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MAACE 2024 Award Winners
MAACE 2024
Eloise Richardson Administrator
of the Year
Audra Perry
MAACE 2024
JoAnn Tisdale Teacher of the Year
Makita Jackson
MAACE 2024
Support Staff
of the Year
Danielle White
MAACE 2024
Student of the Year
Cristal Campbell
Campbell began working toward her high school equivalency diploma in 2020 as a referral from drug court. As she isn’t hesitant to share, Campbell’s life story has included a bad marriage, unfortunate peer associations, substance addiction and the loss of jobs, homes and relationships with friends and family. “It might help people who were in my situation to see that God can change your life after substance and spousal abuse and just not living right,” Campbell said.
She struggled in the beginning with diminished ability to retain information, had some test failures and even dropped out of the program. However, with the help of church friends and through Bible studies, she realized that when she focused on one subject at a time with much repetition and immersion in that material, she was able to better retain information.
Campbell reenrolled in 2022, just as newly appointed instructor and nominator, Amy Emerson, joined the class. Emerson said that when she walked into the first class, she was “as green as a gourd and a little nervous” at the prospect of teaching adults as opposed to traditional school-age students. Campbell was the first student she met, and her welcoming smile and joyful spirit made Emerson immediately feel at ease. Emerson described Campbell as a “mainstay of the class, not only learning, but helping others as well.” Soon, Campbell was ready to try testing again, and quickly began achieving excellent scores. The math test proved to be the most difficult and required Campbell to remember her “no quitting” mantra. “Finally, after extra tutoring, lots of prayer and much math repetition, Campbell destroyed the math beast in October 2023,” Emerson said.
Campbell and her husband, Mitchell, attend the Open Door Worship Center in Fulton. In addition to always helping others, she leads a support group for women and distributes church invitation flyers. She enjoys visiting with her children (Phillip Rhyne/Tiffany and Jonathan/Krysta) and her grandchildren (Jackson, Kennedy, Sutton and Fallon).
MAACE 2024
Student of the Year
Simone Hardy
Simone has faced an extraordinary amount of hardship throughout her 13-year journey. The loss of her mother, which undoubtedly left a profound void in her life, was likely a devastating blow. A mother often serves as a pillar of support and guidance, and losing that figure can be incredibly challenging.
Enduring the loss of a child is another unimaginable hardship that Simone had to bear. The pain of losing a child is a unique and profound form of grief that can deeply affect a person's sense of self and purpose. It's a loss that leaves a permanent mark on one's heart and soul, forever changing the course of one's life.
Additionally, experiencing divorce further compounded Simone's challenges. Divorce brings with it a multitude of emotional, practical, and financial difficulties, leaving individuals feeling adrift and uncertain about the future. It's a significant life transition that can disrupt one's sense of stability and security.
Despite facing these immense trials, Simone's resilience and determination never wavered. Instead of allowing these hardships to define her, she chose to rise above them, drawing on her inner strength to keep moving forward. Her ability to persevere through such profound grief and upheaval is a testament to her remarkable resilience and courage. Simone's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity to endure and thrive in the face of adversity. Her story is both inspiring and humbling, showcasing the power of perseverance and hope, even in the darkest of times.
Despite facing significant setbacks and hardships, she demonstrated resilience and continuously strived to create a better life for herself through education and hard work. Here's a summary of what she achieved:
Culinary Arts CTE Certificate (1 year): Simone enrolled in the MIBEST/Culinary Arts program in August 2022 and successfully completed the program, earning a Culinary Arts Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certificate in the summer of 2023. This certificate, along with other certifications such as ServSafe and a Silver NCRC, showcased her skills and qualifications in the culinary arts field.
Competency-Based Diploma: With her acquired credentials and college credit, Simone qualified to apply for the Competency-Based Diploma. This further validated her educational achievements and paved the way for her future endeavors.
High School Equivalency (HSE): After enrolling on and off for thirteen years, Simone's perseverance finally paid off when she earned her HSE in the summer of 2023. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone in her educational journey and opened up new opportunities for her.
Continued Education in Culinary Arts: Driven by her taste of success, Simone decided to further her education in the Culinary Arts Program. This decision reflected her ongoing commitment to personal and professional development in her chosen field.
