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August 13, 1999

Wildcats May Be A Surprise In '99 South Division Football Race

     POPLARVILLE   Pearl River Community College fifth-year head coach Keith
Daniels is excited about the coming football season that kicks off Thursday, September 2,
against Itawamba in Fulton, but he refuses to make any brash predictions about how his
Wildcats will fare in 1999.
     Daniels knows all too well the ups and downs and highs and lows of coaching in
the Mississippi community college league. But he says Pearl River's newest recruiting
class could be the best yet since he arrived in Poplarville in the spring of 1995.
     "As we stand right now, our new guys are a very solid group, but with the
addition of a couple of unexpected newcomers, things look even better," he said.
     "Overall, we'll have excellent team speed and big play ability this time around,"
he continued. "That's something we've lacked the last couple of years."
     Two of Daniels' four seasons at The River have been losing ones, including last
year's 2-8 mark   a carbon copy of 1996's. In 1995   Daniels' inaugural season   the
Wildcats' 7-3 record was good enough for a three-way deadlock for second place in the
division, but injuries to key starters throughout the 1997 season saw PRCC stumble to a
5-5 mark.
     The 1999 season also sees a shuffle on the Wildcat coaching staff with two new
co-defensive coordinators. Fourth-year assistant Mark Anderton and second-year
assistant Deke Adams will share the duties of directing PRCC's multiple set defensive,
while Mike Humphreys who led the defense the last eight seasons, has moved to the
other side of the ball and will coach the offensive linemen. Humphreys is entering his
11th season at The River and has been with the Wildcat program longer than anyone on
the staff. Anderton will also coach the defensive front, while Adams will coach the
secondary. Both will work with the linebacking corps.
     "All our staff is back, but we've made some changes that I feel will generate
enthusiasm and bring in new ideas as far as what we're doing offensively and
defensively," Daniels said. "We've merely changed assignments and responsibilities and
I'm very comfortable with the situation."
     The Wildcats' group of "experienced" returnees include two offensive weapons
that sat out the 1998 season in QB Travis Cunningham and WR Bo Travis. Cunningham
(6-3, 200), a sophomore from Waterloo, S.C., returns after playing in the No. 3 back-up
spot in 1997 where he connected on six of seven passes (86 percent) for 119 yards and
three touchdowns. He suffered a shoulder injury during the '98 spring drills and wound-
up sitting out last year with a medical hardship. One of the fastest players on the squad,
the speedster was South Carolina's 200-meter sprint champion while prepping at
Laurens High.
     "From all indications from his doctor and our trainer (Brian Saffle), Travis should
be back 100 percent," Daniels explained. "His surgery and rehabilitation have gone well
and we don't anticipate any problems from the injury."
     Travis (6-3, 195), a sophomore from Pensacola, Fla.; is the brother of former All-
State and All-Region 23 linebacker Lateef Travis who played for the Wildcats in 1990
and 1991 then signed with Mississippi State. Bo caught 25 passes for 363 yards and
three TDs as a freshman backup in 1997. Those two totals were third-best on the team
that season, while his 14.5-yard per catch average was second.
     "Even though those two haven't played in nearly two years, they're talented
players that know what Pearl River football is all about," Daniels said.
     Two other pluses include Central Florida transfer Ron Bottex (6-1, 210) from
Orlando, Fla., who is expected to play a key role in the defensive secondary, and running
back Avery Hatten (6-2, 251) of Hattiesburg (North Forrest).
     Hatten was one of the Wildcats' elite recruits in 1998, but broke his foot in last
summer's high school all-star game and was sidelined for a year.
     "Avery's a big, strong kid with lots of football ability and comes from an excellent
high school program," Daniels said. "He and Ron went through drills with us last spring
and performed well. Even though they're first-year players for us, they're one up on our
true freshmen group because they've already settled in and adjusted well. Plus they have
a year or two of age and maturity on our new guys. The community college league is a
big, big jump from the preps."
     Daniels touts three "big play" freshmen in WR Keshun Fudge (5-11, 180) of
Hattiesburg,  RB Ramah Smith (5-11, 175) of Bogalusa, La.; and RB Trey McLemore (5-
9, 210) of Lumberton, who signed with Nicholls State last spring, but opted for PRCC
last week.
     "Keshun, Ramah, and Trey have tremendous talent and speed and are capable of
