Pharmacy student receives Embry memorial scholarship

Joey Embry Memorial Scholarship winner Mallory Washington visits with pharmacy Dean David D. Allen.

ith help from the Joey Embry Memorial Scholarship, Mallory Washington is studying pharmacy at Ole Miss to make her dream come true.

"Helping children is my passion," said Washington, who has worked with children through church-related activities and is the seventh recipient of the scholarship. "After I earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, my dream is to work somewhere like St. Jude or Le Bonheur children's hospitals (in Memphis)."

The scholarship pays tribute to the life of Joey Embry, an Ole Miss student and offensive lineman on the Rebel football squad. Embry died in a 1998 drowning accident but not before he, too, built a legacy of caring for other people.

Washington said she has always been interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. As a student at Water Valley High School, she enrolled in a chemistry class during her junior year and something clicked.

"I fell in love with chemistry, and that led to my decision to become a pharmacist."

The daughter of Michelle and Cayce Washington, the Embry Scholarship recipient said she grew up just 20 minutes away from the university.

"Ole Miss is not only close to home and offers a beautiful campus, but it also has an outstanding pharmacy program that's known throughout the nation."

Washington is building on her academic record, which in high school included being involved in the Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta and Student Council. She also played first base on the fast pitch softball team and was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bible Study Club and the O'Tuckolofa Baptist Church.

Gwen and Bill Embry created the scholarship in 2000 to pay tribute to the life of their son. Their other son, Brad Embry, is head football coach at Water Valley High School.

Gwen Embry said the scholarship fund continues to be very meaningful to the family.

"Mallory is a very deserving student, and we are proud to have her receive this scholarship."

The Embry Endowment extends two scholarships annually to one student each from Calhoun and Yalobusha counties. Those interested in applying for the scholarship should talk with their respective high school guidance counselors.

Individuals and organizations can contribute to the Joey Embry Memorial Scholarship Fund through the University of Mississippi Foundation by mailing a check with the fund noted to P.O. Box 249, University, MS 38677; calling 800-340-9542 or visiting www.umfoundation.com/makeagift.