Degrees

• Rea Lynne Williamson, Lauren Ivy Newton and Joseph Lane Campbell, all of Vicksburg, received degrees from the University of Mississippi in August.

• William Joseph Carr of Vicksburg and Keri C. Smith of Rolling Fork received degrees from Jones County Junior College during summer commencement exercises in August.

Honor rolls

• Rachael Ann Black of Vicksburg was named to the summer semester president’s list at the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg campus.

• Elizabeth Rose Funk of Vicksburg was named to the summer semester dean’s list at the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg campus.

In attendance

• Alcorn State University students Leonard Addae, Fanshon Montgomery, Archie Taylor, Theodoria Cosey, Daniel Johnson, Jessica Clark, Jessica Hinton and Joshlean Fair have been selected to attend the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s 2008 Leadership Institute Recruitment Conference and Career Fair in New York City. Participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops that will sharpen their leadership and professional skills as well as network with professionals from numerous companies and industries.

Upcoming events

GMAT Review Course — 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 4, Mississippi College; cost, $175, includes printed materials and advice; registration deadline is Sept. 24; 601-925-3265 for more information.

U.S. Senate Youth Program Nominations — Being accepted by the Mississippi Department of Education; available to two Mississippi juniors or seniors in high school government leadership positions; participants selected will receive a $5,000 scholarship and a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., as guests of the U.S. Senate; nomination forms are available through local principals, headmasters, counselors or MDE; nomination forms must be postmarked by Oct. 3; 601-359-4305 for more information.

Jefferson College’s Explore! Program — Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 22 and Dec. 6 at the college on U.S. 61 just north of Natchez; 10-11:30 a.m. for ages 6-8 and 2-3:30 p.m. for ages 9-12; classes, $10 each, will focus on the discovery of history and natural history through hands-on activities; pre-registration and payment is required; 601-442-2901 for more information.

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation Essay Contest — On the topic Political Courage of a U.S. Elected Official; open to high school students; first place, $5,000 and a trip to the Profile in Courage award ceremony in Boston; second place, $1,000; up to five additional finalists, $500; jfklibrary.org for more information.

Youth Challenge Academy — Accepting applications for students ages 16-19 to earn a high school diploma in an alternative environment; sponsored by the Mississippi National Guard; 800-507-6253 or ngycp.org for more information.