JACKSON – An East Mississippi Community College student and teacher were recognized among the best in higher education recently in Jackson.

    Jonathan Wiggins of DeKalb and Octavia Dickerson of Columbus were named EMCC’s 2015 HEADWAE (Higher Education Appreciation Day, Working for Academic Excellence) Award recipients. The pair attended a luncheon where a student and teacher from each community college and university in Mississippi were applauded for their outstanding work.

    Wiggins, a pharmacy major, has maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned induction to the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. During his time at EMCC, he captured the attention of his instructors with his work.

    “Jonathan, as a student, is a teacher’s dream. He is responsible, reliable and produces work of the highest standard,” said Derrick Conner, English instructor and PTK sponsor.

    Wiggins, who plans to attend the University of Mississippi, chose to attend EMCC first to remain close to home for awhile and transition to a college atmosphere.

    Dickerson, or “Miss D” as students call her, has been a popular instructor for years in the Funeral Service Technology program.

    “Octavia was selected because of her commitment to academic excellence and her hard work to increase the national board scores for the Funeral Service Technology program at EMCC,” said James Rush, EMCC associate dean of instruction.

    “I’ve had many students tell me that ‘Miss D’ demands a lot in the classroom.  However, after taking the national board, they say her efforts and expectations were warranted.  And many of those same students still visit her on campus and support the FST program.”

    The daughter of two educators, Dickerson became a teacher later in life but found her home in the classroom. She said the best part of teaching is seeing her students become successful professionals.

    “I have many graduates who stay in contact, and I know I can call on any of them to help the program,” Dickerson said. “It makes you feel blessed to know you had a hand in that person growing and developing into a productive citizen and a wonderful human being.”