Four Rust College students receive scholarships during annual celebration in Holly Springs
HOLLY SPRINGS, MS – Rust College President Dr. Johnny M. Moore served as the keynote speaker for the 164th Ida B. Wells-Barnett Birthday Celebration Gala held at the Eddie L. Smith Multi-Purpose Complex in Holly Springs, Mississippi.
The annual celebration honored Wells-Barnett’s enduring legacy as a groundbreaking journalist, educator, activist, and trailblazer for civil rights and social justice.
During his keynote address, Dr. Moore reflected on Wells-Barnett’s courageous pursuit of truth and justice and encouraged those in attendance to continue advancing her legacy through education, service, leadership, and advocacy.
The celebration also recognized four outstanding Rust College students as recipients of the 2026 Ida B. Wells-Barnett Scholarship, honoring their academic excellence, leadership, perseverance, and commitment to creating positive change.
The 2026 scholarship recipients are:
- Skye Glasgow, a junior mathematics major from Saint Lucia
- Ferdell Handy, a junior political science major from New Orleans, Louisiana
- smael Recio Guerrero, a senior business administration major from Eads, Tennessee
- Avery Robinson, a senior business administration major from Houston, Texas
Although the students were unable to attend the celebration, Dr. Moore and Ms. Hutcherson, Vice President for Student Services and Registrar, accepted the scholarship awards on their behalf.
Wells-Barnett’s great-granddaughter, Michelle Duster, and great-grandsons, David and Dan Duster, attended the gala and presented the scholarship awards.
The Ida B. Wells-Barnett Scholarship is awarded annually to Rust College students who exemplify academic achievement, leadership, service, and passion for community engagement. These qualities reflect the life and legacy of Wells-Barnett, a Holly Springs native whose fearless journalism and activism brought national and international attention to racial injustice in America.
The 164th Birthday Celebration Gala brought together members of the Rust College family, Holly Springs Mayor Charles Terry, civic and community leaders, scholars, distinguished guests, museum supporters, and friends for an evening of reflection, recognition, and celebration.
The presence of Michelle, David, and Dan Duster added special significance to the occasion and strengthened the connection between Wells-Barnett’s historic legacy and the students who are continuing her tradition of scholarship, leadership, service, and advocacy.
The event emphasized the lasting impact of Wells-Barnett’s work while affirming the importance of investing in the education and development of the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Rust College extends its appreciation to the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum, the Ida B. Wells Memorial Foundation, the Wells-Barnett family, and all supporters whose generosity made the scholarship awards possible.
Rust College remains committed to providing students with a transformative education grounded in academic excellence, leadership, service, and social responsibility.
For media inquiries, contact the Office of Public Relations and Marketing, Rust College, mlesueur@rustcollege.edu or 662-544-0950.
