Salute to Mississippi Scholars Set for
April 12, 2012

Please check back soon for details.

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!

 Scenes from 2011 Salute to Mississippi Scholars

The Salute to Mississippi Scholars was held on April 21, 2011, at the Jackson Convention Complex in conjunction with Mississippi Economic Council’s 62nd Annual Meeting. The theme for the event was “Rigor, Relevance and Relationships.”

Public Education Forum past chair Rebecca Montgomery enthusiastically welcomed participants to the meeting, and Rev. Darnell Moffett, Simpson County’s Mississippi Scholars coordinator, delivered the invocation. Guest speaker Patricia “Trisha” Bridges, JBHM Education Group state director, focused on “How to Make Rigor, Relevance and Relationships Work for You.” Her address was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Marsha Watson, director of College Knowledge Project, Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning. Panelists provided updates from the field and shared best practices. Participants included:

Panel One – Jasper County
Lela Bryan - Director, Jasper County Learning Center, Jones County Junior College
Jamie Holder - President of Hol-Mac Corporation
Johnny Rowell - President of Jasper County Board of Supervisors

Panel Two- Lincoln County
Kenny Goza - Entergy, Customer Account Manager
Terrance Turner - Operations Manager, Walmart Distribution
Lea Barrett - Retired Superintendent, Brookhaven School District

Panel Three - Impact- Postsecondary Education
Emanuel Barnes - Director of Admissions and Recruitment, Alcorn State University
Dr. Jim Turcotte - Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs, Mississippi College
Max Miller - Associate Director for Enrollment Services, University of Mississippi
Alex McIntosh - Student Services Coordinator, Mississippi State University
Dr. Jane Hulon - Vice President of Instructional Services, Copiah Lincoln Community College

Thanks to volunteers across the state, Mississippi Scholars continues to gain momentum. Volunteers serve as the vehicle to deliver the message to students that their success is important not only to them and their families but also to their communities. As a result of their involvement, students realize their potential and are taking a rigorous course of study in high school.

Entergy Awards $5,000 Grant to Public Education Forum
to Support Mississippi Scholars

The Entergy Charitable Foundation recently awarded a $5,000 grant to the Public Education Forum of Mississippi to support the Mississippi Scholars project. The goal of Mississippi Scholars is to provide a sound foundation for all students so that they will have more options upon graduation from high school. Haley Fisackerly (center), president and chief executive officer of Entergy Mississippi, Inc., presented the check to Blake Wilson, president and chief executive officer of Mississippi Economic Council, and Vickie Powell, vice president of foundation programs.