Davis awards $250,000 in scholarships to 10 Neshoba Central seniors
By Debbie Burt Myers
Ten Neshoba Central High School seniors received $25,000 scholarships during senior awards night, made possible by a $1 million endowment established in 2022 by 1972 graduate Dan Davis.
Davis, a longtime entrepreneur and philanthropist, told those present that he felt called in recent years to return home and give back.
“That decision is what brings me here tonight -- doing what I can to make a difference in your lives, just as others once did for me,” he said.
Recipients of the $25,000 scholarships were:
• Abby Blair, daughter of Kristen Blair.
• Destiny Mixon, daughter of Samantha Miles.
• Brianna Rush, daughter of Pam Petty.
• Jada Thames, daughter of Jameesha Thames.
• Lilly Linkins, daughter of Leanna and Bryan Linkins.
• An Le: daughter of Binh Le and Xin Tran.
• Kayla Killen, daughter of Kimberly and John Killen.
• Aaliyah Perez, daughter of Leslie and Antonio Perez.
• Laney Carroll, daughter of Andy Carroll and Julia Neal.
• Kalie Carroll, Andy Carroll and Julia Neal.
Addressing the class of 2026, Davis said this was one of his favorite days of the year.
“I know that today I will make a difference in some lives,” he said.
He spoke about Jane Goodall and her passion for Africa.
“Her’s was for its animals, mine especially for its people,” he said.
Goodall devoted her life to studying and protecting chimpanzees. In her 20s, she saved her money and traveled to Kenya, a place I know well, Davis said.
There, she met Dr. Louis Leakey, who encouraged her work and sent her to Tanzania.
“As she studied chimpanzees, she discovered they were losing their habitat and being hunted,” Davis said. “Instead of simply observing, she acted.
“She found ways to protect them, and through her passion, she built a legacy that has impacted the entire world.”
Later in life, Goodall recorded a podcast where she chose not to talk about chimpanzees. Instead, she spoke about the people of Tanzania.
When asked how to make a difference in the world, her advice was simple: “Start at home. Do what you can, where you are, to make a difference in the lives of others.”
That advice stayed with Davis.
He told seniors he was in Burgundy, France, a few weeks ago, studying vineyards and winemaking to improve his own vineyard in Argentina.
While learning from some of the world’s top winemakers, one theme stood out.
“Passion,” he said.
Davis said he realized that was exactly what Jane Goodall lived by.
“Her passion shaped her life and allowed her to give back in ways that reached far beyond herself,” he said.
Davis encouraged graduates to pursue their passions, to give back and remain connected to their roots.
He told seniors that very soon, each of them would have that same opportunity – college, careers, and callings.
“Many of you will leave this place – and I hope you do. But I also hope you come back. And I hope it doesn’t take you 50 years.”
He offered four pieces of advice:
• Find what you are passionate about as it will sustain you when things get tough.
• Start where you are. You don’t have to change the whole world, just someone’s world.
• Give back whenever you can. Your success means more when you share it.
• Remember where you came from. Never forget the people and places that helped shape who you are.
Davis, who served as Student Body president of the Neshoba Central Class of 1972, announced his $1 million scholarship endowment on the 50th anniversary of his graduation.
Throughout his career, he has worked for four U. S. presidents and on hundreds of political campaigns around the world. He’s represented 13 of the top 15 casino CEOs in the world. He is head of multiple companies spread across the world including the United States, China, Tanzania and India.
Davis worked for President Ronald Reagan, President George H. W. Bush, President George H. Bush and President Bill Clinton.
He also worked with a number of Congressmen and Senators along with the President of Mexico and Prime Ministers of Jamaica and Turkey, among others.
Despite his success, Davis reminded students of his humble beginnings growing up in the House community.
Picture Caption: Receiving $25,000 scholarships Tuesday night at Neshoba Central High School were, from left, Abby Blair, Destiny Mixon, Brianna Rush, Jada Thames, Lilly Linkins, Dan Davis, who presented the scholarships, An Le, Kayla Killen, Aaliyah Perez, Laney Carroll and Kalie Carroll.