The Magee High School Auditorium was the site of the 2025 Mississippi Scholars Recognition and Reception for Simpson County high school seniors, marking the 21st anniversary of the program. There were 58 students honored.
Following opening remarks by committee members Dr. Anika Floyd, President and Richard Rankin, Secretary, Robbie Barnes President and CEO of PriorityOne Bank introduced keynote speaker, Commissioner Roshunda Kelly. Kelly is the head of the MS Dept. of Banking and Finance and was appointed by Gov. Tate Reeves in March 2021. Having extensive education and experience in banking and finance she shared her journey and key points of wisdom she learned along the way.
Kelly opened her remarks by saying, “Today we celebrate you. We recognize your hard work, continued commitment and your ultimate achievement in completing the Mississippi Scholars and Tech Masters Program. Congratulations! Your journey is just beginning.”
She was raised in rural Choctaw County the fourth of six children tending farm animals likes cows, chickens and goats along with a garden. The older Kelly got the more she realized she wanted something else and knew education was the pathway. Following high school graduation she enrolled at Mississippi State University (MSU) where she attended classes while working at Pizza Hut and a brief stint at the MSU dairy farm.
Before graduating from MSU Kelly decided to leave Mississippi believing she would find more opportunities outside the state. However, a banking professor put her in touch with the Office of the Comptroller of Currency, a federal regulator and the MS Dept. of Banking and Finance, the state’s regulator. Neither had been on her radar when considering a career. Kelly researched the field and liked what she saw. One interview later she was working for the state agency. During her tenure Kelly has served in every position available, stating regardless of which position she worked hard to be the best.
“Success does not come without hard work and some level of sacrifice. Your path to success may not be a straight line; and success often comes with setbacks. Change is inevitable. In life there are factors we cannot control. We have the ability to adapt and change our course. I have a quote on my desk that reads ‘you can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails’. How easily you embrace and navigate change will be the defining factor of your success,” explained Kelly.
She also believes there are three characteristics central to success: resilience, humility and courage. Kelly offered nuggets of wisdom from her own journey as she explained why these three elements are crucial for success. She used several quotes in defining these attributes.
Kelly quoted Albert Einstein first. “In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity,” adding she experienced the most growth during times of adversity and is a better leader because of them. She also shared, “Courage is the resistance to fear, the mastery of fear, not the absence of fear,” from Mark Twain. Lastly Kelly referenced her favorite quote from legendary actor John Wayne, “Courage is about being scared to death but saddling up anyway.”
Kelly encouraged the students to think big but dream bigger; set goals. “Your path is your legacy. How do you want to be remembered? Make the best of it. You never know when an opportunity will present itself to you, so be ready to say yes. Accept the challenge; embrace the change; even if it’s scary. There’s no comfort in the growth zone; and there’s no growth in the comfort zone.”
Students recognized as MS Scholars from Magee High School were Addison Gray, Carson Harper, Hayden Huffman, Gage Kemp, Kendal Middleton, Lauren Rankin, David Shows, Ashleigh Wyatt, Talea Williams and Miriam Wright.
Mendenhall High School MS Scholars were Madillyn Barron, Aaron Batton, Logan Cockrell, Tyla Coleman, Lariza Hernandez, Landon McKennie, Jackie Sills and Chloe Woodard.
Simpson County Academy (SCA) MS Scholars were Hayes Berry, Anna Joy Blain, Brody Blakeney, Lauren Brown, Conner Cone, Avery Daughdrill, Braden Duncan, Ava Dunn, Brayden Ellis, Talan Ferguson, Natalie Hathorn, Johnna Jones, Ben Kennedy, Caroline McAlpin, Avery McNair, Addison McWilliams, Peyton Mitchell, Braden Overby, Walker Polk, Emma Scoggins, Calvin Smith, Avery Vanderford, Emma Grace Wallace, and Bryce Williams.
Students recognized as Simpson County Technical Center Tech MS Masters Scholars include from Magee, Carson Harper, Hayden Huffman, Gage Kemp, Isaac Magee, David Shows, Ashliegh Wyatt, and Miriam Wright; Mendenhall, Madillyn Barron, Aaron Batton, Jackie Sills, and Chloe Woodard; and SCA, Jami Bishop, Brayden Ellis, Talan Ferguson, Eli Jordan and Kade Walker.
There are extensive and specific course requirements for both MS Scholars and MS Tech Master Scholars. Other requirements include but are not limited to a minimum 19 ACT composite score; a 2.5 high school GPA; 95% school attendance during high school years; and no out of school suspension. Students must also complete 80 hours of community service hours during their high school years. For more information about all program requirements, visit www.msmec.com/propel-education-forum/curriculum
