By: Lauren Pace
On January 23, 2010, three of Oak Grove High School’s seniors were recognized by the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity for their outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, and arts.
Kappa Alpha Psi’s motto is achievement. They were founded at Indiana University in 1991 and have grown to Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. The fraternity has trained over 125,000 men for leadership roles in their communities and for excellence in their academics.
Oak Grove seniors Antonio Benton, Kimble Allen, and Jay Hughes celebrated Founder’s Day at the Thad Cochran Center located on the USM campus. Not only did Oak Grove students receive an achievement award, but also students from Hattiesburg, North Forrest, and Petal high schools were recognized as well.
The fraternity’s theme for the event was “Creating Inspiration: with Education as an Emphasis.” This annual event gives respect to the founding of the fraternity and recognizes achievement in the community. The most anticipated moment of the event was awarding the area’s high school students for their achievements, as well as announcing the Humanitarian Award.
The local speaker for the event was Dr. Jerlando F.L. Jackson, who is an Associate Professor of Higher and Post Secondary Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin. C. Jerome Brown, president of the Hattiesburg Alumni Chapter, also spoke at the event explaining the background of the fraternity and the significance of the awards.
Mitchell Williams, WDAM Sports Director, was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award, which recognizes individuals or organizations for a determined support of others and of their community.
Hattiesburg Coco-Cola was the sponsor of the event and were very proud to be a part of recognizing student achievement. “We think this is an excellent program that continues to motivate and inspire our youth to achieve positive things and we are proud to support it,” said Brad Brian of Hattiesburg Coco-Cola.
I would really like to know how Jerlando’s speech went.