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Band clinic brings musicians to PRCC

POPLARVILLE – Approximately 230 musicians from 23 South Mississippi schools will be on the Pearl River Community College campus this weekend for the annual PRCC Band Clinic.

The middle and high school students will divide into two bands for rehearsals Friday afternoon and night and again on Saturday. The bands will be presented in concert at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Olivia Bender Cafeteria in Crosby Hall.

The PRCC Symphonic Band will perform for the students at 6 p.m. Friday, and the PRCC JazzCats will play at 11 a.m. Saturday. Both performances will be in the cafeteria.

Clinicians are Sheily Bell, band director at Dutchtown High School in Giesmar, La., and Anna Schwartz, band director at Ocean Springs Middle School.

The clinic began in the 1950s as the Lumberton Band Clinic and  is the oldest annual clinic in the state. The clinic has been held at PRCC since 1991.

The public is invited to attend the Saturday concert.

Filed under: Arts, K-12, Pearl River, Crosby Hall, education, Pearl River Community College, POPLARVILLE

PRCC students named to all-state band

POPLARVILLE – Ten Pearl River Community College musicians were selected by audition for the 2011 Mississippi Community College All-State Band.

They will rehearse on Feb. 10 and 11 at the University of Southern Mississippi and perform in concert at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, in Bennett Auditorium.

They are Danielle Rogers of Petal, flute; Jacob Cochran of Poplarville, clarinet; Paul Ferguson of Poplarville, tenor saxophone; Dale Beech of Carriere, French horn; Aaron Carden of Lucedale and Lacey Odom of Poplarville, trumpet; Brandon Hutchison of Picayune and Wesley Graham of Columbia, percussion; Marcus Lindsey of Picayune and Adam Mixon of Sumrall, trombone.

Clinician will be Dr. Cliff Taylor of Mississippi State University.

Filed under: Arts, Pearl River, Aaron Carden, Adam Mixon, Brandon Hutchison, Cliff Taylor, Dale Beech, Danielle Rogers, Entertainment/Culture, Jacob Cochran, Lacey Odom, Marcus Lindsey, Paul Ferguson, Pearl River Community College, POPLARVILLE, Wesley Graham

PRCC hosts Mississippi Showchoir Contest in Hub City

More than 30 middle and high school showchoirs will be in Hattiesburg Friday and Saturday, Feb. 4 and 5, for the Mississippi Showchoir contest.

Sponsored by Pearl River Community College, the contest will be held at William Carey University.

PRCC Honors Military

Judges will be Dr. Mark Malone, coordinator of music education in The Winters School of Music at Carey and former choral director at PRCC; Michael Winslow, choral director at Mount Zion High School, Mount Zion, Illinois; Jena Adrianson, choral director at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis; and Eric Van Cleave of Lafayette, Ind., producer, musical arranger and director.

Carol Joy Sparkman of the Missisisppi College music faculty will be the solo competition judge. Dr. Jonathan Kilgore, chair of fine arts and choral director at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, will judge the final showchoir competition.

Middle school showchoir competition begins at 3 p.m. Friday. Schools expected to compete are South Forrest Attendance Center, Petal, Purvis, Pearl River Central, N.R. Burger, Baxterville, Northeast Jones, Clinton, South Jones, Columbia Academy, Jackson Prep and Brandon.

Three Class A high schools – Forrest County AHS, Purvis and Stone will also compete Friday, beginning at 9:10 p.m.

The Voices, PRCC’s jazz ensemble, will present an exhibition performance before awards are given at 10:40 p.m. Friday.

High schools expected to compete Saturday are Wayne County, Lumberton, Columbia Academy, Picayune, Oak Grove, Pearl River Central, Hattiesburg, West Jones, Pascagoula, Clinton, Madison Central, Northeast Jones, Opelika, Ala.; Jackson Prep, Sumrall and Petal. Competition begins at 7:55 a.m. Saturday and continues until 6:35 p.m.

Three women’s groups – Northwest Rankin, Opelika and Petal – will also compete Saturday, beginning at 1 p.m.

PRCC’s showchoir, RiverRoad, will present an exhibition performance at 2:25 p.m. following preliminary competition.

The Voices will perform again at 6:35 p.m. before finalists are announced at 7 p.m. Three soloists and five showchoirs will perform again in final competition, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Awards will be presented at 10:40 p.m.

Admission is $6 on Friday night, $6 for preliminary competition on Saturday and $6 for final competition Saturday night or $10 for both preliminary and final competition on Saturday.

PRCC started the Mississippi Showchoir Contest in 1987 and hosted it in Poplarville until Hurricane Katrina in 2005 destroyed the performance venues. The contest was held in Petal in 2006.

