Contact: Sammy McDavid
Six students are being honored by the department of political science and public administration at Mississippi State University. John C. Stennis Scholarship Program is a memorial to the MSU alumnus who was the state's long-serving United States senator. Haley Barbour Scholarship Program is named for the Yazoo City native and National Republican Party leader now serving as Mississippi's governor. Morris W. Collins Jr. Scholarship Program is a memorial to the veteran professor and first director of MSU's Stennis Institute of Government. The scholarships are awarded to students with demonstrated commitments to future public service. The students being honored include:
Freshman Lyle Wert of Starkville is recognized as a new John C. Stennis Scholar. He is the son of Thomas and Carol Wert. While attending Starkville High School, Wert was active in campus and community political and public service programs.
Senior Mary Annette Morgan of Morgan City is recognized for completing the John C. Stennis Scholarship Program. She is the daughter of James and Annette Morgan and a Pillow Academy graduate. Morgan is a President's Scholar who has been active in political and public affairs activities while at MSU. She plans to attend law school after graduation.
Senior Mason C. Hester of Long Beach is recognized for completing the Haley Barbour Scholarship Program. He is the son of Michael and Deborah Hester and a St. Stanislaus College graduate. Hester, who also is completing a second degree in philosophy and religion, is member of the Shackouls Honors College. A President's and Dean's scholar, he also is active in the MSU Pre-Law Society.
Senior Brian A. Pugh of Gulfport is recognized for completing the Morris W. Collins Jr. Scholarship Program. He is the son of Laura Graffree and a Harrison County High School graduate. Pugh, a President's Scholar, is president of the MSU Pre-Law Society. He also has been active in the Student Association and other public service organizations on campus. He plans to attend graduate or law school after graduation.
Freshman Laura E. Hamm of Tupelo is recognized as a new participant, John C. Stennis Scholars Program. Hamm is the daughter of William and Elizabeth Hamm and a Tupelo High School graduate. She has been active in political and public service affairs and served as a page to the Mississippi Legislature. After completing her MSU studies, she plans to attend law school and specialize in issues related to assisting the disabled. (Unavailable for accompanying photographs.)
Senior Terrance D. Smith of Meridian is recognized for completing the John C. Stennis Scholars Program. He is the son of Donna Smith and a Meridian High School graduate. Smith is a Dean's Scholar and member of Pi Sigma Alpha political science honor society. He is serving as a residence hall assistant for the Office of Housing and Residence Life. He plans to attend graduate and law school following graduation. (Unavailable for accompanying photographs.)
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.