Rosewood's Jernigan earns Bonner Scholarship to Mars Hill

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on March 20, 2016 1:47 AM

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During his formative years, Josh Jernigan developed a "busy bee" mentality.

He buzzed from classroom to classroom and volunteered to assist -- not only his teachers -- but other teachers at Rosewood Middle School.

His mom, Glinda, welcomed her son's enthusiasm.

"He was never one to sit still," gushed Glinda while Josh blushed. "He's a happier person when he's busy doing different things."

It's only fitting that the next step in Jernigan's life involves volunteer work.

The Rosewood senior earned the prestigious Bonner Scholarship to attend Mars Hill University and play football next fall. The program is available to students who have a passion for community work and social justice, and they have the opportunity to enroll in the AmeriCorps Educational Award Program.

Jernigan never expected he'd receive the honor.

With the original intention of attending Appalachian State, he decided to visit his sister -- Rachel -- one weekend at the university. After touring the campus and returning later for another visit, Jernigan realized the school offered a better student-to-teacher ratio that appealed to him.

It also reminded him of Rosewood.

The next step involved research about the tiny Division II school that competes in the 12-member South Atlantic Conference that spans North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. He found the Bonner Scholars Program online, filled out the application and did a Facetime interview since he couldn't make the designated appointment.

"I was pretty nervous, but excited," Jernigan said. "I just let them decide. To be one of the recipients, it really does feel amazing. It means a lot because of all of the hard work that I put into it. I am extremely honored to be receiving this scholarship, and I want to make the best out of it.

"Just being able to play (football) in college means the world to me."

And Jernigan's world will change.

Before he steps onto the MHU campus, Jernigan must complete 240 hours of community service. He's already served at the Community Soup Kitchen, worked at the Stephenson B Farm and visited the Ronald McDonald House in Greenville with his football teammates. They talked with the children about their futures and helped do some labor-intensive chores around the facility.

"It was pretty awesome," Jernigan said.

The Bonner requirements are more stringent.

A student must maintain a 2.5 grade-point average and a complete a list of criteria that challenges even the most studious athlete. Meetings, trainings, class sessions, spring break trips, a sophomore retreat, following the guidelines of the MHU Bonner Handbook and honoring the Bonner Common Commitments will become part of Jernigan's daily routine.

Then there is homework.

Not to mention football practice.

"I need to stay busy," Jernigan said.

While the Bonner Scholar Program is undoubtedly his major focus, Jernigan remains confident he can earn a starting role for the Mountain Lions. Coaches anticipate red-shirting Jernigan during his freshman season. That decision helped his mom breathe a little easier since he'll have time to adjust to college life inside and outside the classroom, and on the football field.

Jernigan welcomed the coaches' decision, too. It gives him time to learn the system, add some bulk to his lanky frame, bond with his teammates and work on his foot speed. He lost some of that during his sophomore year when he had surgery on both feet that led to a 10-month absence from sports.

Doctors discovered that the navicular bone in each foot had grown onto the growth place and each had tendons wrapped around it. They pulled back the tendons, extracted the bone and rewrapped the tendons to give Jernigan an arch in each foot. They also put a small plug in each foot to prevent it from rolling and spraining.

"It's helped me a lot ... was worth it," Jernigan said.

Jernigan helped lead Rosewood to a 7-6 record that included a season-ending, opening-round playoff loss at Lakewood last fall. His tenacity and aggressiveness caught the attention of the MHU coaching staff, who said Jernigan could see time at either the tight end position or possibly somewhere on the line because of his blocking ability.

Honestly, Jernigan just wants to play and take full advantage of the Bonner Scholar Program that will test his discipline in the classroom. He plans to pursue a degree in either business or criminal justice, then join the Marines upon graduation with the intentions of becoming a military policeman.

Don't worry, mom.

Your little "busy bee" will keep buzzing -- just in a different world.