Contact: Sammy McDavid
Twenty-one Mississippians are the 1999-2000 selections for Circle of Excellence Awards given by Mississippi State University's College of Education.
"The awards program is part of MSU's continuing effort to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of education," said Dean William H. Graves. "In this small way, we express our tremendous appreciation for all of their efforts and accomplishments."
This is the second year Circle of Excellence honors have been bestowed by the college, which has awarded at least one degree to nearly one-fourth of all teachers and administrators in Mississippi public schools.
In addition to being individually recognized at a campus banquet, each honoree receives a crystal apple mounted on a wooden base. Names of those selected also are added to a plaque prominently displayed in the dean's office in Allen Hall.
Circle of Excellence Award winners for the 1999-2000 school year include (by hometown):
BOONEVILLE-James C. "Connie" Drown Jr., dean of Northeast Mississippi Community College.
BRANDON-Katherine H. Nevels, computer application and programming teacher at Jackson Academy.
COLUMBUS-Cynthia Wilkinson, New Hope High School teacher.
HATTIESBURG-Dixie Evans, first-grade teacher at Thames Elementary School.
JACKSON-DiAnn Lewis [5944 Terry Rd., 39212], director of education and academic programming with the state Institutions of Higher Learning.
KOSCIUSKO-Retired Col. Preston Hughes, a former U.S. Army officer long active in promoting civic activities and public education.
LOUISVILLE-Pamela C. Kirk, MSU professor emerita of health, physical education, recreation, and sport.
MADISON-Suzanne Parker, eighth-grade teacher at Rosa Scott Middle School.
STARKVILLE-Jimmy Abraham, director of enrollment services at Mississippi State; Larry Box, superintendent of the Starkville Public Schools; Linda Couvillion, MSU student and board-certified lactation consultant with LaLache League; Carolyn Crowder, coordinator for majorettes and feature twirlers with MSU's Famous Maroon Band; Pete Crowder, retired music education professor and director of bands at MSU; Gloria C. Correro, retired associate dean of instruction in the education college; Linda C. Davis, vocational counselor with the Starkville Public Schools; Sue Hunt, fifth-grade teacher at Moor Attendance Center; Mildred McReynolds, retired Starkville Public Schools teacher; Toney Miley, Starkville High School social studies teacher; Roy Ruby, MSU vice president for student affairs; and Allene Springer, retired elementary principal at Starkville Academy.
TERRY-C. Mike Walters, executive director of the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents.
WEST POINT-Randy M. Hamblin, superintendent of West Point Public Schools.
YAZOO CITY-Marcus R. Dilworth, assistant superintendent of Yazoo City Public Schools.