breaking the big play every time they get the ball. All three must become key factors in
our offense if we're to succeed. We're hoping they will compliment one another in our
multiple set offense," Daniels said.
     PRCC's offensive production will rely on an offensive front with several returning
players, but only one has had any starting experience. Besides 1998 part-time starter
Brandon Smith (6-5, 245) out of Hancock County, the remainder of the returning
linemen   Jeremy Drummond (6-3, 260) of Picayune, Robbie Miller (6-2, 290) of
Hattiesburg, Chris Strebeck (6-2, 250) of Poplarville, Mark Williams (6-3, 290) of
Diamondhead (Hancock County)   have only seen reserve duty.
     "We'll have a lot of freshmen competing for our down lineman slots on both sides
of the ball, but we are fortunate to have a nucleus of returning guys that have been here
a year and know what this level of football is all about," Daniels said. "Our offensive and
defensive fronts and our cornerback spots are big question marks right now. We're just
taking a wait and see attitude."
     West Marion freshmen DL Willie Carter (6-4, 285) and OL Brandon Thornhill (6-
3, 250), both from Foxworth, are expected to see plenty of action, along with freshmen
offensive linemen Kris Robbins (6-2, 275) of Picayune and Brad Stevens (6-5, 255) of
Sumrall.
     "Willie has size and athletic ability, but needs to learn and develop quickly
because we have a big need on the defensive front," Daniels said. "On the offensive side,
Brandon has good strength and excellent feet and will see plenty of play at center. Kris
and Brad have impressed our coaches so far. All are good players and should have no
trouble adjusting to this level of play."
     Freshman LB Elton Thrasher (6-3, 225) of Hattiesburg and freshmen defensive
backs Terry Sibley (5-9, 175) of Lumberton and Larry Thompson (6-1, 180) of Bassfield
are expected to add depth defensively.
     Sophomore defensive linemen Johnny Ratliff (6-2, 245) of Hattiesburg and
Sedrick Ingram (6-5, 270) of Hattiesburg (Forrest County AHS) both saw part-time
starting duty a year ago and should see starting spots by the season opener.
     "Football is very important to Johnny and what he may lack in some areas, he
makes up for any shortcomings with excellent technique, effort, and leadership abilities,"
Daniels said. "We're expecting big things from him and Sedrick this year."
     Three first-year players from Picayune High who didn't play last season are
expected to fill key gaps on the Wildcat defense. Linebackers Zack Ensminger (5-11,
240) and DE Corey Johnson (5-10, 210) have shown they can be solid contributors this
season.
     "Those are three guys decided not to play football at all last season, but came here
in the spring, went through our drills and have made positive impressions," Daniels said.
"They've been pleasant surprises because our biggest needs are on the defensive side of
the ball."
     The tight end position is up for grabs, but East Marion freshman Anthony Bullock
(6-3, 225) is the leading contender to replace two-year starter Nate Williams of
Hattiesburg. Williams, an All-State and All-Region 23 selection a year ago, will be
playing in Conference USA for the University of Houston this fall. Freshman Tony Garces
(6-4, 215) of Picayune should also see playing time at the position.
     "Anthony has the size, toughness, and ability to develop into an outstanding tight
end," Daniels said, "but whoever gets the job he has some big shoes to fill. It should be a
heated battle."
     The Wildcat special teams are solid. Punter Greg Mitchell (6-3, 160), a
sophomore from Picayune, developed into one of the state's top kickers last season,
averaging 38.5 yards on 62 kicks. Daniels says if he continues to improve, he will be a
key factor.
     "Greg did a fine job last season, but his inconsistency toward the end of the
season hurt his average. If he can prepare himself mentally and develop consistency, he'll
be as good as any in the league," Daniels said, noting Mitchell finished the 1998 season
ranked fourth among the state's punters and also sees duty at wide receiver.
     Another former Picayune Maroon Tide star, freshman place kicker Jack Byrd (5-
11, 170) "has the potential to be outstanding," said Daniels. 
     "Jack is entering a whole new world and must develop consistency, but he has the
leg strength and range to be one of the top kickers in the state. He should be a scoring
threat for us and we feel fortunate to have him."
     Sophomore WR Chris Marshall (5-8, 170) of Petal led all Wildcat receivers with
21 catches for 318 yards (15.2-yard average) last season, but also shined in his role as
the team's only punt returner. He averaged 13.5 yards on 19 punt returns (fifth-best in
