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Education

Local teens selected to attend Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s convention

Alvisha Turner and Thamar Jones

Thamar Jones and Alvisha Turner, both of Holly Springs, were afforded the life-changing experience of being selected to attend the Presidential Academy in Orlando, Fla., from July 24-27.

To achieve this outstanding accomplishment, Thamar and Alvisha submitted and won an essay writing contest sponsored by the Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Thamar wrote a 500- word essay on “Why I Should Attend the Presidential Academy” and Alvisha wrote a 700-word essay on “The Most Influential Event That Happened in My Life.” Thamar and Alvisha’s essays were among hundreds of essays submitted by Delta Academy and Delta GEMS participants; however, only 50 essays were selected nationwide.

Alvisha represented the Holly Springs-Marshall County Chapter’s Delta GEMS age group (15-18) and Thamar represented not only the Holly Springs Chapter’s Delta Academy age group (11-14) but also the Southern Region (TN, MS, AL, GA, FL, and the Bahamas) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Upon arrival, the teens were showered with gifts and prizes, visited the EPCOT to participate in an Educational Symposium for Youth, and received a DELL laptop computer and carrying case compliments of DELL and Microsoft. In addition, an opening reception and closing banquet were held in their honor.

Alvisha and Thamar would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their financial support: The Holly Springs-Marshall County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Brittenum Funeral Home, First State Bank, Bank of Holly Springs, Pamela M. Lawrence, Mary Milan, Greg Hudson, Happy Go Lucky Daycare, Cynthia Cole, Dr. Cereesa Longest Lacy, Pegues & Son Barber Shop, Kara’s Creations, James Isom and family and the HS Band Booster Club.

Thamar Jones, the daughter of Barbara Redditt and Thomas Jones of Amarillo, Tx., is an incoming freshman at Holly Springs High School.

Alvisha Turner, the daughter of Marcus and Chiquita Hicks, in an incoming sophomore at Holly Springs High School.

The Holly Springs Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has been actively involved with the youth in this area for more than 10 years. Both Delta Academy and GEMS are a part of a national initiative. Delta Academy was created out of an urgent sense that bold action was needed to save our young females (ages 11-14) from the perils of academic failure, low self-esteem, and crippled futures.

Delta Academy provides an opportunity to enrich and enhance the education that our young teens receive in public schools across the nation. Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) is a spin-off of the Delta Academy and focuses on adolescent girls aged 14-18.

If you have a daughter between the ages of 11-18 and would like them to become a part of an enriching program designed to promote healthy teens, please contact a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc for dates and times of local meetings.

Local teachers attend IEP program at Mississippi State

Two local teachers were among 48 educators who attended the Mississippi State University, Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology, Industry-Education Partnerships program interning in industries learning workplace skills that are needed in today’s highly technologically oriented and rapidly changing work environment.

Kay Wheeler teaches keyboarding at Holly Springs Jr. High.

Wayne Young teaches math at Holly Springs Jr. High

During the IEP, Wheeler and Young had the opportunity to visit Tower Automotive, Air National Guard, National Air Station and Anderson Medical Center, all of Meridian, and Sanderson Farms of Laurel. The goal of IEP and its industry partners is to give educators the opportunity to enhance learning by providing workplace experiences and applications of industry skills to be utilized in the classroom.

The program desires to make skills in science, mathematics and technology relevant to the students across the state of Mississippi.

The Industry Education Partnership program, funded through 2009 by the National Science Foundation, annually provides an opportunity for educators from across the state to work with industry representatives, learning ways of integrating technology, making connections with other Mississippi educators, and enhancing curricula with workplace skills needed by students to survive in today’s workplace.

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