Page 30 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2018

COASTNOTES
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photo courtesy of Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce 228.762.3391 www.jcchamber.com
The 28th Annual Explosion of Excellence took place last month at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County Campus. In total, more than $70,000 in scholarships was awarded to 187 graduating seniors from throughout Jackson County.
“This scholarship program each year honors the academic achievements
of the graduating high school seniors who are in the top ten percent of
their classes in all area high schools
in Jackson County, including the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science,” said Yvette Barr, director of membership communications
for Jackson County Chamber of
Commerce. “This program was a huge success thanks to all of the contributors from the community who support the future endeavors of these graduates, congratulate them and welcome them to return to the community when they finish their education.”
The Explosion of Excellence program is sponsored by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street- Tourism Bureau, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, as well as all high schools in Jackson County and is a fund of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
PILOT OF THE YEAR story by Lynn Lofton
photo courtesy of Ernest Burdette
For his voluntary efforts as a pilot flying humanitarian missions, Pass Christian resident Ernest Burdette was named Pilot of the Year for the Mississippi region by Mercy Flight Southeast. This non-profit pilot organization provides free air transportation throughout Florida
by private aircraft to distant medical facilities when commercial air service is not available, impractical or simply not affordable.
Burdette is also being recognized as a 2017 Hurricane Hero for his work in Puerto Rico after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. With his Cessna 208 Caravan, he spent
days shuttling supplies, as well as transporting critically
ill patients to medical care. A victim of Hurricane Katrina, Burdette wanted to give back by helping regions affected by the recent storms.
He flew 15 missions last year on behalf of the Air Charity Network affiliate. As a Mercy Flight Southeast volunteer, Burdette donates his time, airplane and fuel.
“We are especially grateful to Ernest, who demonstrated extraordinary compassion and courage in our efforts to assist people who really needed help,” said Steve Purello, CEO of Mercy Flight Southeast based in Leesburg, Florida.
30 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • June 2018
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