Mule Day Organizers Mark 50th Anniversary with new Scholarship Program

Issue #011

28 Feb

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

📆 List of Upcoming Events

⛈ Columbia Weather - Thunderstorms & rain with a high of 65

🎓 Mule Day Organizers Mark 50th Anniversary with New Scholarship Program

⚠️ Deadline to Register to Participate in the Mule Day Parade is March 1st

🚨 Amber Alert: 15-year-old Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers, who has autism

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

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February 27th

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March 14th

Mule Day Organizers Mark 50th Anniversary with new Scholarship Program

Columbia's annual Mule Day celebration organizers celebrate their 50th anniversary by introducing a scholarship program aligning with the blue-collar nature of Maury County's biggest event.

The Maury County Bridle & Saddle Club has allocated $7,500 for the 2024 scholarship fund, benefiting students pursuing Career & Technical Education (CTE) or vocational training.

Under the theme "50 Years of Long Ears," Brady Carr, Chairman of the Maury County Bridle & Saddle Club, emphasized the blue-collar spirit of Mule Day, paying homage to mules' unique qualities—recognized for their hard work, strength, and intelligence.

Students may qualify for a maximum scholarship of $2,500, emphasizing need-based awards to maximize the impact of the $7,500 fund. Carr highlighted the importance of assisting with tools and supplies, often overlooked by Tennessee Promise covering tuition costs.

Applicants must be Maury County residents or active members of the Maury County Bridle & Saddle Club, demonstrating financial need. Carr encourages those with "less than perfect academic records" to apply, noting that recent graduates within the last two years are also eligible, regardless of academic standing.

Mule Day scholarships focus on CTE or vocational training, distinct from postsecondary education. In line with Mule Day's charitable tradition over five decades, the scholarship program extends their community-focused mission. Carr, highlighting Mule Day's 501(c)3 status, underscores the scholarship program as a new direction for community impact.

Sponsorships from local sponsors, businesses, and individuals fund the scholarships. Carr invites those interested in supporting the initiative to connect with the Mule Day office, offering sponsorship opportunities starting from $500.

Applications for the Mule Day scholarships close on March 11, 2024, with award announcements scheduled by April 1. The Maury County Bridle & Saddle Club will directly disburse all awards to the enrolled institutions.

For more information on applying for a scholarship, or to become a sponsor, contact Carr at [email protected] or (931) 224-1930, or co-chair Mandy Mills at [email protected] or (931) 982-0061. Information is also available at muleday.com/works.

Deadline to Register to Participate in the Mule Day Parade is March 1st

If you’re wanting to participate in the Mule Day parade’s 50th year, there’s only a few days left to register!

All parade participants should pre-register through the Mule Day office. The parade is for approved entries that are pre-registered and assigned a line-up number through the office.

Anyone wanting to participate in the parade should send a brief description of their parade entry to the Mule Day Office 931-381- 9557, or P.O. Box 66, Columbia, TN 38402 by March 1st. They will be notified by mail of their lineup number by March 22nd.

Amber Alert: 15-year-old Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers, who has autism

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has issued an Amber Alert for 15-year-old Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers, who has autism. Sebastian was last seen earlier on Monday in the Stafford Court area in Hendersonville. Described as approximately 5'5" tall, 120 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes, he was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and glasses.

The Amber Alert was triggered due to the combination of impending severe weather, the passage of time since his disappearance, and Sebastian's lack of access to necessary medication, as reported by the Sumner County Sheriff's Office.

In a statement, TBI officials explained, "Based on the cumulative nature of information gathered from tips and investigative findings, in addition to concerns for the potential welfare of this teen due to his health concerns, the alert level was elevated to an AMBER Alert." While certain details remain under investigation, TBI and law enforcement partners are actively reviewing all received tips.

Sebastian's health condition may prevent him from returning safely without assistance, prompting officials to discourage public searches at this time. Authorities urge individuals with any information about Sebastian's whereabouts to contact the Sumner County Sheriff's Office at 615-451-3838 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. Additional contact points include the Emergency Comms Center at 615-451-3738 or Detective Carter at 615-442-1854.