Browsing: People

wind doesn’t care about your story. The slope won’t adjust out of sympathy. Yet somehow, some players make the game look effortless. Not because it is, but because they’ve worked hard, the grind has become part of their character.

Dr. Jessica Pruett, a researcher at The University of Southern Mississippi, who has spotlighted the importance of Mississippi Oyster Research and its past, present and future impacts on the Blue Economy, has received the BioOne Ambassador Award. The award is given to five early-career researchers who display great communication skills and public understanding and awareness of scientific topics.

Wren Moore, now six years old, first visited Mississippi’s Art Museum and fell in love with drawing when she was only three years old. Now, Moore is using her love of art to create art galleries of her work at home, helping others.

Pete Taggard never expected skateboarding to save his life.  But when a doctor warned that Type 2 Diabetes was threatening…

When we talk about the founding of Mississippi, the conversation often drifts to riverboats, cotton empires, or Andrew Jackson’s infamous duels. But tucked quietly into the folds of early American history is a name that deserves far more recognition: David Holmes—a statesman, a gentleman, and the man often called “The Father of Mississippi.”

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) recently presented General Joe Spraggins with the 2025 Friendship Oak Award at its annual awards day ceremony held on the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, in recognition of his ongoing dedication and support of critical projects to advance marine research and sustainability. As the executive director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR), Spraggins’ commitment and partnership with Southern Miss and the Mississippi Gulf Coast have been invaluable.

So, the 2025 NEMCABB All-Star Baseball Games took place this past Saturday, May 31, at the Corinth High School Baseball Field in Corinth, Mississippi.  

In case you are unfamiliar with the history behind NEMCABB, it all started in December of 1989 at an ICC Baseball Clinic, the college’s first annual camp, actually. Several area baseball coaches discussed the need for their best senior baseball players from North Mississippi to garner more scouting exposure and recognition, outside the statewide all-star games already held annually in Jackson. 

Chef Jon “JD” Davis of City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi, claimed the title of 2025 King of Mississippi Seafood.  

Each year, states across the nation host their seafood cook-offs, and the winners from each state travel to New Orleans in August for The Great American Seafood Cook-Off. Mississippi Seafood hosts its statewide contest each year in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

When Morgan Freeman’s deep, commanding voice graces a film, audiences across the world pause to listen. Yet beyond his unmistakable tone and iconic screen presence lies a deep-rooted connection to a place as soulful and resilient as the actor himself: Mississippi.

Holly Allgood was in her classroom at Tupelo’s Early Childhood Education Center with her student, Bowen Dorr, when the phone call came—she was a match.

“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.”

These words from Robert Frost aptly describe one of my family’s favorite teachers, Holly Bailey. 

Currently a career coach with Create Foundation’s Toyota Wellspring, Holly Bailey taught various levels of science to students at Tupelo and East Union for over three decades. 

Petal native, Cole Blalock has been practicing magic for over 20 years. Like many, his passion began as a hobby.…

Kellea Newton has been an educator for 21 years.

After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi, she began her career at Resurrection Catholic School (RCS) where she taught 5th grade and up. She is currently the 6th grade math teacher at Trent Lott Academy in Pascagoula.

Genesis Larsen of Pascagoula has been a teacher for over two decades. She started her career in education in 2002.…

Teachers are not just educators but mentors, guides, and role models who profoundly impact students’ lives. For many teachers, the educator profession feels more like a calling, a strong internal motivation to work to have a positive and lasting impact on students’ lives. Not all teachers understand that calling until life allows them to experience the impact potential.

Tatum Elise Brown has only been a teacher for two years but already she has found her calling. She is the 2nd grade reading comprehension teacher at Holly Springs Primary School in Holly Springs, Miss.