The academic year is winding down as evident by the Easter observance and awards programs. Today we recognized the students involved in the TRiO programs at The Valley.

Congratulations to all the students who were recognized. I’ll list them at the end of the blog. If you know them, please congratulate them on their achievements. We have outstanding students at The Valley!

Congratulations to Mrs. Joyce Roundtree-McCoy, program director, and her staff for a wonderful Student Support Services Annual Awards Program. They include Anthony McClung, tutorial coordinator and counselor; Deunderia Smith, academic counselor; Sandra Brim, secretary; and Marilyn Jones-Bryant, data entry specialist. Mrs. Bryant, a Valley graduate, served as the keynote speaker. Did you know that she has published her first book, “365+1 Days of Prayer Journal” published by Xlibris?

I wanted to personally thank the tutors who work with students to ensure their success. They include: Oriana Bledsoe            , chemistry and biology; Krista Jones, English and history;

Chiquita Lee, chemistry, college algebra and physical science; Cordario Lipsey, English and college algebra; Chiquita McDaniel, biology and chemistry; Sherry White, English; and Ilyas Zeynalov, accounting and business administration.

Special awards were given to several students. Sabrina Wilson received the Highest Achievement Award given to an exceptional student who holds the highest grade point average in Student Support Services.

The Most Outstanding Award was presented to Megan Newton. The award recognizes the student who is in good academic standing and who participates regularly in both Student Support Services activities and the classroom.

Ricardo Holliman received the Most Improved Award for his remarkable improvement in academic endeavors at Mississippi Valley State University.

Tutor Chiquita McDaniel received the Jacob Wilson Award which is given to the student who participates in Student Support Services and exemplifies Jacob’s characteristics. Jacob was a Student Support Services student and an Upward Bound tutor. He possessed faithfulness, attentiveness, and determination which made him loved by staff and students. Jacob graduated The Valley with a degree in social work, and he was later accepted to Morehouse College where he received his graduate degree in divinity. He served as a youth and associate pastor for Mt. Horeb Church. He was a member of the National Baptist Christian Education Association and a teacher at Coleman Junior High School.

Congratulations to all of these students and the scholars listed below. We are so proud of each of you!

Summa Cum Laude , 3.80-4.0: Sabrinna Wilson and Rickey Raine.

Magna Cum Laude, 3.50-3.79: Joshua Brown, Prikeeta Fort, Sheria Hicks, Alexis Jones, Chiquita Lee, Chiquita McDaniel, Marquida Morgan, Lakeisha Mosley, Tyrainne Norton, Christy Shaffer, Whittney Rector, Daniel Smart, Shawnee Spruell, Jasmine Taylor, Charity White and Stacy Williams.

Cum Laude, 3.21-3.49: Jonathan Allen, Nakeshia Anderson, Jessica Baymon, Angela Briggs, Minnie Brown, Sharon Brown, Viola Brown, Jenaelle Coleman, Shadricia Day, Tedetrion Epps, David Fletcher, Lashaunda Fryson, Rose Giachelli, Jasmine Good, Konnquita Horn, Corie Jordan, Passion Lewis, Latonya Morgan, Rachandra Peoples, Venkeysha Pittman, Jarrod Randle, Christopher Roberts, Devita Scott, Tangeneika Stephens, Darren Woodson and Donna Young.

Honors, 3.0-3.2: Brittany Baker, Lorletha Brown, Justin Davis, Youwna Dent, Lazavarus Griffin, Anthony Kyser, Learnall Montgomery, Megan Newton, Lajoi Sanders, Alberta Selders, Corey Smith,  Angelica Wade, Sherry White, Beatrice Winford, Candace Young and Randy Young.