Area Students Win the Jordan Burns Memorial Scholarship

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2023: The Jordan Burns Memorial Scholarship is now available to seniors at Bolivar Central High School, Middleton High School, and Huntingdon High School. Applications may be picked up in the counselors office at those schools.

It was with bittersweet pleasure Carrie Dyer Taylor presented awards to the recipients of the Jordan Burns Memorial Scholarship.

“I promised Jordan I would continue her legacy to change her community near and far,” said Taylor who created the scholarship in honor of her daughter, Jordan. “This scholarship is part of keeping my promise to Jordan.”

Taylor was on hand to personally present Sadie Fry of Bolivar Central High School (BCHS) and Skylar Adams of Middleton High School, each with a check for $400.

Jordan graduated from Bolivar Central High School in 2017 finishing seventh in her class. She went on to attend The University of Memphis where she felt called to become a physician assistant.

“Not only does the medical field have less women, compared to men, but even less minorities,” said Taylor. “Jordan wanted to change the world and decided that being a physician assistant in endocrinology would be the best way. Her goal was to change the standards within the medical field.”

On January 26, 2021, Jordan was diagnosed with a rare, spontaneous mutation of pheochromocytoma, and later passed away unexpectedly on April 16, 2021. Taylor noted the cancer Jordan had was ironically on the adrenal gland, which is a part of the endocrine system.

Despite Jordan’s cancer diagnosis and difficult medical treatment she received while a patient at St. Jude Children’s Hospital, she pushed through and continued her biology major and Spanish minor studies. In May 2021, Jordan was given her diploma posthumously by the University of Memphis, and also was given a Senate Resolution by Senator Page Walley posthumously to showcase her public servants heart.

“Being able to give these scholarships in Jordan’s name is an extension of her many generous and kind gestures given individually for her community and individuals alike.” said Taylor. “Sadie and Skylar are the first two students to receive the scholarship and I hope they accomplish great things!”

Skylar Adams will attend The University of Tennessee at Martin and study psychology.

Sadie Fry will attend Mississippi State University to major in kinesiology and neuromechanics with plans to pursue a career in the medical field.

Skylar and Sadie are both Top 10 students at the respective high schools.

Read more local news by clicking here.

Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.

Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.