Chair's Column:
Leadership Mississippi has a long and extraordinary history of helping bring about positive change. The graduates of this program include political, educational, business and community leaders who are continuing to make a difference in moving Mississippi forward.
The knowledge and experience I gained as a member of the 2008-09 class have proven invaluable. Not only did I learn more about Mississippi and the great things happening around the state, but the program also provided an opportunity to serve others and to make some long-lasting friendships.
The year-long program allows class members to travel throughout Mississippi. Not only will participants learn about the regional differences and vast diversity that exist in our state, but meetings will focus on areas vital for our future, such as: economic development, healthcare, education, public policy and quality of life.
- David Gates
Division President, Atmos Energy
Chair, M.B. Swayze Educational Foundation
Past Chair, Leadership Mississippi
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Have you or someone you know ever been selected as a STAR student? MEC wants to know what former STAR students are doing now. Please let us know by emailing Cathy Northington at cnorthington@msmec.com.
The M.B. Swayze Educational Foundation of the Mississippi Economic Council STAR program encourages scholastic achievement among the state's high school students and recognizes excellence in the teaching profession. STAR Students are seniors with the highest ACT scores and scholastic averages in more than 250 public, private and parochial schools across the state. Each STAR Student selects his or her Star Teacher - the teacher who has made the greatest contribution to the student's scholastic achievement. Since 1966, the STAR program has honored nearly 20,000 students and teachers.