Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College celebrated a generous gift from The Sunray Companies on September 29, at the Perkinston Campus Center for Health and Wellness. The presentation of the Sunray Enhancing Lives Scholarship underscored Sunray’s commitment to supporting MGCCC’s Massage Therapy Program and empowering students to achieve their educational and career goals.

The scholarship provides $200 annually to every Massage Therapy student enrolled at MGCCC’s Perkinston Campus. Each year, The Sunray Companies partners with the college to determine the scholarship’s amount, ensuring it continues to directly impact students pursuing careers in health and wellness.

Beverly Parker, district manager for The Sunray Companies, presented the scholarship check alongside Brittney Johnson, general manager of Massage Envy Gulfport. Parker emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in the future of massage therapy professionals.

“Massage Envy and The Sunray Companies are honored to present these scholarship checks and support the outstanding students in the massage therapy program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College,” Parker said. “We’re investing in the future of wellness so our community has the professional licensed massage therapists needed to meet the growing demand for therapeutic care.

Faculty and students of the Massage Therapy Program attended the event, celebrating the ongoing partnership between MGCCC and The Sunray Companies.

Cydnee Russell Merritt, Massage Therapy program director at MGCCC, shared her gratitude for the scholarship and the opportunities it creates.

“This scholarship is a true blessing for our students,” Merritt said. “Many of them are balancing classes, clinicals, and family responsibilities. The support from Sunray makes a real difference, helping them focus on their studies and their future careers as licensed massage therapists.”

The Sunray Enhancing Lives Scholarship represents an ongoing collaboration between MGCCC and The Sunray Companies, reflecting a shared vision of strengthening health and wellness initiatives across the Gulf Coast.

For more information about MGCCC’s Massage Therapy Program, visit mgccc.edu/massage-therapy.