JDC students receive SMPDD scholarship
Published 10:15 am Friday, July 8, 2016
Angie Kothmann / The Prentiss Headlight—Jefferson Davis County Supervisor John Thompson and scholarship recipient Timothy Arnold
The Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District, Inc. (SMPDD) Scholarship was awarded to two Jefferson Davis County students. Jerneka Laird and Timothy Arnold will both be attending Pearl River Community College (PRCC) this fall.
Jefferson Davis County Supervisor, John Thompson, is honored to award this scholarship to these students. Thompson said, “We hope to continue this program and make a positive impact on the future of our community.”
SMPDD scholarship recipient, Jerneka Laird, said “Receiving this scholarship will be very helpful as I pursue my career in Child Development.”
SMPDD scholarship recipient, Timothy Arnold, said “It is a blessing to receive this award. I thank Mr. John, the Board of Supervisors and SMPDD for this honor.” Arnold will also play football at PRCC as he majors in Athletic Training.
In 2015, SMPDD endowed $100,000.00 to PRCC. Each year this will allow two Pearl River County students to receive a $750.00 scholarship. The scholarships will be awarded to one student in an academic program and one student in a skills-related program who meet the cumulative GPA requirements.
Angie Kothmann / The Prentiss Headlight—Pictured left to right Jefferson Davis County Supervisor John Thompson, scholarship recipient Jerneka Laird and Jefferson Davis County Supervisor Michael Evans
Since its beginning in 1967, SMPDD has continually evolved to meet the needs, discover opportunities and anticipate the trends challenging the economic vitality, environmental integrity, and overall quality of life enjoyed in South Mississippi, which includes offering assistance to future leaders.
The Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District, through the leadership of the local officials comprising its board of directors and the efforts of its staff, assists 38 municipal governments within its 15 county district.
The district consists of the following counties and cities within the county: Covington County: Collins, Mount Olive, Seminary; Forrest County: Hattiesburg, Petal; George County: Lucedale; Greene County: Leakesville, McLain, State Line; Hancock County: Bay St. Louis, Diamondhead, Waveland; Harrison County: Biloxi, D’Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian; Jackson County: Gautier, Ocean Springs, Moss Point, Pascagoula; Jefferson Davis County: Bassfield, Prentiss; Jones County: Ellisville, Laurel, Sandersville, Soso; Lamar County: Hattiesburg, Lumberton, Purvis, Sumrall; Marion County: Columbia; Pearl River County: Picayune, Poplarville; Perry County: Beaumont, New Augusta, Richton; Stone County: Wiggins; Wayne County: Waynesboro.
