MPB Student Council Podcast

For her episode of "My Hometown Hero," Nadiya Gary, a freshman from Ocean Springs, MS chose Taja Cunningham, a science teacher at Ocean Springs Middle School to interview. Tune in as they discuss how Mrs. Cunningham has impacted her community, not only as an educator but also as the founder of Girls ARE and Boys CAN, a non-profit organization that aims to broaden students' horizons on the future of their education and careers.

For her episode of "My Hometown Hero," Corinne Allen, a sophomore from Mendenhall, MS chose her mother and Student Services Coordinator, Dedra Clark-Allen, to interview. Tune in as they discuss Mrs. Clark's involvement with the Excel by 5 program and how it supports your community by keeping students from falling behind.

For her episode of "My Hometown Hero," Natalie Ford, a sophomore from Vicksburg, MS chose her grandfather, Dr. John Robert Ford, to interview. Tune in as they discuss his practice of medicine, as well as entering the ministry, and how these occupations opened the doors to his lifelong community service.

For her episode of "My Hometown Hero," Mya Harden, a senior from Water Valley, MS chose to interview Mr. Calvin Hawkins, Coordinator of Student Services Coffeeville School District, Senior Sponsor of Coffeeville School District, Author “Under the Dusty Sands”, Board President of Yalobusha County African American Historian -Blackmur Library, Pastor of United Missionary Baptist Church, Moderator Mt. Moriah District Association, Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of Grenada, MS. Tune in as they discuss how he has impacted his community throughout his career and his recently released book "Under the Dusty Sands," which charters African-American history in Yalobusha County from 1870 to 1970.

For her episode of "My Hometown Hero," Kaylyn Thompson, a sophomore from Mendenhall, MS chose her father and Army National Guard 298th HHD CSSB First Sergeant, Ralph V. Johnson, Jr. to interview. Tune in as they discuss how he has impacted his community throughout his career and through his volunteer work with multiple youth programs!

For his episode of "My Hometown Hero," Kaleb Thompson, a freshman from Ocean Springs, chose Oak Park Elementary principals, Jennifer Pope and Stewart Smirthwaite. Tune in as they discuss the creative strategies they've implemented to keep students engaged, as well as what keeps them motivated as educators in their community!If you would like to visit Oak Park Elementary's website, click: https://op.ossdms.org/