the state), while averaging 17 yards on six kickoffs (18th-best in the state). Marshall
finished the 1998 season as the 12th-best receiver in the state.
     RB Deshonzo Franklin (5-11, 190), a sophomore out of Columbia High, is
expected to be one of the Wildcats' top all-around players and is designated for action on
offense and special teams. As a freshman back up, he rushed for 117 yards on 28 carries
and returned seven kickoffs for 98 yards (14-yard average).
     Franklin was also selected by the PRCC coaching staff to wear the late Juan
Mariner's No. 18 this season. Mariner, a Wildcat tight end from Oakvale in 1996 and
1997, was killed in an automobile crash two games into the '97 season and his number is
now annually assigned to a deserving Wildcat.
     "Deshonzo is one of my favorite players," Daniels said. "He takes care of business
in the classroom and on the field. Football and winning are very important in his life.
He's a winner...just like Juan."
     Daniels knows he's looking at a long row to hoe in the division, despite his
optimism. Three South Division teams have already garnered national attention by being
ranked in the Top 25 of the annual preseason NJCAA coaches' football poll. Last year's
state champion Jones, which finished 1998 undefeated (12-0) and with a bowl victory
under its belt, enters the season ranked No. 8, while perennial powerhouse Hinds is No.
16. Southwest is ranked No. 23.
     "Northwest (North Division) is ranked No. 2 nationally, but they're not on our
schedule this year. We're playing all three of the others though," Daniels said, noting
Jones is picked by the state Juco coaches to win the South and Northwest to win the
North. "Itawamba, East Mississippi, and Mississippi Delta also picked up lots of
recognition in the coaches' vote up North and we've got them all in succession the first
three weeks of the season."
     Daniels said Hinds, Southwest, and Mississippi Gulf Coast were picked to finish
second through fourth, respectively, in the seven-team South.
     Other key returning Wildcats include (listed alphabetically):
LB BRAD ALLEN (6-0, 210)   Allen, a sophomore out of Forrest County AHS in
Brooklyn, saw plenty of playing time last season. He finished 1998 with 23 solo tackles
and 14 assists.
LB GUERRE FABACHER (6-1, 225)   Fabacher, a sophomore out of Rummell High
School in New Orleans, started all 10 games last season and led the team in tackles with
40 solo stops, while boasting 20 assists. Fabacher's aggressiveness and quickness are his
biggest attributes.
DE BEN GUY (6-2, 220)   Guy, a sophomore out of St. Stanislaus Prep School in
Bay St. Louis, was moved from linebacker to defensive end midway into the 1998
season. He finished the season with a team-high four quarterback sacks. "We made that
move out of necessity, but it proved to be a good one. Ben developed into one of our top
defensive guys," Daniels said.
LB JAY LIVINGSTON (5-10, 180)   Livingston is a solid, all-around player and is
expected to be a key on the PRCC specialty teams. He saw some starting duty last season
and was the recipient of the Dobie Holden Scholarship for the 1999 spring semester.
Livingston, a sophomore, was recruited out of Columbia High.
WR LARRY MORROW (6-3, 180)   Morrow, a sophomore from Oak Grove,
finished 1998 as the team's second-leading receiver with 13 catches for 256 yards (19.7-
yard average) and a team-high three touchdowns. He finished the season ranked 17th in
the state in receiving.
RB JIMMIE RAX (5-10, 185)   Rax, a sophomore from Alexandria, La., was the
team's second-leading rusher last season with 395 yards on 88 carries (4.5-yard
average). He finished the 1998 season ranked 19th in the state in rushing.
     Wildcat recruits for 1999 include (listed alphabetically): DB Jay Beech (5-11,
180) of Carriere (Pearl River Central), RB-WR Tony Benton (5-8, 170) of Bay St. Louis,
TE Anthony Bullock (6-3, 225) of Sumrall (East Marion), PK Jack Byrd (5-11, 170) of
Picayune, DL Willie Carter (6-5, 285) of Foxworth (West Marion), DB Bobbie Easley (6-
1, 175) of Waxahachie, Tex.; WR Keshun Fudge (5-11, 180) of Hattiesburg, TE-DE Tony
Garces (6-4, 215) of Picayune, QB Andre Granger (5-8, 170) of Waxahachie, Tex.; DB
Chris Gray (6-0, 175) of Hattiesburg, LB Douglas Lewis (5-10, 220) of New Orleans, La.
(John F. Kennedy); RB Max Lott (5-8, 175) of Hattiesburg, RB Trey McLemore (5-9,
210) of Lumberton, RB Steven Odom (5-9, 210) of Columbia (Columbia High), OL Kris
Robbins (6-2, 275) of Picayune, DB Terry Sibley (5-9, 175) of Lumberton, RB Ramah
Smith (5-11, 175) of Bogalusa, La.; OL Brad Stevens (6-5, 255) of Sumrall, DB Larry
Thompson (6-1, 180) of Bassfield, OL Brandon Thornhill (6-3, 250) of Foxworth (West
Marion), LB Elton Thrasher (6-3, 225) of Hattiesburg, and DL Derrick White (6-3, 270)
of Hattiesburg.

