After the passing of Senior Principal Carl Hudson in December, his family is offering two scholarships for the Class of 2022.

The Carl Hudson Memorial Scholarship will provide two seniors $1,000 toward their college education. Minority students are highly encouraged to apply.

The form to apply for the scholarship is on the MHS college and career center website under “Scholarships”. The applications are submitted anonymously to a scholarship committee of teachers and administrators who will choose the winners. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, March 1, and the winners will be notified at the senior award ceremony, the Celebration of Excellence, at the end of April.

Linda Maxwell, Hudson’s sister, and her family funded the two scholarships this year. 

“I hope that [the scholarship] will allow students to fulfill some of their hopes, dreams and aspirations,” Maxwell said.

Hudson came from a single-parent family and was the youngest of nine kids. His mother didn’t have a high school education, Maxwell said, but Hudson was able to go to college and earn his Master’s degree. 

Maxwell said she hopes that even just one of the students can pursue their ambitions because of Mr. Hudson.

“For us as a family to honor our brother, there’s no better way than to give scholarships to his students,” Maxwell said.

Hudson often used his story to inspire and encourage his students, Maxwell said, and he hoped they would actively pursue their own education.

“No matter where you come from, no matter who you are, if you just have the determination, you can do anything,” Maxwell said. “Carl loved his family, he loved his church, and I think that was the driving force behind everything he did.”

Paula Ake, college and career counselor, said any fundraisers held in Hudson’s name will fund the scholarship going forward. 

“We hope students will be interested in being awarded something as honorable as Mr. Hudson’s good name on a scholarship,” Ake said.

The college and career center is looking for students who embody the characteristics of Hudson, Ake said. On the application, it asks students to explain how they display four qualities: character, acceptance, role model and love. 

Kilea Jenkins, junior, is part of the Marquette Academic and Cultural Club (MACC), which was sponsored by Hudson. Jenkins said Hudson would take the club on trips to different colleges every summer and other outings during the year. 

Jenkins said Hudson always had a positive effect on everyone he was around.

“He put everyone else above him and he always had kindness,” Jenkins said.

Though the scholarship was only offered to seniors, Jenkins said she has plans to apply if it is funded next year.

“Applying for the scholarship just goes to show our respect for Mr. Hudson and it allows his legacy to live on,” Jenkins said.