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Lott Leadership Institute for Rising Ninth Graders
Names 2008 Class
Forty-one outstanding students from around
the state have been chosen for the 2008 Trent Lott
Leadership Institute for Rising Ninth Graders, scheduled
June 8-July 4 at the University of Mississippi.
More than 300 students applied for the unique program,
which began in 2005. It offers participants the opportunity
to earn high school credit and hone leadership skills.
Officials judged applicants on grades, leadership ability
and community service activities, said Jason Wilkins,
program director.
Of this year's applicants, 60 had 4.0 grade-point averages,
he said. Geographic location was also a determining factor,
as officials limited the number of participants from each
school.
For course work, the students enroll in Problems in
American Democracy, a Mississippi-accredited high school
elective social studies course designed to promote greater
awareness of issues and problems facing the country. The
study focuses on geography, politics, society and
technology. Emphasis is on analysis of issues, situations
and problems, with the goal of fostering positive
appreciation and desired resolutions.
Students also receive training in public speaking, with
emphasis on learning to organize, prepare and deliver
speeches in a variety of public forums.
Participation in current event debates, discussions and
decision-making activities provides opportunities for the
students to associate with college administrators, as well
as student and community leaders. The students are expected
to put their new skills to work for the betterment of their
home communities.
The program culminates with visits to the National Civil
Rights Museum in Memphis, Mississippi State Penitentiary at
Parchman and the state Capitol in Jackson. While in
Jackson, students visit with state officials and tour
historic sites.
The participants also get plenty of opportunities to
interact with one another and make new friends, Wilkins
said.
"Last year's group bonded tremendously," he said. "They had
a reunion at Christmas that was totally student-initiated.
They really enjoyed being together, so they organized the
reunion all by themselves."
This year's class includes Austin Avent of Oxford, Andrew
Bell of Vicksburg, Cassie Bennett of Grenada, Cody Bradford
of Natchez, Taylor D'llio of Petal, Madison Donahoe of
Hazlehurst, Kelly Evans of Meridian, Russell Garner of
Brooksville, Spear Gilmer III of Lake, Kathryn Howell of
Brookhaven, Da'Andrea Kelly of Hollandale, Katelyn Lee of
Bailey, Lauren Lott of Beaumont, Jon-Abigail McDonald of
Leland, Christopher McKee of Saltillo, Margaret Pitts of
Waynesboro, Mary Portie of Flowood, Reid Posey of West
Point, Margaret Pound of Kosciusko, Alyssa Price of
Ackerman, Macy Riley of Mantachie, Samuel Russell of
Pontotoc, Adam Steen of Ethel, Thomas Tardy IV of Jackson,
Rachel Walker of Ripley, Jarrod Ward of Greenville, Hugh
Warren V of Greenwood, Connor White of Hurley, Ian Windham
of Marks and Michael Wollam of Corinth; MacKenzie Breeland
and Emerald Litke of Ocean Springs; Jazmine Crain, Ryan
Harris and Zachary Watson of Brandon; Jordan Currie and
Sydney West of Raymond; Michael Davis and Nichole Gerber of
Columbus; and Brianna Hollowell and Marquisia Walls of
Holly Springs.
For more information about the Lott Leadership Institute, go to http://www.lottinst.olemiss.edu/. |