     POPLARVILLE - The Asbury Foundation has donated $60,000 to Pearl River
Community College to endow  health leadership scholarships in honor of 
 PRCC President Ted J. Alexander.
     Bill Ray, president of Asbury Foundation and former president of Wesley Health
Systems, which included the former Methodist Hospital, made the presentation at the regular
August meeting of the Pearl River Board of Trustees.
     "I have long been aware of  the outstanding role Pearl River Community College plays in
providing educational opportunities," said Ray. "I have been equally impressed with Dr.
Alexander's strong  and aggressive leadership and his educational vision and initiatives for this
area."
     Pearl River established a "Future Leaders Program" last fall and received a $50,000 Phil
Hardin Foundation grant in January. The Asbury contribution will go toward the Ted J.
Alexander Future Leaders Endowment goal of $200,000.
     When funded the Future Leaders Endowment will help provide perpetual funding for 10
student scholarships for PRCC's best and brightest each year, as well as one faculty development
scholarship.
        "I am grateful beyond expression," said Dr. Alexander. " With this commitment the
Asbury Foundation has made a permanent contribution to future opportunities for young leaders
to better develop their skill and ability in leadership at Pearl River College."
     The Asbury Foundation was created in 1984 as the non-profit philanthropic arm of
Wesley Medical Center. Ray said selection of recipients will be made by the Scholarship
Committee at Pearl River.  Health leadership recognition will include allied health, nursing and
pre-medical scholarships.
     Dr. Alexander has been president of Pearl River Community College since 1986.

