By Staff
June 20, 2002
COLUMBUS Seven area students are recent graduates of the Class of 2002 at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science.
The school awarded diplomas to 126 students during its 13th annual commencement ceremony May 25 in the Emma Ody Pohl Physical Education Building on the campus of Mississippi University for Women.
Former Gov. William Winter was the keynote speaker.
MSMS is a free, public boarding high school for juniors and seniors. It was created by the Legislature in 1987 to provide innovative learning experiences for academically gifted and talented students.
MSMS challenges each student based on individual capabilities, background and academic interests with an emphasis placed on math, science and technology.
The graduates from Lauderdale County were:
James Coleman, son of Leland and Arlene Coleman. James previously attended West Lauderdale High School and plans to major in psychology at Mississippi State University.
Victoria Crockett, daughter of Mary Crockett and Grady McWilliams Jr. Victoria previously attended Northeast Lauderdale High School and plans to study chemistry at Tougaloo College.
Damein Gibbs, son of Jennifer Lard. Gibbs previously attended Northeast Lauderdale High School and plans to study chemistry at the University of Mississippi.
Brandy Harper, daughter of Timothy and Melissa Hamilton. Harper previously attended Northeast Lauderdale High School and plans to study biology and nursing at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Jeffrey Hoy, son of James and Sheri Hoy. Jeffrey previously attended Clarkdale Attendance Center and plans to study aerospace engineering at Mississippi State University.
Lauren King, daughter, of James IV and Pamela King. Lauren previously attended Meridian High School and plans to major in biology at University of the South.
Jonathan Peter Thomas, son of John Thomas and Paula Givens. Jonathan previously attended Northeast Lauderdale High School and plans to major in chemical engineering at Mississippi State University.
The National Associations of Junior Auxiliaries Inc. has selected Adelia Luke of Meridian to receive a graduate scholarship for the 2002-2003 academic year.
Luke will attend Mississippi State University, where she will begin work on graduate studies in counseling. Luke previously earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Begun in 1962, the NAJA Graduate Scholarship Program has awarded more than 363 grants of more than $634,000 for graduate study in fields related to the training of children with special needs.
Awards are given to people pursuing graduate level studies in fields that address the special needs of children and youth. Award recipients may attend the college or university of their choice.
The NAJA Graduate Scholarship Program is supported by contributions from the national organization, junior auxiliary chapters, memorials and honorary gifts from individuals and groups.
SCOOBA Ruby Capers of Meridian, a freshman in the Funeral Service Technology program at East Mississippi Community College, has received a $500 educational scholarship award from the Mississippi Funeral Directors and Morticians Association.
In addition to being a full-time student, Capers is a mother and wife. She also works full-time with Alliance Health Center in Meridian and maintains a 3.5 grade point average.
She is a registered nurse with about 24 years of nursing experience. She will start her apprenticeship with Rollins Mortuary in Tuscaloosa, Ala., this summer.