Fourteen USM Students Graduate with Citizen Scholar Distinction
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:18am | By: Christy Kayser
The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Center for Community Engagement (CCE) has recognized 14 graduating seniors who completed requirements for the USM Citizen Scholars distinction, a recognition for students demonstrating significant involvement in community engagement.
The Citizen Scholars program recognizes undergraduate students who have made significant contributions to their communities by incorporating service and community engagement into their academic experience. Students who earn 100+ service hours, participate in a community-engaged learning experience, and complete a reflective exit interview are eligible to be recognized as Citizen Scholars.
“The Citizen Scholars program recognizes students who already have a deep commitment to serving others, and in addition, introduces them to the many different ways they can use their unique skills and passions to positively impact the community,” said Christy Kayser, director of CCE. “It is always amazing to see the breadth of the activities that students are involved in and what they choose to do for the community-engaged learning requirement.”
Students in the program can volunteer with a variety of community-based organizations to earn their 100 service hours. They may also choose from several options on how to satisfy the community-engaged learning requirement, such as interning with a nonprofit organization, enrolling in two service-learning classes, or implementing a leadership project that benefits the community.
The following students graduated with the Citizen Scholar distinction this spring. A summary of each student’s accomplishment is listed below.
Cal’Detria Anderson
Cal’Detria Anderson, an elementary education major from Canton, Mississippi, completed 107 service hours through volunteer work with organizations such as Rowan Elementary and Tender Hearts Montessori Academy. Cal’Detria’s community-engaged learning experience was a practicum with Bellevue Elementary School.
Braxton Bailey
Braxton Bailey, a criminal justice major and military science minor from Clinton, Mississippi, completed 111 service hours through volunteer work with organizations including Hattiesburg Salvation Army, Forrest County Juvenile Detention Center and Christian Services, Inc.. Braxton’s community-engaged learning experience was an internship with the Forrest County Juvenile Detention Center.
Kenning Bridges
Kenning Bridges, a political science major with a minor in communication studies from Star, Mississippi, completed 107 service hours through volunteer work with organizations such as Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center and Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi. Kenning’s community-engaged learning experience was coordinating the Kappa Delta Shamrock 5K, a leadership project benefiting Kids Hub Advocacy Center and Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA) organizations.
Charity Brock
Charity Brock, a child and family science major from Ridgeland, Mississippi, completed 142 service hours through volunteer work with organizations such as Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center, Christian Services, Inc., and USM Adopt-a-Spot. Charity’s community-engaged learning experience was an internship with Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center.
Elizabeth Collum
Elizabeth Collum, a communication studies major from D’Iberville, Mississippi, completed 108 service hours through volunteer work with organizations such as Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, Loaves & Fishes, Inc., and Southern Pines Animal Shelter. Elizabeth’s community-engaged learning experience was completing two service-learning courses, CMS 490 Capstone in Communication Studies and IDS 450 Practicum in Leadership Development. Each of these courses required her to conduct a semester-long community service activity relevant to course content.
Jordyn Cook
Jordyn Cook, a nursing major from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, completed 170 service hours through volunteer work with organizations such as Forrest General Hospital, Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi. and Night to Shine. Jordyn’s community-engaged learning experience was coordination of the Kappa Delta Shamrock Costume Contest, a leadership project benefiting Kids Hub Advocacy Center and Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA) organizations.
Madison Delancey
Madison Delancey, an elementary education major from Union, Mississippi, completed 108 service hours through volunteer work with organizations such as Hattiesburg Salvation Army, I.M.A.G.E. for Teens, Kuntry Kidz, and Hattiesburg Zoo. Madison’s community-engaged learning experience was completing two service-learning courses, SME 432 Science for Elementary Teachers; and CIR 407 Early Literacy Instruction II K-8. During each of these courses, Madison participated in a semester-long community service activity relevant to course content.
Kylie Faulkner
Kylie Faulkner, a conservation biology major and geography minor from Smithville, Mississippi, completed 142 service hours through volunteer work with Lake Thoreau Environmental Center, USM Sawfish Conservation Lab, and Hub City Humane Society. Kylie’s community-engaged learning experience was an internship with Lake Thoreau Environment Center.
Z’eani Furdge
Z’eani Furdge, a media and entertainment arts major from Brandon, Mississippi, completed 105 service hours through volunteer work with organizations such as Home Care Companion, Eagle’s Nest Food Pantry, and Christian Services, Inc. Z’eani’s community-engaged learning experience was a leadership project through which she filmed and produced a video on USM community engagement.
Allison Hanby
Allison Hanby, a child and family sciences major and psychology minor from Tupelo, Mississippi, completed 120 service hours through volunteer work with organizations such as Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center, Salvation Army, The Children’s Center, R3SM, and Edwards Street Fellowship Center. Allison’s community-engaged learning experience was an internship with Youth Villages.
Madisyn Killough
Madisyn Killough, an elementary education major from Brandon, Mississippi, completed 104 service hours through volunteer work with organizations such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, DREAM of Hattiesburg, Petal Elementary School, Rowan Elementary School, and Edwards Street Fellowship Center. Madisyn’s community-engaged learning experience was a practicum at Thames Elementary School.
Jannie Nguyen
Jannie Nguyen, a political science major and Spanish minor from D’Iberville, Mississippi, completed 104 service hours through volunteer work with Southern Pines Animal Shelter, Christian Services, Inc., and multiple community and voter registration events. Jannie’s community-engaged learning experience was completing two service-learning courses, IDS 110 Luckyday Citizenship Seminar and SPA 344 Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics. During each of these courses, Madison participated in a semester-long community service activity relevant to course content.
Zacchaeus Wallace
Zacchaeus Wallace, a polymer science and engineering major and chemistry minor from Jackson, Mississippi, completed 125 service hours through volunteer work with organizations such as Christian Services, Inc., Fieldhouse for the Homeless, Lighthouse Rescue Mission, Osceola McCarty Youth Development Center, Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, and Hattiesburg Police Athletic League. Zacchaeus’s community-engaged learning experience was a leadership project as director of the 2024 EagleTHON, a dance marathon that raises funds for Batson Children’s Hospital.
Kayla White
More information about the Citizen Scholars program can be found online or questions can be addressed to Christy%20Kayser, director of USM’s Center for Community Engagement, at 601.266.6467. The Center for Community Engagement promotes service and service-learning on The University of Southern Mississippi campus and throughout the Hattiesburg community. Learn more about the CCE at Southern Miss.