Moore New PRCC Athletic Director

    POPLARVILLE   James M. (Jimmie) Moore was approved as Pearl River Community
College's athletic director here Tuesday at the regular August meeting of the college's board of
trustees.
     He takes over the AD position from Keith Daniels, who will now focus totally on his
head football coaching duties.
     Moore will oversee all intercollegiate activities, including the football, basketball, soccer,
baseball, tennis, softball, and golf operations. He will be involved in budgeting, travel,
scheduling, and player certification with the different sports programs. He spent 16 years as an
administrator at East Mississippi Community College in Scooba before entering sales in 1989.
     "I was a part of the Mississippi community college system for years at East Mississippi
and I am very excited about getting back into it," Moore said. "I look forward to building on an
already rich athletic program at PRCC."
     PRCC president Dr. Ted J. Alexander said he is pleased to have Moore on board.
     "Jimmie has vast experience in managerial and budgetary areas and we feel very fortunate
to have him on the Pearl River team," said PRCC president Dr. Ted J. Alexander. "His expertise
will be an asset to our athletic program and the college as a whole."
     Moore, 49, has been a professional manager for over 25 years with vast experience in
financial planning, budgeting, purchasing, policy formulation, insurance management, public
relations, record keeping, and personnel management. His letters of recommendation came from
Dr. Randall Bradberry, commissioner of the Mississippi Association of Community-Junior
Colleges; EMCC chief administrative officer Ed Davis, and former Mississippi lieutenant
governor Eddie Briggs, who presently practices law in DeKalb.
     "I've known Jimmie and his family for many, many years and I know he is an honest,
hardworking, conscientious individual," Briggs said. "He will be a credit to Pearl River and its
athletic program. The PRCC board of trustees made a wise choice."
     Bradberry worked with Moore while he was head football coach at East Mississippi
Community College in Scooba, where Moore worked for some 16 years as an administrator.
     "Jimmie is a long-time friend and is a very knowledgeable and accommodating person,"
Bradberry said. "The thing I most appreciate about him is his being work oriented and energetic.
Jimmie is a doer...he doesn't procrastinate in any task.
     "In my present position, it's necessary that I work closely with all athletic directors in the
state and I'm confident that Jimmie will do well as Pearl River's AD. He is an outstanding
choice for the position."
     Davis says Moore is a good money manager and loyal school supporter. 
     "He is not afraid to take a hard line on expenditures and cut where needed," Davis said.
     A 1967 graduate of Southeast Lauderdale High School, he received his associate arts
degree from MCC in 1969 before transferring to USM where he earned bachelor of science and
bachelor of arts degrees in personnel management in 1971 and his masters degree in management
in 1972.
     Moore spent 16 years as an administrator at EMCC in Scooba. In fact, his first job after
earning his master's degree was as an administrative officer at East Mississippi. From August
1972 until June 1987 he served as business manager, director of development, admissions
counselor, and financial aid director at the community college.
     In June 1987, he left the school business, entering retail sales and briefly served as
Kemper County's purchasing clerk before returning to East Mississippi as chief financial officer
for its Scooba and Mayhew campuses from September 1988 until June 1989.
     In July 1989, Moore was named Kemper County's administrator and remained in that
capacity until June 1992. During that time, he served as the county's interim chancery clerk
(May through November 1990).
     Moore returned to the sales world in July 1992 as a sales representative, operations
supervisor, and site manager for Waste Management. He has worked with ENVIRO, Inc. in
Laurel since October 1997.
     Moore has been married to the former Ann Warren for 24 years and they are the parents
of two children, Joly Hembree, who is married and has two children; and Jaime.

Orientation required for new students registering at Pearl River College

     POPLARVILLE - Orientation for all new students who plan to enroll in fall classes at
Pearl River Community College's campus here is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 12 and
Friday, Aug. 13.
     Orientation sessions will be held in the Nursing/Wellness Center.
     "Orientation is a requirement," said Dr. Becky Askew, director of  recruitment and
orientation. "All first time students must receive instructions for advisement before starting the
registration process."
     President Ted Alexander will welcome students and administrators will answer questions
concerning the admissions process, fall classes, and other topics of interest. There is no charge
for orientation.
     Students should have transcripts on file in the admissions office or in their possession at
orientation.
     All academic  and technical students must provide their  American College Test scores
and vocational students are required to take the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE).
     Students who have not taken the ACT or TABE should call the PRCC Counseling Center
at 601-795-1250 for more information. 