After a two-year break, PRCC revived the contest in 2009 with the cooperation of William Carey University.

LaDona Tyson is director of choral activities at PRCC, and Archie Rawls is chair of the Department of Fine Arts and Communication.

Filed under: Arts, Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, K-12, Oak Grove, Pearl River, Petal, Purvis, William Carey, Baxterville, Clinton, Columbia Academy, education, Entertainment/Culture, Gulf Coast Community College, Jena Adrianson, Mark Malone, Opelika, POPLARVILLE, prcc, Show choir, South Forrest Attendance Center, Wayne County, William Carey University, Winters School of Music

PRCC nursing graduates do well on licensing exams

POPLARVILLE – Nursing students at Pearl River Community College did extremely well on state licensing examinations following their graduation in 2010.

The PRCC practical nursing class on the Poplarville campus scored a 100 percent passing rate, said Peggy Dease, PRCC director of nursing education. Fourteen students graduated in August and took the National Council Licensing Examination for practical nurses.

Seventy-two graduates of the PRCC associate degree nursing program ranked second in the state with a 94.44 percent passing rate on the National Council Licensing Examination for registered nurses.

“The program is strong,” Dease said. “The test measures the minimum safety quality they should have. The complexity of the testing was increased on both of the exams this year.”

The PRCC nursing education program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission since 1987. The program is currently undergoing the routine reaccreditation process and will host members of the commission on a site visit next month.

Students in the practical nursing program complete the program in three semesters while the associate degree program takes four semesters.

For more information on either program, telephone 601 403-1017 or visit the PRCC web site atwww.prcc.edu.

Filed under: Forrest County, Lamar County, Marion County, Pearl River, education, Medicine, Nurse education, Nursing, Pearl River Community College, POPLARVILLE, prcc

PRCC receives $350,000 from Asbury Foundation

POPLARVILLE – The Asbury Foundation of Hattiesburg recently gave $350,000 to Pearl River Community College for scholarships and dental hygiene equipment.

The grant will be used to further the education of students living in the eight counties served by the foundation, said executive director Bill Ray.

“They are usually students who stay at home and contribute to the Mississippi economy,” Ray said. “The money is well spent.”

A portion of the money – $150,000 – will be used to purchase digital imaging equipment, computers and software for the dental hygiene program at the Forrest County Center.

“This is a huge upgrade,” said Dr. Stan Hill, program director.

Students in the two-year program will learn how to manage charting and other aspects of a dental practice by computer as well as imaging, he said.

“Not everybody has gone digital in private practice, but it’s coming,” Hill said.

The equipment will be installed this spring, giving the instructors time to become familiar with it before putting it in use during the fall semester.

The remaining $200,000 of the Asbury grant will be used for scholarships through the PRCC Foundation.

Three full-tuition scholarships were awarded this semester, said PRCC Foundation executive director Ernie Lovell.

Although the Asbury Foundation did not restrict the scholarship funds, the preference is to assist students enrolled in an allied health or nursing program. The Asbury Foundation’s charter requires recipients of its grants to live in Covington, Forrest, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River or Perry counties.

“ Pearl River Community College is extremely grateful for the continuing support that the Asbury Foundation has shown with these latest gifts to the college,” said Dr. William Lewis, PRCC president. “Their partnership with our institution is vital to the success of our efforts to provide quality higher educational experiences for the citizens of South Mississippi.”

The Asbury Foundation was created in September 1997 with $35 million in assets from the sale of Wesley Health Systems. The foundation awards grant to strengthen education and health care in South Mississippi.

Filed under: Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Marion County, Oak Grove, Pearl River, Petal, Purvis, Sumrall, Asbury Foundation, Asbury Foundation of Hattiesburg, covington, Ernie Lovell, Jefferson Davis, Pearl River Community College, POPLARVILLE, Poplarville Mississippi, PRCC Foundation, Stan Hill, Wesley Health Systems, William Lewis

PRCC Women’s Health Symposium set for Jan. 29

POPLARVILLE – Pearl River Community College will host the fifth annual Women’s Health Symposium on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, in Crosby and Seal halls on the Poplarville campus. Cost is $20 and includes a continental breakfast and luncheon.

Keynote speaker will be Sally Baskey, a motivational speaker known for using humor to cope with change and get through life.

The symposium starts at 8 a.m. in Crosby Hall with free health screenings. The screenings will be available until 10 a.m.

An art walk, featuring the work of area artists, will take place at the same time. PRCC instructor Trevor Hunt will play guitar during the art walk. Participants will be able to choose to attend two of eight informational sessions before the luncheon.

