recipients

In 2021, five (5) recipients were selected to receive the Dr. Harrison D. Lawless Award in the amount of $1,000 each.

Ryan Cage

Shelbie Newman

Adaryn Palmer

Leann Morrison

Kaelyn Hill

our 2020 recipients

2025 Donations to the scholarship Fund

In response to the call for donations to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, the following sponsors gave generously during the McKinley Alumni Picnic and the Alumni Association Roundup:

Judge John Michael Guidry
Reina Kempt
Dr. Iris Austin
Atty. Hillar Moore
Atty. Terry Landry

Patricia George
Drexel & Jacqueline Allen
McKinley Class of 1980
Atty. Michael Myers

This generosity and caring flows through the McKinley family, so let us all continue to give to the future of our alma mater.

Interested students must complete and submit an application with attachments by the deadline given.
Applicants must be a graduate of McKinley High School with at least a 2.5 GPA, and must be recommended by McKinley High School officials by letter.
The scholarship applications will be evaluated and recipients will be selected by the McKinley High School Alumni Association Scholarship Committee.

The award will be forwarded to the recipients upon submission of proof of registration at an institution of higher learning. Proof of registration will be a copy of a letter from the Registrar certifying that the recipient has completed registration. Other proof of registration will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If all requirements are met in accordance with the above guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded as early as the McKinley Alumni Association Membership Roundup on an annual basis.