Orientation set for Pearl River College's new Advanced Computerized Machining program

     HATTIESBURG - Pearl River Community College is accepting applications for the
Advanced Computerized Machining program at the PRCC Hattiesburg campus.
     Graduates of the program will have good paying job opportunities and careers in the
fields of injection mold manufacturing, die making, tool and die work, jig and fixture
construction, and customized machine manufacturing.
     The program of instruction takes approximately 12 months. Tuition assistance is
available.
     Persons interested should attend program orientations on Thursday, August 5 from 7 p.m.
to 8 p.m. or Saturday, Aug. 7, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Both orientations will be held in Building
Two at the PRCC Hattiesburg campus.
     For more information contact Rob Anderson at 601-544-9153. 

Pearl River Community College receives COPS grant

     POPLARVILLE - Pearl River Community College has been awarded a $65,727 COPS
grant under the U.S. Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
program.
     The award will allow Pearl River  to hire an additional full-time security officer. U.S.
Representative Gene Taylor announced the award last week.
     "The COPS program helps fight crime because it gives communities more law
enforcement officers," said Rep. Taylor. "Security on the campuses of our colleges is important
to the young men and women who attend school. I congratulate Pearl River Community College
for seeking this grant in order to assure a safe campus learning environment."
     The COPS grants provide funding for 75 percent of the total salary and benefits for each
officer hired for three years. Pearl River will provide the remaining funding needed.

D'Ambrosio named Wildcat soccer coach

  POPLARVILLE - Chris D'Ambrosio of Brandon was named head coach of the Pearl River
Community College Wildcat soccer team here Wednesday.
  Everything is complete for Pearl River College to field men and women teams for the first time this
fall. The Wildcats will play 16 intercollegiate matches while the Lady Wildcats have 11 games scheduled. 
The Wildcats will open their inaugural season at Hinds on August 28 . 
  College officials announced last month that Adam Breerwood will coach the Lady Wildcat soccer
team. 
  D'Ambrosio was an assistant coach and intern for the South Jones High School soccer team last
year and a coach in the Brandon City League in 1997. He played for Meridian Community College in 1996
and 1997.
  "I will provide the foundation and discipline for us to be tough competitors on this level," said
D'Ambrosio. "I look forward to the challenge of building this program from the ground up."
  Kenyatta Scott, head soccer coach at Hattiesburg High  and D'Ambrosio's coach at Brandon,
says his former player "knows where soccer has been and where it needs to go".
  "Chris will be a good role model and a great leader for the Pearl River program," said Scott. "He
has always had great work ethics and he has a lot of maturity for his age."
  D'Ambrosio's South Jones team beat Scott's Hattiesburg Tigers by one point this past year. "I
hated to lose that game but, I was happy for Chris," said Scott. "It was the student beating his mentor
thing and I was happy for him." 
  The Wildcat and Lady Wildcat soccer teams will report for practice on Aug. 9. Uniforms and
equipment are ready and a soccer complex near the Wildcat baseball diamond is  under construction.
However, some home games may be played this fall in the Dobie Holden Stadium
   "I am impressed with the talent of the players signed to scholarship," said D'Ambrosio. "I'm
looking forward to building an exceptional program which will compliment and uphold the outstanding
Pearl River athletic tradition."
  D'Ambrosio, 22, was captain on the Brandon High soccer team which won the 1996 state
championship. As a participant in the state youth soccer program, he was a starter on the 1996 Jackson
Futbol Club team which won state and regional crowns. He also played on Brandon league teams which
won state and regional championships in 1988 and 1990.
  The Jackson Futbol Club and Brandon  participate in Division One Select Soccer in Mississippi
which competes in intrastate and interstate matches. Mississippi is in Region 3 which includes 12 states.
  D'Ambrosio, best defensive player all four years in high school, was awarded the same honor by
the Jackson Futbol Club and during Select Region 3 competition in 1996.
    The son of Joe and Susan D'Ambrosio, Chris has been involved in soccer since the age of six. 
  "There are a lot of exciting things happening in the world of soccer here in Mississippi," said
D'Ambrosio. "The sport  will provide more and more great opportunities."
  D'Ambrosio was also coached by Tupelo High Coach Ron Baer and Millsaps Coach Bill Lytton.

