First Community Service Scholarship recipients announced

April 19, 2023

Congratulations to Jackson Davis and Maurquez Thompson — recipients of our inaugural Carol Jenkins Barnett and Publix Community Service Scholarship.  

About the scholarship

The community service scholarship honors the life and work of Carol Jenkins Barnett, the daughter of our founder, Mr. George. Two Publix associates beginning their 1st year of college are awarded $5,000 toward their education. Among other criteria, the selected recipients have exhibited a passion for community service.

About the recipients

Jackson Davis 
Jackson is a part-time cashier at #504 in Holiday, Florida. His passion for service began when he was just 8 years old. Instead of asking for gifts for his birthday that year, he asked his family and friends to donate to Feeding America. Jackson’s selfless request provided 6,500 meals to people facing hunger in his community. 

In 2019 he began working with a local food pantry, Messengers of Hope. Around the same time, Jackson was also selecting his Eagle Scout project, so naturally, he incorporated his passion for feeding his community. He decided to purchase and convert an old school bus into a mobile food pantry to donate to Messengers of Hope. After raising $16,000 to fund the project and leading 44 volunteers in converting the bus, Jackson’s efforts are helping the people in his community get the nourishment they need.

“There is no better feeling than knowing that because of my dream, people in my community are being helped,” Jackson said.

He plans to continue helping people facing food insecurity. 

Maurquez Thompson
Maurquez is a part-time grocery clerk at #1460 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His road to community service began with a personal journey. At the age of 6, Maurquez was diagnosed with leukemia. While being treated, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga (RMHC) gave his family a place to relax. This gesture inspired Maurquez to give back to his community. 

A 10-year cancer survivor, he helped raise more than $21,000 at their 2017 Day of Change event. Maurquez is also actively involved with Hamilton County Juvenile Court, the Humane Educational Society of Chattanooga and the YMCA Youth Trust.

“I serve in my community because I am committed to leaving it better than I found it,” Maurquez said.

He plans to become an attorney and help ensure individuals have access to effective legal assistance.

About Carol Jenkins Barnett 

Carol was the former chair and president of Publix Super Markets Charities. She and her husband, Barney Barnett, have generously supported United Way, Florida Partnership for School Readiness, Family Fundamentals and countless other organizations. Over the years, they also funded numerous community projects.