ON THE COVER

South Panola’s Josh Davenport overseeing students transplanting herbs and vegetables in the school’s greenhouse. Learn more about the award-winning Davenport and his agriculture program on p. 4.

Dear Readers,

Welcome to 2024’s Fall issue of Connections magazine! Within this issue, you will find celebrations of Mississippi’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. As the magazine’s editor-in-chief, I am honored to have the opportunity to highlight stories of innovation and success across the state.

We are pleased to feature this year’s Mississippi Association for Career and Technical Education (MS ACTE) award recipients, including the Administrator of the year, Patricia Ellison. Ellison’s ‘servant-leader’ approach as director has set Pontotoc Ridge apart as a leading CTE center within the state. The atmosphere of innovation and collaboration that she has cultivated demonstrates how fresh ideas can create opportunities for growth.

Connie Rolison, the MS ACTE New Teacher of the Year, is another example of outstanding educational leadership. Rolison has fallen in love with teaching after years of being a nurse practitioner. Her experience in the medical field allows her to guide her students toward successful careers within the healthcare industry.

We also had the opportunity to showcase South Panola’s Horticulture and Agriscience Instructor, Josh Davenport, who received MS ACTE’s Teacher of the Year award. Davenport was recognized for offering his students hands-on experience through the use of the school’s greenhouse and his dedication to the program.

Alongside our MS ACTE award recipients, we are delighted to spotlight Pascagoula-Gautier College and Career Technical Institute’s (CCTI) Health Science program, led by Jenne King, MSN, RN. This program is going beyond the curriculum to equip future healthcare providers by exposing them to various aspects of the medical field and providing the opportunity to earn their certifications as a certified nursing assistant, medical assistant, or phlebotomy technician.

Another highlight of this issue is Gulfport High School’s outreach to Peru. Robotics and Engineering Instructor, Don Keyser, worked with his classes to 3D print parts of prosthetic legs and then led a student team on a trip where they were able to fit these new prosthetics to people in need. This project was life-changing for everyone involved.

These stories and many more can be found within this issue. As you read, we hope you celebrate with us the remarkable accomplishments of our educators, students and programs. We thank you for your continued support of Mississippi’s future workforce leaders and encourage you to share these stories with your friends, colleagues and students.

Together, we will build a better tomorrow by empowering a new generation of young professionals within our great state!

Sincerely,

Brett Robinson Associate State Superintendent Office of Career, Technical,

and Workforce Development Education