In December 2014, the Picayune School District bid farewell to beloved and longtime band director Jerry Cumberland.
After his death, a group of former students started a committee to honor the director by awarding the Jerry Cumberland Scholarship for Outstanding Musicianship to students who portray the scholarship’s namesake, committee co-chair Jamie McRaney said.
Cumberland was the band director at Picayune Memorial High for about 30 years and at Pearl River Central High School for a couple of years, McRaney said. He also served as music director for local churches including Pine Grove Baptist Church, Roseland Park Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Picayune.
“He was a really great person and leader,” McRaney said. “He demanded the best out of everyone. One of the most striking things he did was that he never asked us to do anything he didn’t do. Whether it was raining or hot, he would march with us. He left a legacy that we are trying to honor and perpetuate.”
McRaney said Cumberland always demanded the best from his students, not perfection, just their best effort.
“He was kind and mentored a lot of people, whether it be related to music or not,” McRaney said.
According to previous Item coverage, the committee was started by former Maroon Tide trumpet players McRaney and committee chair Nick Barrack.
This Saturday, for the second year in a row, the committee will hold its annual fundraising event, “Cruisin’ the ‘Vard.”
The event name is derived from a tradition in Picayune that lasted from about the 1950s to the 1980s, McRaney said.
Those who grew up in Picayune might remember cruising in their vehicles down Goodyear Boulevard on a Friday or Saturday night.
Last year, Brittany Alexander was awarded the first scholarship, which is $1,000 per year for four years, McRaney said. The Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation administers the scholarship.
The event will be held at Jack Read Park on Goodyear Boulevard from noon until. Live music will begin at 7 p.m., McRaney said.
“We are trying to make this a big class reunion,” McRaney said. “Members from the class of 1975 and 1990 will be in attendance.”
Along with live music, food will be available for purchase. There will be activities for children and a DJ. There will also be a 50/50 raffle featuring donations from local sponsors and other various items will be for sale.
Last year, the committee petitioned the Picayune City Council to create a permit, which would allow parking on the Boulevard after 9 p.m., McRaney said. The group now has one of those permits, which allows for parking until 1 a.m. In 1989, an ordinance was passed which banned parking on the Boulevard after 10 p.m.
“We are cordially inviting classic cruisers to drive up and down the boulevard to recreate how it used to be,” McRaney said.
McRaney said students who wish to apply for the scholarship don’t have to be pursuing music education in college, but must have a connection to music whether that be through singing, playing an instrument or dance team.
Learn more about the scholarship program through Facebook at Jerry Cumberland Scholarship for Outstanding Musicianship.