Alcorn alumni named Employees of the Year at Port Gibson Middle School

Two of Alcorn State University’s own were recognized for their work as educators in the Claiborne County school district.

On May 22, the Port Gibson Middle School faculty, staff and student body named Erma Myles and Bobby L. Banks Jr. Employees of the Year for their commitment to effectively increasing the knowledge of junior high school aged students in Port Gibson, Miss. and other areas in Claiborne County.

Myles, who earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Alcorn in 1994 and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling in 1996, felt honored to receive the award.

“I was so honored to receive the Employee of the Year Award,” said Myles. “It warms my heart to know that people appreciate and recognize your hard work and efforts.”

For Myles, the best part of being an educator is developing students. Over the past 5 years of her 18-year teaching career, she has worked as the school’s interventionist. Her latest task requires her to assist struggling students in their studies. Knowing that she has the ability to make students understand their work means everything to her.

“As far as the students are concerned, I love them all unconditionally. They know that I am going to be fair at all times. I want to instill in them that education is the key to success. This is what I love the most because I have the opportunity to assist students with low academic performance. It makes my day when they grasp a certain skill or when the light bulb goes off and they get it. I love making a difference in the lives of children.”

Banks, a math strategies instructor at Port Gibson Middle School who earned his bachelor’s degree from Alcorn in 2014, was pleased with the recognition his peers and students gave him for his tireless efforts.

“It gives me great pleasure to have such an honor bestowed upon me,” said Banks. “I work extremely hard each day to make my students believe that they can do whatever they put their minds to.”

Banks takes pride in equipping his students to solve intricate math problems as well as solving the problems of life.

“My passion goes beyond my title. It’s fine to teach students to count, but I have learned that what makes a difference is to teach them what counts. I am doing my best to give students a middle school experience that they will never forget.”

  • Petty and Ms. Myles resized.jpg