special to The Star



Twelve-year-old Hope Beard was selected 2007 Pre-Teen Mississippi (Senior Division) at the Pre-Teen Mississippi Scholarship and Recognition Program at the Summit Hotel in Tupelo.

Participants of the Pre-Teen Program are scored on academic achievement, volunteer service to the community, school honors and activities, development of personal skills and abilities, general knowledge ability, communication ability and on-stage acknowledgement of accomplishments.

For her title win, Hope received an education bond, a banner, a medallion and a trophy. She qualifies to attend the Pre-Teen America National Competition, which is scheduled for July 3-8, 2008, in Baton Rouge, La.. to compete for more than $25,000 in education bonds, prizes and awards.

In addition to the Pre-Teen Mississippi title, Hope received the Personal Development Award and had the highest score on the knowledgability test. She will travel to other states as a visitor to their state programs.

Hope is the daughter of Donnie and Melanie Beard of Heidelberg. She is a seventh-grade honor student at Heidelberg Academy.