To read the most recent publication by The State Scholars Initiative.
Wal-Mart gives $80,000 to
Public Education Forum
The Walmart Foundation awarded an
$80,000 grant to the Public Education Forum of Mississippi, which is an
affiliate of MEC. Tice White of Walmart (second from left) presents check to
Vickie Powell, vice president of foundation programs to support Mississippi
Scholars. Also pictured are Rafael Brown of Walmart, Melanie Morgan of
Trustmark, PEF Treasurer, and MEC President Blake Wilson.
Salute to Mississippi Scholars Event a Success
Bridging the Gap was the theme of the first ever Salute to Mississippi Scholars event, which was held April 15 at the Jackson Convention Complex with over 100 participants.Speakers for the events included Public Education Forum Chair Rebecca Montgomery; outgoing MEC Chair and President of AT&T Mississippi Mayo Flynt, along with State Senator Doug Davis and State Representative Kelvin Buck, chairs of the respective University and Colleges Committees. Panelists included Kenny Goza, Entergy customer account manager, Dianne Payne, executive director for Jackson County Civic Action, and Angela Glissen, programs and projects coordinator in Economic Development at the Community Development Foundation, Tupelo/Lee County. The event provided an opportunity to share best practices and focused on partnerships.
Vice Chair: Melanie Morgan, Senior Vice President/Director Corporate Communication & Board Relations, Trustmark National Bank
Treasurer: Martha Cooke, Administrator, School Book Supply Company (MISSCO)
The Public Education Forum is working through local communities, business leaders and groups to challenge high school students to strive for excellence. Becoming a MS Scholar is within the reach of every willing student. MS Scholars extends beyond the state’s current graduation requirements, while leaving ample time for elective classes.
Success: Brookhaven/Lincoln County
50 volunteers made presentations to 800 students.
500 students and parents participated in April banquet
202 seniors were recognized as MS Scholars from 7 high schools
96 of those Scholars received scholarships funded by local businesses and organizations and 11 colleges and universities from around the state.
$106,000 combined scholarship, a total that beat last year’s record $92,000 in contributions by $14,000
Had there been enough students to claim all the scholarships being offered by the colleges and universities, $146,000 could have been awarded, stated Mississippi Scholars Fundraising Chairman David Culpepper in Brookhaven/Lincoln County.
Jasper County
Jasper County Rotary Club sponsored the first ever MS Scholars luncheon on May 3 at City Hall in Jasper County.
23 sponsors provided $250 in scholarships to 30 MS Scholars in Jasper County for a total of $7,500 in scholarship distribution.
The following is a breakdown of MS Scholars by school:
9 - Bay Springs High School
9 - Stringer Attendance Center
12 - Heidelberg High School
Marion County
Marion County Development Partnership sponsored the first Marion County MS Scholars Banquet at Woodlawn Student Center on May 6. Marion County joined MS Scholars during the 2009-2010 school year.
$1,000 in scholarships provided through Marion County Development Partnership
The following is a breakdown of MS Scholars by school:
6 - East Marion High School
4 - West Marion High School
The key ingredient to the success of the Mississippi Scholars program is having the business communities’ involvement and delivering the message to students that their high school coursework is critical to their success.
Scenes from Mississippi Scholars events
Jones County recognized for participation in Scholars
Pictured from left are Mark Herrington, West Jones principal; Vickie Powell director of Mississippi Scholars; and Steve Thrash, superintendent of the Jones County School District.
The Mississippi Scholars program, affiliated with the Mississippi Economic Council, recognized the Jones County School District and West Jones High School for the high percentage of Mississippi Scholars among the 2007-08 graduating senior classes. The district was named a District of Distinction and West Jones was named a School of Distinction. Out of the 206 graduating seniors at the school in 2008, 113 were Mississippi Scholars. There were 164 Mississippi Scholars district-wide. It was one of three districts in the state with the highest percentage of its graduating class to be honored as Mississippi Scholars. -- From the Laurel Leader Call
Mississippi’s Public Education Forum is “committed to excellence in Mississippi Public Schools." Working with local business and community leaders as well as teachers and parents, the Forum is dedicated to impacting the lives of Mississippi students through programs and public policy.
Student achievement in Mississippi is the number one priority of the Public Education Forum. Business leaders committed to economic development understand that creating a strong, viable education system is the first step to expanding business growth and development in the state. Education leaders know that long-term, sustainable growth in student achievement will take commitment from each sector of the community.
Our Web site is geared to reach each sector that must play a strong and committed role in our drive towards excellence. Join with us in strengthening public education!
Public Education Forum of Mississippi
P.O. Box 23276
248 E. Capitol Street, Suite 940
Jackson, MS 39202
Phone: (601)-969-0022
or 1-800-748-7626
Fax: (601)-353-0247
or 1-888-717-2809