PRCC dormitory renovation starting in August
Some residents will be shuffled to accommodate work

POPLARVILLE - Major renovation to two Pearl River Community College resident halls means 47 male students will be sleeping in a female dorm.
    Before a rush of new male applicants it should be noted, however, that the female students assigned to White Hall have been moved to the women's honor dorm and to Marion Hall.
    "It will be a little inconvenient for the next year," said Dr. Miller Hammill, dean of student affairs. "But the renovations are necessary and will greatly improve the PRCC housing situation."
    Two-story Pearl River and three-story Huff, two male dormitories located in the center of campus, will be remodeled floor by floor by the 2000 fall semester.
    Work begins with the second floor of Pearl River Hall in August. Residents will use the first floor and will then move upstairs when renovation is complete on that section.
    As work begins on Pearl River, a physical plant central heating and air- conditioning facility will be constructed to serve both dormitories, Moody Hall and the vocational building.
    If the Pearl River Hall renovation is complete before the end of the spring semester, third floor residents of Huff will be moved to Pearl River for work to begin in that Mississippi landmark.
    Hammill said male students have never been housed in White Hall, however, Pearl River Hall was used in 1969 to house women while Marion Hall was being built.
    "It will be a little like apple carts turnover for the next 12 months," said Hammill. "I really appreciate the way the students are accepting the changes for the coming school year."
    The renovation of Pearl River and Huff will complete a ten-year resident hall plan.
    Two new dormitories have been added to the west side of the campus and Marion Hall, a showplace built after Hurricane Camille destroyed Batson Hall, is currently undergoing summer refurbishing, complete with new furniture.
    Other steps taken to improve campus resident life includes cable television and telephone access in every room. Cable costs are included in the room and board fee and local telephone service is free.
    Students can now secure their own Internet service and fiber optic lines in place will soon provide Internet service through the PRCC server.
    Additional after class and night activities have been added to improve the quality of life for the 550 dormitory students.
    Plans are to construct a new student center, but while that is taking place, Shivers gym will be refurbished this fall with new furniture and televisions to provide a better environment for social gatherings.
    More intramural activities have been added and campus security, day and night, has been increased. 
    Hammill said no outside traffic is permitted on the campus after 11 p.m. and a 1 a.m. curfew still exists.

It's not too late to apply for financial aid

POPLARVILLE - It's not too late to apply for financial aid for the 1999 fall semester according to Pearl River Community College Financial Aid Director Mike Dobbins.
    "Students can still apply for a federal Pell Grant and the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)," said Dobbins. "My office can determine eligibility by the time classes start August 18. But it's important that when applying to include PRCC's code - 002430- on the eligibility report on the application for Federal Student Aid."
    Dobbins, who chairs the college's Financial Aid and Scholarship Committee, says academic scholarships and those presented through the PRCC Development Foundation have been awarded.
    "I still encourage students to ask for a list of available scholarships and then apply," said Dobbins. "Some students may not take advantage of the awards which means there would be assistance available."
    Academic students who improved their ACT scores during the summer may now be eligible for scholarships.
    "Call or come by our office if there has been any kind of change which may affect your financial condition," said Dobbins. 
    The maximum Pell Grant has increased from $3000 to $3125 for the coming school year. "Because of our low cost, many of our students receive a refund check by the end of the semester," said Dobbins.
    MTAG is designed for "middle income" individuals who do not qualify for Pell Grants.
    The PRCC Financial Aid Department is now located on the first floor of the new Administration Building.
    "We have much more space which is conducive to serving the needs of our students," said Dobbins.
    For more information about college financial assistance call 601-795-1211. 

