Contact: Sammy McDavid
Pontotoc counselor Meda Vassar with Donald Zacharias, MSU president emeritus and Schillig Scholars mentor.
Meda L. Vassar of Pontotoc is receiving the 2002 Schillig High School Counselor Award given each spring at Mississippi State.
Presented on campus last weekend by one of the university's top scholarship groups, the honor recognizes Vassar's "significant contributions to the academic progress of her students" in the Pontotoc City School District. A $500 check accompanied the award established in 1999 by the Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholars Society.
Vassar, who holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Mississippi, was a counselor in the Pontotoc County School District for three years before joining the city school system in 1995. She is responsible for counseling some 1,100 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Pontotoc High principal George Noflin Jr. was among those recommending Vassar for the honor. Encouraging and directing senior class members in their efforts to secure college scholarships is among the achievements he cited in a letter to the MSU screening committee.
"As a result of Ms. Vassar's diligence last year, a record was set whereby more than $1 million in scholarships was presented to seniors here," Noflin said. In addition to preparing transcripts and organizing a daylong financial aid information program, he also praised Vassar's efforts as director of the school's career day.
Mathematics department chair Miriam Clark, in her supporting letter, said Vassar "builds self-confidence and enhances self-esteem in students. For many, she is the bright spot in their day. Students are extremely comfortable with her and quickly learn that her door, as well as her heart, is always open for them."
In a statement of philosophy required of all nominees, Vassar, who currently is completing an educational specialist degree at U.M., credited her Christian faith for the many achievements in her professional life.
"I think God has placed me here and provided me with an ability to relate to young people, as well as giving me that special gift that lets young people know that I can be trusted and that I truly care about their welfare," she wrote.