Members of the UM-DeSoto Student Mississippi Association of Educators (DSMAE) expressed their gratitude to local teachers by hosting an appreciation reception at the DeSoto Center on April 30. Over 60 student teachers, clinical instructors, and UM-Desoto administrators gathered to celebrate the year's accomplishments and recognize outstanding dedication to education in Mississippi.
"Our DSMAE student officers worked to organize the reception as a way to show their appreciation to the clinical instructors of DeSoto County who served as teachers and mentors to the up-and-coming educators," UM Assistant Professor of Education and MAE sponsor, Caroline Adams said.
During the reception, MAE officers presented a check for $1,300 to UM School of Education Assistant Dean Germain McConnell to further fund the school's T.P. Vinson Memorial Scholarship which is awarded each year to an outstanding education major. The group raised the money through various fundraising events.
DSMAE vice president Melonie Goolsby was recognized with an Outstanding Service Award for her commitment to DSMAE and for her academic excellence as a UM-DeSoto education major.
UM-DeSoto Student Services Coordinator Ashley Gray and Dr. Caroline Adams also worked to plan the event, which included refreshments and goody bags for the attendees. Reception speakers included DSMAE president Megan Brewer, UM-DeSoto Dean Dr. Bonnie Buntin, and UM School of Education Dean Dr. Tom Burnham.
