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DeSoto County School Board honors National Merit semifinalists and launches Future Civic Leaders program
Summary
The board recognized the district's largest-ever class of National Merit semifinalists and introduced a new one-year Future Civic Leaders program for 37 ninth- and tenth-grade students, including plans for civic education and a trip to observe the state legislature.
DeSoto County School Board meeting, Oct. 16 — The DeSoto County School Board recognized a record group of National Merit semifinalists and introduced an inaugural Future Civic Leaders program at its Oct. 16 meeting.
Superintendent (name not specified) told the board the district has 34 National Merit semifinalists this year and that 12 of those seniors were recognized at the meeting. Principals from multiple high schools brought semifinalists forward for acknowledgement and photos, and several teachers were singled out for supporting the students.
Nick Tungate, principal of Horn Lake High School, introduced his school's semifinalist, and Jacob Strickland, principal of Olive Branch High School, introduced his school's honorees. Principals from schools across the district also presented their semifinalists and thanked teachers in attendance.
The board also heard from Timothy Gardner and Tony Coleman about the Future Civic Leaders program, a one-year program of 37 ninth- and tenth-grade students selected through application and essay. Gardner said the program will include multiple meetings on the different levels of government and plans to take students to Jackson to observe the state legislature in session.
Superintendent remarks and board members' congratulations closed the recognitions portion; the superintendent said remaining semifinalists will be recognized at subsequent board meetings.
Why it matters: The National Merit recognitions highlight academic achievement in the district. The Future Civic Leaders program is designed to expose younger students to local and state government and to foster civic engagement and leadership skills.
