2008-2009 DEPARTMENT SCHOLARS

NEW STENNIS SCHOLARS:

Alexander Habighorst, a freshman John C. Stennis Scholar in Political Science at MSU, is a graduate of Pearl River Central High School in Carriere. Elected representative in student government all four years, he served as the web site and technology advisor. Active in his school’s Navy Junior ROTC program, Alex inspired the program to achieve national academic honors and regional physical fitness and drill honors. As Secretary and Treasurer of Teenage Republicans of Picayune, he campaigned for GOP candidates for numerous offices and attended the presidential inauguration in Washington. Alex has also served on his school’s journalism staff, and helped needy people by participating in many community service projects. After MSU, he plans to enter law school and to specialize in constitutional law.

Jack Pitts, a freshman John C. Stennis Scholar in Political Science at MSU, is a graduate of Northwest Rankin High School in Flowood. His leadership ability was recognized by his selection and service as Commander of his school's 177-member Army Junior ROTC Battalion. As state Treasurer of Teenage Republicans, Jack has campaigned for candidates in numerous state and local offices. He has served as a writer for his school's newspaper, been awarded the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America, and participated in youth group mission trips for the Methodist Church. Jack also has a passion for the performing arts, and has played in his school's marching and symphonic bands. After MSU, he plans to become a congressional staffer and ultimately a lobbyist.

NEW BARBOUR SCHOLARS:

Heather Lewis is a senior political science major who is also majoring in foreign language with a concentration in Spanish. She is a member of the Appalachian Leadership Honors Program, where she has been honored with a scholarship. Heather's community service activities involve working with Habitat for Humanity, Sally Kate Winters, Ability Works, mentoring Day One freshmen, and volunteering with children. She has been a President's Scholar or Dean's Scholar every semester at MSU. Heather's career interests are in international diplomacy, where she plans to combine her expertise in political science and Spanish.

Patrick Young is a senior political science major who is also majoring in communication with a concentration in broadcasting and journalism. Young graduated from Sparta High School in Illinois in 2005 where he was student body vice president and president of the band. He currently works as a publications assistant with the Sustainable Energy Research Center on campus, where he writes articles about the center's research findings. He is also a lab assistant for the Instructional Media Center at Mitchell Memorial Library with extensive computer knowledge. Adding to his jobs, Young writes for the MSU student newspaper, The Reflector, reporting for the news division. For the 2007-2008 school year, Young was the Student Director for the Campus Activities Board. During his term as Student Director he created two new divisions and increased membership in the organization by nearly fifty percent. Patrick is a member of the Student Broadcasting Association, the MSU Recycling Club, and Rick's Rowdies. A member of the Shackouls Honors College, he has been a President’s Scholar or Dean’s Scholar every semester at MSU. Patrick’s career interests relate to his passion for promoting equal rights for all people by fighting against prejudice and social stigmas. Young hopes to get his Master's degree in political journalism and become an international journalist.

GRADUATING SCHOLARS:

Whitney Holliday is a senior Stennis Scholar. A graduate of Gulfport High School, Whitney was a leader at her school, serving as Vice President of Youth Council and a member of the Student Council. A member of numerous clubs, she co-founded B.U.S.Y., a designated driver program to provide safe transportation to young people on holiday evenings. Her community service activities include a mission trip to an Arizona Navajo reservation. Winner of Outstanding Representative at YMCA Youth Legislature, Whitney was also active in the Haley Barbour for Governor campaign. At MSU she has been active in the Student Association every year, serving on various committees, freshman forum, and on the student advisory board. Whitney is a Roadrunner, a member of the Pre-Law Society and the Stennis Montgomery Association, and an officer of the Delta Gamma sorority. This summer she interned for Congressman Chip Pickering in Washington D.C. After law school, Whitney aspires to become the first woman U.S. Senator from Mississippi.

Jeffery Hooks is a senior Barbour Scholar, and is from Grenada, Mississippi. He served in the Army for four years of active duty and was deployed to Iraq in 2003 with the 11th Chemical Company. Jeff also served for three years in the National Guard and was a member of the 631st Field Artillery Brigade. On campus, he serves as a resident advisor, helping students with their problems, and is also a member of the Resident Advisors Association. Jeff is also a member of the National Residence Hall Honorary as well as Pi Sigma Alpha. Jeff is a people-person who is interested in learning what motivates people and what their political interests are. He looks forward to one day working in the emergency management field.

Laura Shelton New is a senior Stennis Scholar. A graduate of Starkville High School, Shelley is a well-rounded individual who combines general academic and political interests with athletics and the arts. As a member and then President of the Young Democrats, she revitalized the organization, and was active in the 2004 presidential and 2003 gubernatorial campaigns. Shelley's public service activities include the MSU Model Security Council and Youth Congress. She also participated in Varsity Soccer and the annual drama productions. At MSU she represented the Political Science department on the Dean's Student Advisory Council and served as the department's student-faculty liaison. She is a fellow in the Appalachian Leadership Honors Program where she serves as contact and facilitator for two freshman community service groups in the Day One Program. Shelley is also a member of the Stennis-Montgomery Association, Pre-Law Society, and Mortar Board. She also participated in a Preparing for Public Service Leadership seminar sponsored by the Stennis Center for Public Service. Shelley spent this past summer working in Congressman Chip Pickering's Washington, DC office as an intern. After law school, Shelley plans to pursue a career as a lobbyist.

Erien Watson is a senior Collins Scholar. She is the daughter of two teachers, and is from Meridian, Mississippi. She has been actively involved in the Black Student Alliance, in the Catholic Student Association, and is the External Vice-President in Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority Inc. Erien has worked extensively with a boys and girls club, local animal shelter, and Emerson Family Center to help better her community as a whole.

RETURNING SCHOLARS:

Laura Hamm, Stennis Scholar.

Anna Rush, Stennis Scholar.

Laura Elizabeth Tate, Stennis Scholar