Submitted photoOlivia Vaughn and Madison Boyette, members of the Phil Hardin Foundation Honors College, decorate a tree in the F.W. Williams House as a part of the Trees of Christmas Tour.

Members of The Phil Hardin Foundation Honors College at Meridian Community College found the holiday spirit by trimming a tree at the F.W. Williams House as a part of the Trees of Christmas tour sponsored by The Meridian Restorations Foundation.

The students, with the help of The MCC Foundation, decorated an MCC themed tree, a first for the Trees of Christmas tour.

Honors Co-Director Barbara Jones said that some of the students who helped with the decoration had already been volunteers on My College Cares Day, and they were delighted to have the chance to visit the museum again.

“We are thankful that we were given the opportunity to represent our college as such an important part of Meridian,” Jones said in a statement. “One of the key components of our Honors College is community service. In addition to the creativity of decorating the tree, the honors students will end up this semester by donating Coats for Kids.”

The trees will be on display through Dec. 30 at the house, which is located adjacent to the antebellum home Merrehope at 905 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. 

Northeast scholarship winner

Maya Toleman, a senior at Northeast High School, won the Meridian Omega Psi Phi chapter scholarship for $500 for her essay, “What action can you take to promote social justice and embrace diversity of all people.”

Toleman advances to compete for the state Omega Psi Phi scholarship. 

The scholarship presentation was combined with a “Founder’s Night” dinner, in celebration of achievement week, scheduled every year for the Nov. 17 anniversary of the fraternity. 

Extension president

Patty Swearingen, county coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service in Lauderdale County, was recently installed as state president for the Mississippi Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences for 2018.

The MEAFCS educates and recognizes Extension professionals who improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. They also provide education in food preparation, food safety and nutrition, financial management, healthy lifestyles, home and work environment and safety, relationship and parenting skills and more.

Cheryl Owens writes the Neighbors column for The Meridian Star. Submit items to cowens@themeridianstar.com.