Former NBA player surprises Jefferson Davis County teachers with gifts
Al Jefferson surprises his hometown teachers with gifts
Former NBA player surprises Jefferson Davis County teachers with gifts By Mia Monet | May 6, 2021 at 6:55 PM CDT - Updated May 6 at 6:55 PM
JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - For National Teacher Appreciation Week, the teachers of Jefferson Davis County High School were surprised with gifts from former NBA basketball player Al Jefferson and local entrepreneur Marves Fairley.
The men are from the area and have been friends since their sophomore year of high school.
“This is home. I was born and raised [here],” Jefferson said. “When I left in ’04, I could never forget about this place, because it’s my family and friends here.”
Sen. Boozman meets with Northeast Arkansas leaders
Sen. Boozman meets with Northeast Arkansas leaders By Logan Whaley | May 6, 2021 at 6:46 PM CDT - Updated May 6 at 8:31 PM
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Parts of Northeast Arkansas received a visit from a U.S. Senator Thursday. Sen. John Boozman met with leaders in multiple Region 8 counties.
Sen. Boozman stopped in four cities in the area Thursday.
His first stop was at Paragould High School for National Teacher Appreciation Week, touring the school’s agriculture, band, and JROTC facilities while meeting with teachers and faculty members.
Then, it was on to Clay County, touring historical sights in Piggott and meeting with county officials in Corning to discuss the need for broadband.
MU College of Education receives $1 million gift; will create scholarships for elementary education students
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
MU alumnus pledged a $1 million contribution to the University of Missouri’s College of Education during National Teacher Appreciation Week.
Gary J. Coles and Patricia McIntosh Coles s gift will be used to establish scholarships for MU students preparing to become elementary school teachers.
“We are extremely grateful for the Coles entrusting the MU College of Education with their legacy and generously expressing their love of education by assisting generations of future teachers,” said Erica Lembke, interim dean of the MU College of Education. “Their passion for education really shines through and their commitment to our college will support our students both now and in the future.”
The University of Missouri’s College of Education received a $1 million gift during National Teacher Appreciation Week to support elementary education students.
At a ceremony on Thursday, it was announced that the gift from MU alumnus Gary J. Coles and Patricia McIntosh Coles will create scholarships for students studying early childhood education or elementary education. Students will have to show financial need to qualify.
Shelby Johnson is the first recipient of the Dr. Patricia McIntosh Coles and Dr. Gary J. Coles 1981 Scholarship in Elementary Education award and spoke at the ceremony.
The MU junior said she feels honored to receive the award as it aids her in pursuing her dream career in elementary education.
Teach for America is a program that finds, develops and supports a diverse network of leaders dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for children. Since 2009, the national organization has been in North Texas serving more than 400,000 students and trained more than 1,700 teachers.
“I didn’t think of how important the role of a teacher was. When things first started shutting down [during the pandemic], I was just so focused on society and the ways that we couldn’t connect anymore. Once I reflected and realized the way that teachers really show up for kids and their families, it’s so important for us to keep getting energized from our relationship with kids,” Loh said.