Istrouma High Student Awarded Scholarship Honoring Slain Officer

The scholarship honors Montrell L. Jackson, killed in a 2016 ambush.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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An Istrouma High School senior, Johnny Williams, was awarded the Montrell L. Jackson Scholarship on Tuesday at the school's library. The scholarship is given to a student who exemplifies leadership, character, resilience and a heart for service, and is named after the officer who was killed in a 2016 ambush in Baton Rouge that claimed the lives of three other officers.

Why it matters

The scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Officer Montrell L. Jackson, who was tragically killed in the line of duty, and to recognize students who embody the values he stood for. This scholarship provides an opportunity to support and encourage the next generation of community leaders.

The details

The Montrell L. Jackson Scholarship was awarded to Johnny Williams, an Istrouma High School senior, during a ceremony at the school's library. Jackson's widow, Trenisha Jackson, personally selected Williams as the recipient, citing his demonstration of leadership, character, resilience and a heart for service - the same qualities that defined her late husband.

  • The scholarship ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Johnny Williams

An Istrouma High School senior who was awarded the Montrell L. Jackson Scholarship.

Montrell L. Jackson

A Baton Rouge police officer who was killed in an ambush in 2016, along with three other officers.

Trenisha Jackson

The widow of Montrell L. Jackson, who named the scholarship recipient.

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What they’re saying

“The scholarship is awarded to a senior "who exemplifies leadership, character, resilience and a heart for service.”

— Trenisha Jackson, Montrell L. Jackson's Widow (wbrz.com)

The takeaway

This scholarship serves as a meaningful way to honor the legacy of Officer Montrell L. Jackson and to support the next generation of community leaders who embody the values he stood for.