“The Pearl River Community College Women’s Health Symposium is an event which, as documented in a number of health reports, is needed in Mississippi and especially in our area,” said Dr. Becky Askew, chair of the symposium steering committee. “The symposium will raise  the awareness of the women in this region regarding the need for changes in lifestyles in order to improve the personal health and fitness of our citizens.

“Two important results of this symposium will be that those attending will be better educated regarding their health and will have information which will be helpful in their making positive decisions which will improve not only their lives but also the lives of others around them.”

The concurrent sessions will be at 9:50 and 10:40 a.m. in Seal Hall. Topics are:

  • Normal is Gone and It Won’t Be Back! By Janie Walters of Champion Communications.
  • Financial Planning Basics for Your Financial Well-Being by Michelle Mabry of Wealth Management Consultants.
  • Exercise, No Gym Needed! Anywhere, Anytime, Any Age and Any Level by PRCC instructor Julie Pierce.
  • Protecting Yourself – Legally Speaking by assistant district attorney Monya Creel.
  • What Should Happen at My Yearly Exam? By Dr. Melissa Holland of Hattiesburg Clinic.
  • Just the Facts, Girls! (How to take care of yourself at any age) by Dr. Virginia Crawford of the University of Southern Mississippi.
  • Caregiving and Taking Care of the Caregiver by Kathy Van Cleave, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Division of the state Department of Mental Health.
  • Prevention of Heart Disease by Dr. Benjamin Rester of Hattiesburg Clinic.

The luncheon begins at 11:15 a.m. in Crosby Hall.

Baskey is a former Actors Studio instructor who went on to a 25-year career with a major oil company where she demonstrated a strength for managing technical areas as a non-technical person. Her book, “Laughter, My Drug of Choice,” shares her philosophy of using a sense of humor to deal with change.

In addition to Baskey’s presentation, the luncheon will include entertainment by The Voices, PRCC’s jazz vocal ensemble, and the presentation of doors prizes and favors.

The health fair will include free blood pressure, blood glucose/cholesterol, posture analysis, hearing and memory screenings,  lung function assessment, chair massages, manicures and paraffin wax treatment for arthritis and information about women’s health issues, including stress management, nutrition and hormones, tobacco awareness and cancer.

The art walk will be open during the health fair and after the luncheon. Area artisans will offer a variety of works for sale, including oil, watercolor, and mixed media; jewelry, hand_made skin care products, hand_painted frames, quilts, jackets, drawings and pottery.

Registration materials are available by calling 601 403-1317 or by emailingwomenshealthsymposium@prcc.edu. The materials also are available for downloading on the PRCC Website at www.prcc.edu.

Filed under: Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Marion County, Medical, Pearl River, Becky Askew, Pearl River Community College, POPLARVILLE, Sally Baskey, Trevor Hunt

PRCC Getting Ready for Homecoming

POPLARVILLE – Students at Pearl River Community College will gear up for homecoming with a week of activities leading up to the Oct. 23 football game.

The activities begin on Monday, Oct. 18, with Sports Team Day, said Tom Smith, director of student life. Students are asked to wear their favorite team’s colors, jerseys, paraphernalia or memorabilia.

Each day of the week will have a similar theme:

  • Tuesday – Tacky Tuesday. Students should wear their tackiest, most mismatched outfit to get loose for the week.
  • Wednesday – ‘80s Day. Students can wear the most outrageous ‘80s or Madonna outfit to add some spice to the week.
  • Thursday – Maroon and Gold Day. Students should wear maroon or gold PRCC shirts, hats, and jersey.

The annual Fall Fest will be held at 10:50 a.m. Thursday. The Spirit of the River marching band and the homecoming court will stage a brief parade on U.S. 11 from the band hall to the administration building where Fall Fest will include a pep rally, student limbo and hula-hoop contests, coaches’ eating contest and introduction of the court.

  • Friday – Camo Day. Students can wear camouflage soldier gear to support the team.

Homecoming Day activities include the PRCC Sports Hall of Fame induction at 9 a.m. Saturday in the Technology Center, class reunions, the annual Alumni Association Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in Olivia Bender Cafeteria, presentation of the homecoming court at 2:30 p.m. at Dobie Holden Stadium and the 3 p.m. football game against Hinds Community College.

Filed under: Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Marion County, Oak Grove, Pearl River, Petal, Purvis, Dobie Holden Stadium, football, Hinds Community College, Homecoming, Pearl River Community College, POPLARVILLE, Sports

PRCC to Host Wildcat Fest

POPLARVILLE – The Pearl River Community College Office of Student Services will host its second annual Wildcat Fest preview day from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at Dobie Holden Stadium.

Approximately 2,500 high school seniors will be invited.

