Submitted by braswell on October 21, 2013 – 10:37am
POPLARVILLE – Pearl River Community College celebrated homecoming Saturday, Oct. 19, with the presentation of awards, the crowning of Melissa Dragon as queen and a big win on the football field.
The day began with the induction of five star athletes into the PRCC Sports Hall of Fame. They include baseball standout Greg Guidry of Spring, Texas, basketball star Freddie Jordan of Picayune, All-American basketball player Audosha Kelley of Savannah, Ga., former NFL player Jeffrey Posey of Hattiesburg and All-American linebacker James W. “Snuffy” Smith of Foxworth.
At the annual Alumni Luncheon, Dr. John Grant Jr. of Poplarville was presented the Alumnus of the Year Award. Grant graduated from PRCC in 1966 and earned degrees from the University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi. He taught high school for several years before returning to PRCC where he spent 32 years as a teacher and administrator.
“Perhaps the greatest accolade is the thing I hear the most – that John Grant was a master teacher,” PRCC President Dr. William Lewis said before presenting the award.
Grant retired in 2011 as vice president for instruction.
“It’s gratifying and humbling to be included with others who have won this award,” Grant said. “I’ve been dedicated to doing whatever I could to help students learn. When all is said and done, that’s why we’re here.”
Lewis presented the Distinguished Service Award to The Asbury Foundation of Hattiesburg, which has given more than $620,600 in grants for allied health programs and scholarships at PRCC.
“I look forward to a continued relationship with Pearl River,” said Bill Ray, chief executive officer of the foundation. “They do a great job.”
Recipients of scholarships honoring former PRCC coaches were also recognized – Tanner Bryan of Picayune received the Dobie Holden Memorial Scholarship and Carson Miller of West Point received the Keith Daniels Memorial Football Scholarship.
Grant and members of the Sports Hall of Fame were recognized on the field at Dobie Holden Stadium before kickoff against East Central. The Wildcats defeated the Warriors 45-7.
Dragon, a sophomore from Picayune, and her court were presented at half-time. Her court included sophomore maids Victoria Farmer of Picayune and Miranda Fazende of Poplarville, Forrest County Center sophomore maid Morgan Cutrer of Tylertown, freshman maids Chelsea Bolton of New Augusta, Shelby L. Perry of Sumrall and Kaitlin Cooper of Picayune, Forrest County Center freshman maid Jelea Williams of Hattiesburg and Hancock Center maid Morgan Gallagher of Kiln.
Dr. John Grant Jr. of Poplarville, left, received the 2013 Alumnus of the Year Award from Pearl River Community College President Dr. William Lewis during homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 19.
PRCC Public Relations photo
Bill Ray, left, chief executive officer of The Asbury Foundation of Hattiesburg, accepted the Pearl River Community College Distinguished Service Award from PRCC President Dr. William Lewis at homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 19.
PRCC Public Relations photo
The 2013 Pearl River Community College homecoming court is, from left, freshman maids Chelsea Bolton of New Augusta and Shelby Perry of Sumrall, Forrest County Center sophomore maid Morgan Cutrer of Tylertown, sophomore maid Miranda Fazende of Poplarville, queen Melissa Dragon of Picayune, Forrest County Center freshman maid Jelea Williams of Hattiesburg, Hancock Center maid Morgan Gallagher of Kiln, sophomore maid Victoria Farmer and freshman maid Kaitlin Cooper, both of Picyaune.
PRCC Public Relations photo
Pearl River Community College President Dr. William Lewis congratulates Melissa Dragon of Picayune after crowning her 2013 Homecoming queen Saturday. Looking on is her father Mark Dragon. The PRCC Wildcats defeated East Central 45-7.
PRCC Public Relations photo
Pearl River Community College honored Dr. John Grant of Poplarville, left, as Alumnus of the Year at Homecoming Saturday. Also honored were Sports Hall of Fame inductees, from left, Freddie Jordan of Picayune, Greg Guidry of Spring, Texas; Jeffrey Posey of Hattiesburg and James W. “Snuffy” Smith of Foxworth.
PRCC Public Relations photo
