•  Emily Cloys, a fifth-grader at Neshoba Central Elementary School, was named champion in the recent  Neshoba County Spelling. Emily will advance to the State Spelling Bee in Jackson on March 16. 

    • Diorela Perez Mallare has been selected to receive the Susie Short Memorial Scholarship at Meridian Community College.  

    This $1,500 award is funded through the MCC Foundation by Dr. Ronnye Purvis.

    A native of the Philippines, Mallare is in the third semester of the Practical Nursing Program at MCC.  She has worked in the healthcare field for five years at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. Mallare plans to work as a practical nurse and continue her pursuit of an associate’s degree in nursing.

    • Austin Dean Nolan has been selected to receive the Harry and Vivian Boureau Scholarship at Meridian Community College.

    This award is funded through the MCC Foundation from an endowment established by Mrs. Boureau in 1994 to encourage students studying music. Mr. and Mrs. Boureau were the parents of Sally and Bill Scaggs.

    Nolan was valedictorian of the 2009 graduating class of Russell Christian Academy. He is in the University Transfer Program studying vocal performance. A President’s List scholar, Nolan has recently been tapped for Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year college students. He is a member of the MCC Chorus and Dimensions, an auditioned performance group on campus. After graduation, he plans to study worship ministry at the University of Mobile and then attend seminary.    

    • Shauntae Shameke Causey has been selected to receive the first  Earnest Workers Circle of the International Order of King’s Daughters and Sons Scholarship at Meridian Community College. 

    This $600 award is funded through the MCC Foundation from an endowment established by the local service organization. In addition to establishing the nursing scholarship endowment, the group donated $250,000 to equip a skills lab in the new practical nursing facility at the college.   

    Causey is a 2000 honors graduate of Southern Choctaw High School in Silas, Ala. She is in the final semester of the Associate Degree Nursing Program at MCC. A President’s List scholar, Causey is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year college students. She also holds membership in the Organization of Student Nurses. Her future plans include pursuing a master’s degree in nursing.   

    • Cynthia E. Williams and Carla M. Boston have been selected to receive the Glen Deweese Scholarships at Meridian Community College.  

    These $1,700 awards are funded through the MCC Foundation from an endowment established in 1992.  Mr. Deweese is remembered as a Mississippi State Senator, successful businessman, philanthropist, and advocate for education.

    Williams is a 1983 graduate of Meridian High School. She is sophomore in the Associate Degree Nursing Program. A President’s scholar, Williams works part-time at Anderson Regional Medical Center. Her plans are to obtain a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi or Mississippi University for Women.

    Boston is a 1997 graduate of Meridian High School. She is a sophomore in the University Transfer Program. A Dean’s List scholar, Boston plans to obtain a master’s degree in business accounting. Her career goal is to work at an accounting firm.

    • Amber Leigh Cooksey has been selected to receive the Irene Bradley Memorial Scholarship at Meridian Community College.  

    This $1,500 award is funded through the MCC Foundation by Dr. Ronnye Purvis. Ms. Bradley was a member of the obstetrics nursing staff at Anderson Regional Medical Center for many years. A dedicated professional, she made a significant impact on all who came in contact with her.

     Cooksey is a 2006 graduate of Lake Attendance Center. She is in the third semester of the Associate Degree Nursing Program at MCC with plans to graduate in August. Cooksey is a member of the Organization of Student Nurses. Her goal is to work locally in the obstetrics field.

    • Melissa N. Carlson has been selected to receive the Dixie Highway High School Scholarship at Meridian Community College.  This $250 award, designated for books, is funded through the MCC Foundation by the local alumni group.  First priority is given to students who have a relative who attended Dixie Highway High School. 

    Melissa Carlson is a 2009 graduate of Southeast Lauderdale High School. She was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.   Melissa is a freshman in the University Transfer Program.  She is considering a career in the healthcare industry.  Melissa is the granddaughter of Vivian Amato.

    • Holly Lynn Comans has been selected to receive the Bill and Gay Whitworth Scholarship at Meridian Community College.  

    This $1000 award is funded through the MCC Foundation by Gay Whitworth. William F. “Billy Frank” Whitworth was a long time member of the MCC Foundation Board of Directors. He was actively involved in cultural, civic, and educational projects for the city of Meridian during his lifetime.

    Comans is a 2007 high honors graduate of Quitman High School. She is a sophomore in the Graphic Design Technology Program. Comans is a member of the Baptist Student Union and past president of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year college students. Her plans are to enter the workforce upon graduation.

     • DECATUR – East Central Community College in Decatur recently hosted the 2010 Mississippi SkillsUSA Championships for District III, during which approximately 500 area students competed in various skills events.

    First through third place winners advance to state competition scheduled April 15-16 at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston.

    Category winners for the local and surrounding areas and their respective schools include the following:

    Automotive Technology: Delvin Gilmore, third place, Wayne County Vocational-Technical Center.

    Masonry: Ryan Ladd, assisted by Trinsky Burrage, third, Philadelphia-Neshoba County Career-Technical Center.

    Opening and Closing Ceremonies: second place, Philadelphia-Neshoba County Career-Technical Center: Shawn Anderson, Casey Coats, Jonathan Keen, Tanya Ward, Holly Coats and Collin Compton

    Precision Machining: Joshua Sammons, third, Philadelphia-Neshoba County Career-Technical Center.

    • Amy LeAnne Tolleson has been selected to receive the Beverly Barham Memorial Scholarship at Meridian Community College.  

    This $400 award was initiated by the Dusty Social Service Club in 1990 and Berniece and Dwight Barham, now of Hattiesburg, have continued to fund it each year.  Preference in selection is given to a member of the local group. 

    Tolleson is a 2008 graduate of Meridian High School. She is a sophomore in the University Transfer Program. A Dean’s List scholar, Tolleson is a MCC Eagle Diamond Doll. Her goal is to pursue a bachelor of science degree in nursing.

    • Deborah Eaton has been selected to receive the Gerald Price Memorial Scholarship at Meridian Community College.  

    This $600 award is funded through the MCC Foundation. The medical lab at Riley Hospital initiated this scholarship to honor their former associate. The family of Mr. Price continues to support the fund.

    Eaton is a 1995 graduate of Newton High School. She is in the third semester of the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Easton is a member of the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and secretary of the Medical Laboratory Technology Student Organization. Her plans are to pursue a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.