Local High School Students Acquire Skills and Forge Connections in University Program

South Mississippi Students Engage in Community Service at Pathways to Leadership Program

GULFPORT, Miss. – High school juniors and seniors from across the Southern United States gathered in Gulfport this weekend to participate in a hands-on community service initiative as part of the fifth anniversary celebration of the Trent Lott Leadership Institute’s Pathways to Leadership program. The event took place from March 21 to 23, drawing attention to the importance of youth leadership and community involvement.

Established by the University of Mississippi in 2021, the Pathways to Leadership program serves as an outreach initiative aimed at empowering high school students from Mississippi and neighboring states through leadership training and community service opportunities. The program has seen significant growth over the past five years, evolving to include enhanced networking opportunities and practical service projects that aim to instill community spirit among participants.

Over 40 students participated in this year’s event, where they engaged in a service project focused on distributing nutritious food and essential items to Gulfport residents facing food insecurity. Facilitated by collaboration with state Rep. Jeffrey Hulum III and Feeding the Gulf Coast, the service initiative allowed students to experience the impact of community service firsthand while developing vital leadership skills.

“Our overarching goal is to provide these students with skills they can take away and apply in various aspects of their lives,” said Melissa L. Jones, associate director of the Lott Institute. “Community involvement is crucial for anyone aspiring to be a leader.”

Participating students were integral to the planning and execution of the food distribution project. Responsibilities included packing food boxes, managing logistics, and interacting directly with families in need. This hands-on experience allowed students to utilize critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills.

Katelin Hayward, program manager for the Lott Institute, emphasized the significance of experiential learning. “Through their practical experience with food distribution, students learned how to implement a theory of change model, providing them with tools to develop effective plans that achieve desired outcomes,” she explained.

Crosby Parker, a junior at Gulfport High School, remarked, “It was meaningful to give back and witness the impact of our efforts firsthand.” He appreciated the insights on leadership shared by Rep. Hulum, particularly regarding the values of responsibility and authenticity in leadership.

In addition to community service, participants engaged in educational workshops that covered topics such as professional ethics, leadership principles, and community development. These sessions were led by faculty members from the Center for Practical Ethics and the Office of Economic Development at the University of Mississippi.

Feedback from former participants highlights the program’s lasting influence. Emerson Morris, a UM sophomore who attended Pathways in 2021, expressed gratitude for the program’s impact on her leadership journey. “Pathways to Leadership opened my eyes to the fundamentals of leadership and community service, encouraging me to embrace my potential as a leader,” she stated.

The event also included interactive discussions where participants sought practical advice from current university students on managing time and assuming leadership roles in college settings. Such interactions fostered a sense of continuity and networking among the students.

The Pathways to Leadership program continues to strive for its central mission: to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills and confidence necessary to make meaningful contributions to their communities. As Jones noted, “We hope students leave with new connections and a clearer sense of their potential for leadership.”

As this initiative illustrates, investing in young leaders not only enriches their lives but also strengthens the community fabric across the South.