Registration dates for new students set for August 12 & 13

POPLARVILLE - Registration for students who have never attended Pearl River Community College is by appointment Thursday, August 12 and Friday, August 13.
    PRCC Admissions Director Dow Ford said all other students register Monday, August 16 and Tuesday, August 17.
    Night class registration for the Poplarville campus is 3-6 p.m., Wednesday, August 11. Classes and late registration begins Wednesday, August 18.
    "Students register by a last name alphabetical schedule," said Ford. "The schedule must be followed. A student should call 601-795-1214 if there is a question about registration times."
    Students who have never attended Pearl River are required to attend an 8:30 a.m. orientation on August 12 and August 13.
    The August 12 registration schedule is as follows: Last names beginning with A-B - 9:30 a.m., C-D - 10 a.m., E-F-G - 10:30 a.m., H-I - 1 p.m., J-K - 1:30 p.m., and L-M - 2 p.m.
    The August 13 schedule includes students with last names beginning with N-O - 9:30 a.m., P-Q-R - 10 a.m., S-T - 10:30 a.m., U-V - 1 p.m., W - 1:30 p.m., and X-Y-Z - 2 p.m.
    Registration for students who have attended PRCC will register Monday, August 16 and Tuesday, August 17 according to the following schedule.
    August 16: A - 8:30 a.m., B - 9 a.m., C-D - 9:30 a.m., E-F - 10 a.m., G-H - 10:30 a.m., I-J - 1 p.m., K-L - 1:30 p.m., M - 2 p.m.
    August 17: N-O - 8:30 a.m., P-Q - 9 a.m., R - 9:30 a.m., S - 10 a.m., T - 10:30 a.m., U-V - 1 p.m., W - 1:30 p.m., and X-Y-Z - 2 p.m.

Local high school teachers experiencing real world of work;
  Internships sponsored through Pearl River College Tech Prep

  POPLARVILLE - Pearl River Community College's Tech Prep is sponsoring
district high school teachers in a summer Mississippi Internship for Educators Program.
  Ten high school teachers from Pearl River's six-county supporting district and
four PRCC instructors will complete five-day internships in a business and or industry by
August 6.
  "The teachers will be learning real world applications to incorporate into the
classroom," said Elaine Smith, director of the PRCC Tech Prep. "It's basically a hands-
on approach in the workplace environment."
  The internships will allow local educators to be more knowledgeable of the
subject matter they are teaching and how it relates to and fulfills the needs of business
and industry.
  Smith said a massive social and economic transformation is taking place in the
United States. Work is becoming "knowledge based,"  and foreign countries are
competing with well trained, highly skilled workers.
  Lauri McCormick, a chemistry teacher at Hattiesburg High School, is spending a
week at Hercules. North Forrest science teacher Diana Crutchfield will be at Wesley
Medical Center and Susan McQueen, Oak Grove Middle School algebra teacher, is
scheduled to join Forrest General Hospital for a week.
  Betty Young, career discovery instructor at Rowan Jr. High, will be at the Wesley
Medical Center the first week of August.
  "Spending time in the workplace will allow the teachers to adapt curricula and
classroom instruction to better prepare students to meet the practical demands of
business and industry," said Smith.
  David Lea, electrical trades instructor at the Jefferson Davis Vo-Tech spent the
past week at Chain Electric in Hattiesburg. Drafting teacher Daryl Ladner of the
Hancock County Vo-Tech is at Coast Electric in Bay St. Louis.
  The area businesses and industries have agreed to participate in the internship
program which allows educators exposure to all aspects of the business through a
succession of experiences and assignments of tasks.
  The program is administered by the Mississippi Department of Education, Office
of Vocational and Technical Education, through the Pearl River College Tech Prep
Consortia.

Network Support Technology Program expanding

  POPLARVILLE - A second instructor has been employed in the expanding Pearl
River Community College Network Support Technology program.
  Stacy Reese is joining Susan Anderson as a instructor in the program that
centers around the linking of several or many computers together so they can use
common resources.
  "The demand for people qualified in this new field is growing and industry is
begging for certified technicians," said Anderson, who also teaches computer
programming.
  Anderson and Reese recently attended a Technical Partnership for Computer
Network Training conference to learn even more about the emerging field of study.
  Anderson said Microsoft certifies students as a systems engineer after passing
six tests.
  "Our students will have the knowledge to pass at least three of the tests by the
end of their sophomore year,"  said Anderson.
  For more information about the program call Anderson at 601-795-1120.