Representatives of all PRCC academic, career, technical and workforce programs will be represented.

For more information, contact Caycee Simon, assistant dean for student life, at 601 403-1197 or csimon@prcc.edu.

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Filed under: Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Marion County, Oak Grove, Pearl River, Petal, Purvis, Sumrall, Pearl River Community College, POPLARVILLE, Poplarville Mississippi

Grant to PRCC Continues Healthy People Now! Program

Dr. Ted Alexander, chief executive officer of the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, presents a $25,000 grant to Pearl River Community College for continuation of the Healthy People Now! program. The presentation was made to, from left, PRCC President William Lewis, nursing instructor Lindsay Loustalot, PRCC Development Foundation director Ernie Lovell and digital media coordinator Ronn Hague.

POPLARVILLE – Pearl River Community College has received a $25,000 grant to continue and expand an innovative program targeting school-age students whose health is at risk.

Healthy People Now! provides 3- to 10-minute, age-appropriate DVD programs that address health problems, including nutrition, stress, exercise and heart health. Production of the programs involves students in the college’s associate degree nursing program and in the television and film production class.

The grant from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation will extend the original three-year program, set to finish production in 2011, with the goal of expanding.

“This will allow us to continue to place our DVDs in schools in Hancock and Pearl River counties,” said Lindsay Loustalot, PRCC’s Nursing and Wellness Coordinator and program executive producer. “The responses have been rewarding because at-risk students have been identified and received additional counseling after viewing our DVDs.”

Nursing students research each topic and develop the scripts. Students in PRCC’s television and film production class, taught by PRCC digital media coordinator Ronn Hague, videotape and produce the DVDs.

‘We are excited that such a worthy program as Healthy People Now! has been renewed and expanded by the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation,” said Hague, who serves as video director. “This funding will not only help us place very pertinent dramatic illustrations into the classroom where they will help discover at-risk students, it will also provide my television and film production class continued opportunity to intern in a very professional environment with accomplished actors and the finest equipment.”

Healthy People Now! is an outgrowth of classroom demonstrations Loustalot started in 1998. Because the programs reached only 12 classrooms annually, Loustalot and Hague partnered in 2003 to produce short video programs that were distributed on a limited basis to schools.

The program was funded in 2008 by the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, allowing for the purchase of professional equipment and distribution to K-12 schools in both counties.

“This programmatic activity has created a wonderful opportunity for teachers, students and parents through the DVDs made available for instructional purposes to be much more aware of the circumstances our children face in their everyday school life,” said Dr. Ted Alexander, chief executive officer of the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation. “It has received an outstanding reception by the school districts in south Mississippi.”

Photo caption:

Dr. Ted Alexander, chief executive officer of the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, presents a $25,000 grant to Pearl River Community College for continuation of the Healthy People Now! program. The presentation was made to, from left, PRCC President William Lewis, nursing instructor Lindsay Loustalot, PRCC Development Foundation director Ernie Lovell and digital media coordinator Ronn Hague.

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Filed under: Featured, Forrest County, Lamar County, Marion County, Pearl River, Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, Pearl River Community College, POPLARVILLE

Six advance through local Punt, Pass and Kick competition

The new NFL logo went into use at the 2008 draft.
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POPLARVILLE – Six contestants came out on top in the National Football League Punt, Pass and Kick competition held Thursday, Sept. 30, at Pearl River Community College.

The first place winners will advance to sectional competition later this month with the chance to move up to the Team Championship. The finals will be held in January at a New Orleans Saints divisonal playoff game.

First, second and third place winners in the Poplarville competition were:

Boys, ages 6-7: Peyton Thigpen of Carriere, first; Nolan Walters of Carriere, second; and Clay Mikell of Poplarville, third.

Boys, ages 8-9: Joshua Brown of Poplarville, first; Neal Berry of Gulfport, second; and Blaise Breerwood of Poplarville, third.

Boys, ages 10-11: Anthony Papa of Lacombe, La., first; Kederick Powers of Sumrall, second; and Kobe Taylor of Poplarville, third.

Girls, ages 10-11: Anna Snider of Picayune, first, and Emily Seal of Poplarville, second.

Boys, ages 12-13: Dalton Reiden of Wiggins, first; Cody Miller of Carriere, second; and Zach Taylor of Poplarville, third.

Boys, ages 14-15: Trey Revere of Carriere, first; Malik Lucas of Poplarville, second; and Cody Mikell of Poplarville, third.

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Filed under: Forrest County, Lamar County, Marion County, Pearl River, Sports, mississippi, Pearl River Community College, Pearl River County Mississippi, POPLARVILLE, Poplarville Mississippi, Reiden, Sports