Membership in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK): In April 2024, Simone was installed as a new member of the Nu Upsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two-year colleges. This recognition highlights her academic excellence and commitment to scholarship.
Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Culinary Arts: Simone achieved a significant milestone when she received her AA degree in Culinary Arts on May 10, 2024, during the MCC Spring Graduation ceremony. This accomplishment not only further validated her expertise in the culinary arts but also marked the culmination of her educational journey at the associate degree level.
Honorary Role in Graduation Ceremony: Simone was asked to give the benediction at the MCC Spring Graduation ceremony, where she received her AA degree. This honor underscores her leadership qualities and the esteem in which she is held within her academic community.
In summary, Simone's achievements include obtaining a Culinary Arts CTE Certificate, earning her HSE, continuing her education in Culinary Arts, becoming a member of Phi Theta Kappa, attaining an AA degree, and playing an honorary role in her college's graduation ceremony. Her journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education.
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Simone's journey also underscores the importance of education as a pathway to empowerment and personal growth. By earning her HSE, she not only gained the academic credentials she needed but also reclaimed a sense of agency and control over her own life. Her story highlights the transformative power of education and serves as a testament to the belief that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams. Ultimately, Simone's story inspires other students to work towards earning their HSE by showing them that no matter what obstacles they may face, they have the strength and resilience within themselves to overcome them and achieve their goals. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with perseverance and determination, anything is possible.
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(Information provided by the student's nomination form)
MAACE 2024
Student of the Year
Rosalyn Montgomery
Montgomery, wife, mother, grandmother and family matriarch, passed her high school equivalency exam at the age of 68, less than a month after her birthday. She had to drop out of school at the age of 12 to care for her brothers and sisters while her parents worked. Over many years, she attended adult education classes, and she made a promise to her mother and herself that she would not give up, despite a medical condition that proves difficult for her to read for extended periods of time.
“I wanted to complete something I started,” Montgomery said upon passing the high school equivalency test. “I wanted to be a role model and show people that if you put in the time and work, you will be victorious.” Her teacher and nominator for the award Shundria Whitfield said, “Not only did Mrs. Montgomery come to class daily, but she was also a caregiver to her ailing husband and brother. She was able to be mother, grandmother and friend to so many of the students who were in class with her. Many times, she was a pillar in time of need to her peers because they depended on her for words of encouragement, guidance and structure. In addition to her academic success, she embodies qualities of leadership, integrity and resilience that make her an outstanding candidate for this award. Her positive attitude, work ethic and dedication to self-improvement make her an exceptional role model for others to follow for years to come."
Montgomery and her husband, James, have three children, Tasharee, Lacrista and James Eric, and four grandchildren, Zion and Zoriah Barnes, Jaitlyn Kidd and Darius Morris. She volunteers at Small Beginnings Early Learning Center in Nettleton and participates in various activities at her church (Straight Gate Holiness Church in Nettleton). Montgomery plans to enroll in Itawamba Community College’s interior design class and start her own business.
MAACE 2024
Student of the Year
Brandon O'Quinn
Brandon O’Quinn’s quest to get his high school equivalency was met much self-determination and
perseverance. He defied the odds of succeeding after being met with many unforeseen obstacles.
Wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps of having a career in law enforcement meant having a high school diploma or equivalent. Having a goal and setting the steps to get it is how Brandon was able to get his high school equivalence by successfully passing each test through GED. We celebrate your success with you, congratulations Brandon!
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(submitted by Copiah-Lincoln Community College
MAACE 2024
Student of the Year
Robdreka Simmons
Robdreka Simmons enrolled in Mississippi Delta Community College's Adult Education program at the Greenville WIN Center in March of 2023. Robdreka did not have any transportation to the WIN Job Center so she walked approximately 2 miles each direction to attend class, often at the height of the summer heat, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to earning her HSE. Robdreka earned a Silver CRC and completed her HSE in July of 2023. She then enrolled in the Pharmacy Tech program at Mississippi Delta Community College's Capps Center in August '23. She successfully graduated and passed her boards to earn her Pharmacy Tech certification in December '23. Robdreka is interested in pursuing her CNA certification in addition to her current Pharmacy Tech certification. She is planning to enroll in CNA courses in the near future.
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(information above was taken directly from the nomination submission)