Two local high school students have been named recipients of the Coach Sank Powe Memorial Scholarship. As the 2022 award recipients, Dekari “Turbo” Johnson of Itta Bena, and Owen Lane Grey of Benton, Mississippi will each receive a $300 scholarship for his college studies.

Dekari Johnson is the son of Shayla Smith and Demond Johnson of Itta Bena. A 2022 Leflore County High School graduate, Dekari is an accomplished student and athlete with plans to continue his education and his football career at Holmes Community College.

A graduate of Yazoo City High School, Owen Lane Grey is the son of Emily and James Shiers of Benton, Mississippi. A soccer player, he will be attending Hinds Community College’s aviation school this fall.

It is the intent of the Sank Powe Memorial Scholarship to honor the Hall of Fame Coach’s legacy by recognizing and celebrating those Delta students who share his desire to make a difference for the region’s next generation.

This is the second year the Coach Sank Powe Memorial Scholarship is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta in an effort to effectively reach more of the student-athletes who mirror Coach Powe’s values.

“Being a member of the club has made a great impact on my life because our town is small, and I want to thank the Boys and Girls Club for the positive impact shared with me,” Dekari says. “I'm a little lost for words but am thankful for this opportunity to help me move forward to becoming a great football player and getting a college education that will carry me throughout life.”

The Coach Sank Powe Memorial Scholarship was established in 2013 by Delta native, Kevin Muzzi.