ELLISVILLE 鈥� Two 麻豆直播 students earned individual honors through the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). Sophomore agriculture science major, Anna Laura Haden of Stringer was selected to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society鈥檚 All-Mississippi Academic First Team. Callee Knotts of Soso, an agriculture communications major, was selected for Second Team honors. Their agriculture science advisor, Leanne Kilgore, is especially thrilled to have two of her students selected for this esteemed award.
鈥淎s an advisor, I am incredibly proud of our outstanding agricultural majors for earning the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Academic Excellence Award. This honor reflects not only their exceptional academic performance, but also their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence in all they do,鈥� said Kilgore. 鈥淭hese young women have consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for the field of agriculture. They represent the very best of our program, and it has been a privilege to watch them grow both academically and personally during their time at 麻豆直播.鈥�
In addition to her academic load, Anna Laura Haden is an active member of PTK and is a photographer for the college yearbook, and she volunteers as a youth leader at her church and at the Veteran鈥檚 Memorial Museum in Laurel. She plans to pursue a degree in agriculture science at Mississippi State University.
鈥淩eceiving this award is an honor as it reflects the time, effort and dedication into my studies,鈥� said Haden. 鈥淕rowing up on the farm fueled my love for agriculture. Despite the demands of caring for animals and crops, I had to overcome the daily challenge of chronic hip pain and headaches.鈥�
Haden said she focused on helping others such as assisting others with preparing for 4-H competitions. Taking the initiative to help younger members build confidence and being their support system, improved her confidence and leadership abilities.
鈥淭hrough this experience, I learned that leadership isn鈥檛 about titles. It is about lifting others up. Helping younger 4-H members grow reminded me of how powerful encouragement can be and it strengthened my commitment to serving my community with respect, dedication and kindness,鈥� said Haden.
PTK All-Mississippi Academic 2nd Team Member, Callee Knotts served as the President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was a member of the Bobcat Brigade and JC Livestock Show Team. She was also involved in FFA as a chapter officer for Jones County 4-H in her youth and high school. Additionally, Knotts played sports, helped on the family farm and served as a member of the Jones County Future Leaders. At times, Knotts said she felt overwhelmed by her responsibilities growing up yet she learned some valuable lessons that helped her through college.
鈥淏eing involved is a wonderful opportunity because it allows you to network, develop leadership and learn valuable life skills. However, it鈥檚 also important to show yourself grace and recognize that it鈥檚 okay to slow down and focus on what matters most in the moment,鈥� said Knotts. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 give 100 percent to everything at the same time without eventually wearing yourself down. Through this challenge, I realized you have to prioritize what is most important for that season or time.鈥�
In addition to being named to the All-Mississippi Academic Team, Knotts was nominated for the Golden Key Award. As the Golden Key selection from Rho Sigma chapter at 麻豆直播, advisors recognized her many talents.
鈥淐allee is a powerhouse of a campus presence, busy hosting events with Bobcat Brigade, washing and showing cows as part of Bovine Husbandry through our college Show Team and using all these opportunities to mention and highlight Phi Theta Kappa,鈥� said PTK Advisor, Dr. Caleb Smith.
Knotts was surprised by the award and grateful for the opportunities PTK has allowed her to experience. Her mission has been to show others the many benefits of PTK and being involved on campus and in the community.
鈥淏oth of these honors mean a lot to me because I always try hard in everything I do, while trying to be involved in everything! Even though I may get stretched out and super busy, I appreciate the fact that they recognize my efforts and nominated me for this award,鈥� said Knotts.
The two JC students competed for selection on the All-Mississippi Academic Team with more than 1,800 nominations from each of the 15-community colleges in Mississippi. As part of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society鈥檚 annual academic and workforce competition, each student submitted an essay, answered discussion questions, and described their leadership roles and activities while in college.
The highest scoring nominees from each of the 15 two-year colleges earned First Team All-Mississippi honors and $500 scholarships provided by the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges. All team members received special medallions, certificates, and printed resolutions from the Mississippi Legislature.