Mississippi Public Broadcasting announces its first MPB Student Council – a group of eight middle and high school students from across the state who will gain insight from MPB on college and career readiness and serve as liaisons for their peers to MPB.
MPB’s Education Department is leading the effort to ensure the council’s success. Initial meetings and an intense orientation have been held. Goals include gaining perspectives on various state and national issues from the council, pairing students with mentors for hands-on career training, helping students create a podcast, planning projects, and increasing students’ social skills.
MPB Student Council representatives can earn community service hours for participation. Their one-year terms begin each September. However, a student can decide to stay with the council for multiple years. New students will be selected annually through an application process.
“I hope to gain a community that could be considered a second family to me,” said Makenna Mead of Hernando High School. “I also hope to make a positive difference with the council.”
“The MPB Student Council gives teens like me an opportunity to be heard, express their opinions,” said Kayla Latiker of Lanier High School. “I hope to gain better leadership, dedication, determination, and involvement skills.”
The following students were chosen for the inaugural MPB Student Council. They are listed by name, grade, school, and school district.
- Corinne Allen – Eighth grade, Simpson Central School, Simpson County School District
- Jenna Dent – Tenth grade, Madison Central High School, Madison County School District
- Jack Durr – Eighth grade, Pearl Junior High School, Pearl Public School District
- Deon Harrington – Eighth grade, Batesville Jr. High School, North Panola School District
- Kayla Latiker – Eleventh grade, Lanier High School, Jackson Public School District
- Jessie Mead – Twelfth grade, Hernando High School, Desoto County School District
- Kaylen Woodard – Eighth grade, Simpson Central School, Simpson County School District
- Myles Williams – Twelfth grade, Brandon High School, Rankin County School District
For more information on the MPB Student Council, contact Jasmine Harvey, MPB Student Engagement Specialist, at jasmine.harvey@mpbonline.org or visit the MPB Student Council web page.