MERIDIAN —     The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation’s Education Committee recently awarded their fall semester 2012 Head of the Class winners. The Head of the Class program is for high school students participating in technical and career education from each of the city and county schools, grades 10-12. 

    Students are nominated by their teachers for the award of either “Highest Overall Career and Technical Student” or “Most Improved Career and Technical Student.” The EMBDC then selects the top two winners from each school and presents them with a certificate and a gift card in each of their classrooms.

    "These students are ahead of the game because they are getting a jumpstart on what they want to do with their lives," EMBDC President Wade Jones said.

    "The Career and Technical classes are a great way for them to learn a skill, and also get some real experience in these career fields. These are the future employees that prospective companies are looking for when considering moving into the Meridian area. We are thrilled to be able to go into the classrooms and recognize these individuals for their hard work and contribution to our workforce," Jones said.

    Each winner is also asked to write about a teacher or staff person from their school who has had the greatest impact on their lives and on their education. The students, and teachers of their choosing, are all invited to a breakfast held in May.

    The 2012 fall semester Head of the Class winners are:



Meridian High School – Ross Collins

    • Highest Overall Career and Technical Student – LaTondra Cole, Teacher Academy II

    • Most Improved Career and Technical Student – Austin Lanier, Culinary & Related Foods Technology I



Clarkdale High School

    • Highest Overall Career and Technical Student – Taylor Blackwell, Health Science I

    • Most Improved Career and Technical Student – Matt Martsching, Agriculture & Natural Resource II



Southeast High School

    • Highest Overall Career and Technical Student –  Taylor Johnson, Allied Health

    • Most Improved Career and Technical Student –  Tommy Harrison, Business Fundamentals



Northeast High School

    • Highest Overall Career and Technical Student – Rodrickus Thomas, Electrical II

    • Most Improved Career and Technical Student – James Morgan, Electrical II



West Lauderdale High School

    • Highest Overall Career and Technical Student – Rachel May, Health Science II

    • Most Improved Career and Technical Student – Travis Ward, Health Occupations I