The Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District, Inc. (SMPDD) Scholarships were awarded to two Jefferson Davis County students.

Destiny Newsome and Ricardo Booth will both be attending Pearl River Community College (PRCC) this fall.

Scholarship recipient Destiny Newsome plans to start her education at PRCC in Hattiesburg and continue on to dental school to become a dentist.

“It feels great to be selected. I’m particularly thankful for two of my teachers, Ms. Kendra Payne and Ms. Katrina Smith-Sims,” said Newsome.

Jefferson Davis County Supervisor, John Thompson stated, “We are honored to be able to provide this scholarship to these students. It is important for our kids to stay in school and receive their education so they can ensure a successful future.”

Scholarship recipient Ricardo Booth plans to attend PRCC in Poplarville and  become certified in welding.

Ricardo said he started a welding class in the high school Vo-Tech program and fell in love with it. He wants to thank Rev. Kelly and Mr. Herring who inspired him to continue in this vocation.

He wants to pursue his certification in welding and open his own business one day. He is very grateful to his aunt, Michelle Easterling.

In 2015, SMPDD endowed $100,000.00 to PRCC. Each year this will allow two Jefferson Davis County students to receive a $750 scholarship.

The scholarships will be awarded to one student in an academic program and one student in a technical program who meet the cumulative GPA requirements.

Since its beginning in 1967, SMPDD has continually evolved to meet the needs, discover opportunities and anticipate the trends challenging the economic vitality, environmental integrity and overall quality of life enjoyed in South Mississippi, which includes offering assistance to future leaders.