Twenty-eight local high school seniors will be recognizedtonight during a dinner to honor the first group of students to bedesignated as Mississippi Scholars.

“We’re honoring the students who will be graduating asMississippi Scholars,” said Kenny Goza, chairman of the localMississippi Scholars program.

The 28 honorees come from four schools: 10 each from BrookhavenAcademy and the Mississippi School of the Arts, six from Loyd Starand two from Brookhaven High School. Tonight’s program is at 6:30at Mitchell’s.

“We were very pleased with the first year,” Goza said.

In the program, administered statewide by the MississippiEconomic Council and locally by the Brookhaven-Lincoln CountyChamber of Commerce, students are encouraged to take morechallenging courses that will better prepare them for the future.Students must meet curriculum requirements to be designated asMississippi Scholars.

Goza estimated the program was presented to over 1,200 studentsin grades eight through 12.

“Each year, we’re anticipating an increase in the number ofscholars,” Goza said.

Goza said he appreciated the support of the community andbusinesses. Contributions will allow for $500 scholarships at eachschool, and two businesses are matching that by providing for $500scholarships at BHS and Loyd Star.

Goza said Mississippi Scholars representatives will be going toindividual school awards day programs to present medallions toMississippi Scholars graduates. Also, their diplomas will have theMississippi Scholars seal, he said.