DRPS Recipients

2023 DRPS Recipient, Donald Flowers, plans to attend the Copiah-Lincoln Community College. His career goal is to become a successful business owner.

"I don't hold any offices, but I feel I am a model student that comes to school daily and meet the exceptions set by Administration. I consider myself a quiet leader... As a future entrepreneur, I would like to give back to my community to help the upcoming youth at our schools. I want to build spaces for the youth that will empower young people to reach their full potential and encourage them to dream big because their possibilities can be endless. "

2023 DRPS Recipient, Da'Yunna Tanner, plans to attend the Alcorn State University. Her career goal is to become a Pediatric Dentist.

"The adversity that I was faced with going into high school was low self esteem and lack of confidence in myself... I had to learn about myself everyday without wanting anyone’s approval as long as I knew I was doing right... The main goal of pediatric dentistry is to help maintain the oral health of children as they grow into adults. For me, providing preventive dental care, identifying and treating oral diseases and conditions, and helping Hazlehurst children develop good oral hygiene is a must."

2022 DRPS Recipient, Angeles Mendez, plans to attend the University of  Mississippi. Her career goals are to become a Biomedical Engineer and perform various researches.

"Overall, the pandemic brought many difficulties to our lives but we also learned valuable life lessons. I learned to appreciate every moment and not become comfortable in any situation or environment because change can come at any time without notice."

2022 DRPS Recipient, Jalen Collins, plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. His future goal is to be wealthy enough to provide for his family and not have them worry about anything.

This pandemic has caused a lot of major setbacks in my life... After a long talk with my mom and a few of my close teachers, I was able to make a complete 360... Living through this pandemic has made me stronger mentally and emotionally... Seeing myself grow into the man my parents raised me to be has given me a glimpse into what I know my future will be.

2021 DRPS Recipient, Eboni Pittman, plans to attend Hinds Community College to pursue a degree in Nursing. Her career goal is to become a Nurse. 

Technology has been a huge help for many students over the years, but now it is the only option. If virtual learning is still going on this fall, I will just have to adjust like I did when it first began... College will not be easy for me , but I'm going to strive for the best because my mind is made up.

2021 DRPS Recipient, Makira Hale, plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. Her career goal is to become a Travel Nurse or Biomedical Scientist. 

"There are many apps and resources that can help a freshman college student like me a lot... With the advancement of technology advancement, using technology can be either good or bad in my case... So with using this technology, I can set a limit on how long I’ll use it and what I am doing to stay on track."

2020 DRPS Recipient, Kaitlyn McMillian, plans to attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College and further her education at Alcorn State University in pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. Her career goal is to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

“Furthering my education is important to me because it is the most promising way for me to live the life I want, as a nurse practitioner… Today’s society is led by models, rappers, athletes, and comedians, and they are influencing the upcoming generations. I believe that there should be more examples of successful people who used their college education to build the success they have, and I want to be a part of the example.”

2020 DRPS Recipient, Kiesha Lewis, plans to attend Alcorn State University to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. Her career goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner. 

“Furthering my education by attending and completing college will prepare me for my future as a nurse and allow me to give back to my community… Nursing in my opinion is not about profit or the paycheck I will be receiving. Nursing is about giving yourself for a common goal. That goal is to provide the best patient care possible to members of my community.”