LION ACADEMY PREPARES STUDENTS TO TRANSITION TO COLLEGE

3jul

LION ACADEMY PREPARES STUDENTS TO TRANSITION TO COLLEGE

News

Dustin Atkinson, bottom far left, and Shannon Pendergrass, bottom far right, are instructors for East Mississippi Community College’s Lion Academy, which helps prepare high school students to take college courses. Atkinson and Pendergrass are pictured here with Lion Academy graduates during a June 27 ceremony on EMCC’s Scooba campus.

July 3, 2019

Eighteen Kemper County High School students who graduated from East Mississippi Community College’s Lion Academy were awarded certificates of completion in a June 27 ceremony in the college’s F.R. Young Student Union on the Scooba campus.

EMCC and Kemper County High School partnered to create the Lion Academy, a pilot program designed to ready students for dual enrollment at the college.

Last year, 11 students who comprised the Lion Academy’s inaugural class completed the four-week intensive course. The purpose of the Lion Academy is to offer classroom instruction and individual assistance to high school juniors and seniors prior to their enrollment in English Composition I and College Algebra.

“The Lion Academy is still fairly new but we have had great results so far and we hope to continue to grow the program,” EMCC Associate Dean of Instruction James Rush said. “The partnership between EMCC and Kemper County High School helps us evaluate the needs of incoming students and provide them the skills they need to successfully transition into college-level courses.” East Mississippi Community College Lion Academy graduate Sage Love, at left, is presented a certificate of completion by EMCC Associate Dean of Instruction James Rush.

EMCC instructor Dustin Atkinson taught the math course for the academy and instructor Shannon Pendergrass taught the students English.

The Lion Academy will be offered again next summer and EMCC staff are exploring ways to offer the program during the regular semesters. Rush said there are plans to expand the program to include students at other high schools in EMCC’s district.

Students who completed the 2019 Lion Academy are: Jaliyah Bennamon, DeAnthony Bennett, Jeremy Buie, JaQuaisha Clark, Ke’Mya Cole, Sha’dardenique Darden, Shadaria Darden, Jamiah Gibbs, AlKeydra Gordon, Dyamond Hicks, Quhleahka Ivy, Thermon Johnson, Kaylee Little, Sage Love, Tremya Rush, Nichelle Scott, Chantel Stringfellow, and Makenlee Wright.

Fall 2018 Semester Honor Roll Students

Campus Tour

Schedule a tour to learn more about EMCC.

Visit a Campus

"I chose EMCC because it was an approachable opportunity that was affordable. As a first-generation college student, everything was new and scary, and I had no idea what I was doing. The staff, advisors, and instructors were so helpful and welcoming. I will be forever grateful for the way EMCC has impacted my life and opened up opportunity for me!"

Nicole Johnson First Gen College Student

"Being a first-generation student at EMCC is not a limitation, it's an opportunity to rewrite my family's story. Every class I attend, every assignment I complete, is a step towards a brighter future. I am a pioneer, and my determination will light the way for those who follow."

Nicole Padron First Generation College Student

“I chose EMCC because it gave me the best opportunities coming out of high school. I got plenty of scholarships because the school offered so many. I would not have been able to do half of the things that I have done if i didn’t come here. First generation students are already at a disadvantage. If you are able to you should get an education to break the generational curse and create generational wealth for your family. Education is the most powerful tool.”

Nadyn Samara First Generation College Student & SGA Vice President Scooba

“As a first gen student, I feel that it is important to obtain a college education because it gives me the opportunity to break barriers for the next generation of my family. I choose EMCC because of the opportunity to get a great education and to make a difference on campus, in the community, and in my family.”

Damian Ross First Generation College Student

“EMCC has truly become my home! From the scholarships offered, to the faculty & staff, and friends I have made, I am so thankful I chose to continue my education here!”

Elizabeth Adensanyo First Generation College Student