Honor Students volunteer in Port Gibson and give donations to the Jefferson County Nursing Home
Alcorn State University’s Honor Student Organization (HSO) spent Saturday, Dec. 5 volunteering at the Mississippi Cultural Crossroads Center’s Christmas Market Place Bazaar in Port Gibson, Mississippi. The Christmas Market Place Bazaar is an annual event that showcases local residents’ unique handmade gifts, artwork, crafts and bakery.
Thirteen HSO members volunteered to organize, draw posters and sell items at the Christmas Market Place Bazaar. The students were Tamiya Phillips, Kayla Jones, Draven Howard, Ambria Scott, Shanequa Belton, Briana Bennett, Tatiana David, Marissa Jones, Kenisha Smith, Destiny Crockett, Christopher Jefferson, Marion Martinez, and Charles Marsaw. The Office of Pre-Professional and Honors Curriculum Programs has collaborated with the Mississippi Cultural Crossroads on many program activities over the years.
Felicia Harried, user interface architect for Alcorn, was pleased with the students’ thoughtful act.
“We were honored to have the HSO students volunteer, especially since several of our usual volunteers were in Houston for the game,” said Harried. “I was especially proud as I mingled with our guests and heard so many positive comments about the students’ polite and helpful attitudes.”
Dr. Wandra Arrington, HSO advisor and assistant director of the Honor Curriculum Program transported students and attended the event. She expressed her appreciation for the students.
“Our HSO members could have gone to the SWAC Championship game in Houston, Texas on Saturday but they kept their commitment to helping our local community and making a difference in the lives of others,” said Arrington. “I am truly grateful and proud of this unselfish display of generosity.”
The organization wasn’t done with its charitable initiatives. The students donated hats, gloves, socks, combs, paper towels and Kleenex to residents Friday, Dec. 11 at the Jefferson County Nursing Home in Fayette, Mississippi. The students, along with Dr. Arrington, also gave holiday ornaments and Christmas cards to Barney Rankin, who is the director of the Nursing Home.
The Honor Student Organization (HSO) is for students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character. Students must hold an overall grade point average of 3.00.
