Luckyday Scholarship Provides Transformative Journey

While the exceptional education and experiences offered in the UM Department of Music played a big part in Sides' decision to attend the university, he said the generous financial resources he received from various scholarships clinched the deal. Sides was awarded a Luckyday Success Scholarship, a Chancellor's Leadership Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa, Music Major Advantage, and marching band and choir scholarships.

Each scholarship plays a crucial role in his ability to thrive in his college career.

"These scholarships are providing me with the financial support needed to pursue my degree," the Walnut resident said. "In many ways, these scholarships are just as impressive as the educational experiences I've enjoyed at Ole Miss."

He praises the faculty and programs in the Department of Music, which aligns with his passion for music and education. Since arriving at the university, Sides said he has thrived academically and personally, including serving as a drum major in the Pride of the South marching band.

"The music department has provided me with a rich and diverse curriculum that I am excited to carry into my future as a music educator, inspiring the next generation of musicians," he said.

Sides was faced with financial obstacles related to enrolling in college, but he was determined to further his education.

"I come from a single-income household, so attending college without these scholarships was out of the question for me," he said. "I am thankful for the opportunity to pave a new path for my life.

"This degree will help me break the generational poverty that so many others do not get the chance to escape."

As a transfer student, the Luckyday Scholars Program has proven invaluable to Sides.

This scholarship program provides 80 Luckyday Success Scholarships to incoming freshmen for $24,000 — $6,000 annually for four years — and 25 community college transfer students, like Sides, each receive $12,000 over two years.

Since the program's inception in 2000, the Luckyday Foundation, of Jackson, has awarded more than 2,000 students — all Mississippi residents with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher — Luckyday Success Scholarships.

As a Luckyday Scholar, students are engaged in four areas: scholarship, community, service and leadership. Luckyday Scholars also participate in rich programming, personal and professional development opportunities, and career planning through the program.

Scholars continue to receive support if they meet the requirements, which include maintaining a minimum GPA, participating in Luckyday programming and living their first year in the Luckyday Residential College, a living-learning community that includes a resident faculty fellow, dining hall, library and an exercise facility.

Sides credits the Luckyday program and his other scholarships for giving him so many life-changing opportunities.

"Those who support these scholarships provide so many students with the chance to better their lives," he said. "I know for a fact that if it weren't for people investing in me and my education, I would not be on the positive journey that I'm on today."

Top: Levi Sides was able to attend the university thanks to scholarships, including one from the Luckyday Foundation. The senior music education major is a first-generation college student. Submitted photo