Awards Gala Recognizes Students' Accomplishments
Awards Gala Recognizes Students' Accomplishments
Mississippi College administration takes a moment to highlight the achievements of individual students at the Student Experience Awards Gala.
Each year, as the academic calendar draws to a close and students prepare for exams, the Mississippi College administration takes a moment to highlight the achievements of individual students at the Student Experience Awards Gala.
The fifth annual awards gala occurred on April 16, 2024 in Anderson Hall. The ceremony, led by Vice President for the Student Experience & Dean of Students Dr. Jonathan Ambrose, honored the accomplishments of various students, faculty and staff, and the community.
“Each year, we are grateful to partner with students and organizations who commit themselves to the continued advancement of the vision and mission of Mississippi,” said Ambrose. “These awards of excellence have been created to recognize these groups and individuals. The recipients are distinguished by their vision of correctness and inspiring leadership.”
The night began with the presentation of the Spirit of MC awards, given to 12 freshmen recognized by the university as MC’s youngest leaders. Also recognized among the first years were the Freshman Male of the Year Grant McNally and Freshman Female of the Year Shelby Lee Stokes.
Abby Williams, editor in chief for the MC Tribesman, took the stage to dedicate the yearbook to Baptist Student Union Director Mandy Phillips. Another campus ministry, Reformed University Fellowship, was given the Student Organization Award of Excellence. Club and Tribe of the Year were awarded to Kokoa Men’s Club and Kissimee Social Tribe, respectively.
Next up, several sophomores and juniors were awarded the Student Experience Servant Leadership Award, which is awarded to students serving in leadership roles and living out MC’s Christ-centered mission. In the same vein, the Senior Awards of Excellence in Leadership acknowledge seniors who have served diligently as leaders throughout their time at Mississippi College.
To end the night, the seven most prestigious awards were given to seniors who demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and the mission of MC throughout their four years. Nick Carroway and Kendall Lauderdale were recognized as Mr. and Miss MC, respectively. The Scott-Swor Founders Award, named in memory of Dr. Charles W. Scott and Dr. Chester E. Swor both longtime employees of the university, was given to Mason Kennedy.
“I was instantly filled with a large amount of gratitude for those who saw me worthy to receive this award,” Kennedy said. “I would not have experienced the incredible amounts of spiritual and personal growth while at Mississippi College if it weren't for the amazing people who have contributed to my life.”
Following Kennedy’s award, the four 2023-2024 Hall of Famers were recognized. These individuals were awarded for living out the qualities of Christ-likeness and achieving many academic, among other, achievements. The 2023-2024 Hall of Famers were Mallory Burnside, Coulter Clement, Gracelyn Noss and David Torrent.
“Going into the night, I did not know what to expect at all,” Clement said. “I was very honored to be invited and so glad that my family could be there with me! When the ceremony was almost over, and I had not received an award yet, I was very humbled by the thought that I could be chosen as a member of the MC Hall of Fame.”
“It was a moment that was filled with gratitude and love,” Burnside commented. “I was overwhelmed with joy that has come from the past four years of student involvement at Mississippi College. I fully give credit to the guidance of the Lord, who has blessed my time here at MC.”
College shapes the lives of many young leaders, and through events like the awards gala, MC ensures the recognition of the students who have taken on leadership roles during their time as a Choctaw.
“My participation in numerous committees and teams have shaped me into a servant leader,” Burnside said. “From the guidance of the administration, faculty and staff, I've learned invaluable lessons in humility, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. All of these experiences have contributed to my personal growth.”