The 2026 MWPCOA Scholarship will be awarded to two (2) dependents of an MWPCOA member or to MWPCOA members who either will be attending or is attending an institution of higher education (university, community college, or vocational/technical school).  Each scholarship will consist of a $1,000 award.  The deadline to apply is February 23, 2026.

Application (pdf) | Application (Word)

As President of the Mississippi Water and Pollution Control Operators Association, I’m reaching out to highlight the critical role you play in safeguarding our communities’ health and the environment. Your dedication ensures access to clean water and the preservation of our natural habitats.

We’re more than an association; we’re a community of professionals committed to excellence and innovation in our field. By joining us, you access unparalleled professional development, cutting-edge research and an invaluable network of peers.

Let’s continue to elevate our practice, share our knowledge, and work together towards a sustainable future. Your membership not only enhances your professional growth but also strengthens our collective impact on water quality and pollution control.

Together, we can achieve our mission of protecting public health and the environment. I encourage you to join or renew your membership today and be part of our journey towards excellence.

Warmest regards,
Jeff Byrd
President, Mississippi Water and Pollution Control Operators Association

Franklin Hill has consistently maintained the water system for the Town of Shuqualak, ensuring full compliance with the Mississippi Department of Health. Under his leadership, the town’s water system has not received a single violation. All inspections have consistently scored between 4.5 and 5.0.

Each month, Mr. Hill collects the required water samples for the Department of Health. He also contributes to the analysis of water loss and pumped water data for the town. Additionally, he reviews data from the Department of Health portal and assists in preparing the Town’s Consumer Confidence Report, which is published both online and in the local newspaper for public review.

Recently, Mr. Hill oversaw the restoration of the town’s 100,000-gallon elevated water tank. This project included lead testing, sandblasting, repainting, and making code-compliant repairs. He also removed the outdated overflow pipe and old float technology, upgrading the tank with modern pressure level transducer technology and a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

Due to a significant delay in the delivery of SCADA components, Mr. Hill manually operated the town’s water system for over a month. He went above and beyond, often working through the night to ensure the citizens of Shuqualak had continuous access to clean, safe drinking water. His dedication reflects a strong commitment to the town and its residents.

Howard K. Williford was a pioneer in water supply, wastewater treatment, and pollution control in the south.  Professor Williford’s knowledge of water and pollution control led him to foresee the need for waste treatment plants and the need to train people to operate these facilities.  Prof. Williford was instrumental in developing the short courses in an effort to provide the trained manpower need for the proper operation of water and wastewater treatment plants.  Prof. Williford helped organize the Mississippi Water and Pollution Control Operators’ Association Inc.

This award is the highest honor given within the Mississippi Water and Pollution Control Operators’ Association.  Here is a little background on this year’s recipient.

• This person is a water operator, wastewater operator, machinist, systems designer, repairs and installs pumps, and is a wireless-to-web monitoring system installer (and sometimes even provides free repair services to erstwhile water operators, especially those from Soso).
• This person started his career in 1981 as a machinist for a pump manufacturer. 
• Later on, he became a salesman and eventually he and his brother started their own Pump and Well Service company.
• With all of his accomplishments, he still puts God first in his life.  He serves as the Chairman of the Deacons in his church and participates in a Bible study every morning.
• He has 2 daughters, Malorie and Amy, and 5 grandchildren with the 6^th one on the way
• He has provided invaluable service to MWPCOA by serving as the Vendor Liaison
• When asked what part of your job do you enjoy the most?  The answer is to meet and develop relationships with each customer.

It has been said that he will NEVER ask anyone to do something that he wouldn’t do himself.

Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Howard K. Williford Award:

STEVE LUCKETT

The Mississippi Water and Pollution Control Operators Association is pleased to announce that Hayden Latch of Corinth is the recipient of the 2025 MWPCOA Ed May scholarship.

Hayden is the son of Jennifer and Chris Latch (Chris is a water operator with the City of Corinth).  Hayden graduated from Corinth High School with a 4.13 grade point average.  He is a member of the Waldron Street Church of Christ, is an Eagle Scout, and played varsity football and soccer.

Hayden has also been active in many community projects including multiple Eagle Scout projects, refereeing children’s soccer games, and working in toy drives for the local Lighthouse Foundation.

Hayden plans to attend Mississippi State University and major in electrical engineering.  After graduation, he plans to travel the United States and follow God’s will to work with communities to assist them in obtaining power.

Congratulations, Hayden!

MWPCOA is pleased to award two (2) $1,000 higher education scholarships in 2025.  Applicants must be related to a current MWPCOA member or must be a current MWPCOA member.  Scholarship applications must be received by Alan Barefield by April 15, 2025.  Applications and supporting documents may be either mailed or emailed.  Alan Barefield’s contact information is:

Alan Barefield
Scholarship Committee
103 S. Rosebud Lane
Starkville, MS  39759
abarefield@gmail.com
(662) 312-0874

Please do not hesitate to contact Alan Barefield for any questions.

Scholarships will be awarded at the MWPCOA Annual Conference on May 16, 2025 in Biloxi.

Click here to view the scholarship application