Natchez High senior Jayda Myles awarded $1,000 Hugh Green Scholarship

Natchez High grad Jayda Myles receives the 2026 Hugh Green Scholarship, a $1,000 award named for former NFL standout Hugh Green and recognizing student-athletes for academics and sports.

 By Roscoe Barnes III

The Natchez Democrat

Jayda Myles (center), the 2026 recipient of the $1,000 Hugh Green Scholarship, is pictured with Eva Dunkley and scholarship namesake Hugh Green. (Click on image to enlarge.)

NATCHEZ, Miss. --- Natchez High School senior Jayda Myles received the 2026 Hugh Green Scholarship, a $1,000 award presented by the Hugh Green Scholarship Foundation during a ceremony Thursday, July 2.

 “I’m so thankful for this opportunity,” said Myles. “I am very thrilled and honored to have this scholarship.”
 
Jayda is the daughter of Galaundra Myles. She plans to attend Alcorn State University this fall and major in agriculture.
 
A standout athlete, Jayda was recognized for her achievements in softball. Although she also played basketball during high school, she said softball was her primary sport.
Throughout her athletic career, she earned numerous championship rings and medals.
 
The scholarship is named for Hugh Green, a former NFL standout and College Football Hall of Famer. He is a native of Natchez and 1976 graduate of North Natchez High School.
 
The foundation has been actively presenting the scholarship each year for more than 30 years, according to Eva Dunkley, who chairs the foundation committee.
 
She said it all originated as a vision of her late husband, George Dunkley III, who followed Green’s football career “from the beginning to the end.”
 
“After Hugh was drafted to the Miami Dolphins, my husband had Miami Dolphin Day, which was the day we had the parade to honor Hugh,” Eva said. “After Hugh finished pro ball, my husband decided he would like to have a Hugh Green Day. Thirty years later, it’s still going. We’re just so proud of what Hugh has done for the community. As long as we have a dollar in this fund, we will be giving a scholarship.”
 
Eva said it’s important to keep the scholarship going to help the children of the community.
 
The previous recipient of the award was Markeith Thompson, who attends the University of Southern Mississippi.

The Hugh Green Scholarship Foundation committee presents the 2026 $1,000 Hugh Green Scholarship to Natchez High senior Jayda Myles (third from left). Pictured from left (front row) are Galaundra Myles, Hugh Green, Jayda Myles, Laura Ann Jackson (seated), and Eva Dunkley. Back row from left: Josie Gilchrist, David Myles, and Phillip West. (Click on image to enlarge.)

Green was on hand for the recent scholarship presentation.

 
“Congratulations to you,” he said to Jayda. “I hope this helps you somewhere down the road.”
 
Green said his goal has always been to strengthen the scholarship program. He added that its continued success has been possible because of the support of people in Natchez and across Mississippi.
 
Eva also presented certificates of recognition from U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson to both Jayda and Green. The certificates read, “We are celebrating you because you did more and did it better and always exceed our expectations. Your hard work, dedication, and achievement will be cherished.”
 
The scholarship is awarded each year to students "who really need and deserve it," Eva said. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, pastor, or coach, and write an essay explaining what the scholarship would mean to them. Applicants also must be active in high school athletics, she said.
 
In addition to Eva, the foundation’s committee members include Secretary Wilbur Johnson and Treasurer Laura Jackson, both of whom attended the scholarship presentation. Other attendees included Jayda’s uncle, David Myles, Phillip West, and Eva’s classmate, Josie Gilchrist.