Page 12 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2024

COAST NOTE
story by Lynn Lofton
Twelve of South Mississippi’s most creative teachers will receive 2024 Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Grants for their commitment to educational excellence and to pay for original teaching projects designed to enrich students’ education with hands-on learning opportunities.
“Funded by Hancock Whitney and administered by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF), the Seal grants recognize exceptional dedication to teaching and fund teaching proposals that enhance students’ educational experiences and support state curriculum at K-12 schools in the eight Mississippi counties Hancock Whitney serves,” said Paul Maxwell, vice president, senior communications officer.
Each Seal grant recipient receives up to $2,000 to activate their award- winning teaching initiative at their school. The 2024 recipients are: Tracy Applewhite Broome, Hope Academy; Wendy DeAnn Holland, Anniston Avenue Elementary; Kaley Hudson, Biloxi Junior High; Georganne Kinney, Hancock Middle School; Vanessa A. McKee, Ocean Springs Upper Elementary; Dr. Shelby Miller, Singing River Academy; Dr. Heather Montgomery, Cherokee Elementary; Debbie Anglada Powell, Popps Ferry Elementary; Stephanie Stanley, Lyman Elementary; Cindy Desire Steven-Pheal, Oak Grove Middle School; Jillian Strong, Hancock High; Lacey Vitalec, Hancock High.
story by Cherie Ward
Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast and networking followed by a 9 a.m. presentation that aims to foster open conversations, reduce stigmas, and build a supportive community for those affected by mental health challenges.
Emma Benoit will be the keynote speaker and share
her miraculous story and message of hope following her triumph over her suicide attempt in 2017. The attendees will then have the opportunity to engage one-on-one with Benoit and other panelists including Dr. Mohammed Al-Nufal,
Dr. Audrey Murphy, Dr. Jasmine Padgett, Ashley Pearson, Dr. Roger Ridgeway, and Heather Rowley. Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers-McIlrath will serve as the event emcee.
Visit MentalHealthEra.com for more information.
12 | February 2024
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