The honors keep rolling in for the local Mississippi Scholars Program.

     The Brookhaven School District and Lincoln County Mississippi Scholars Program will be receiving a Partnership Excellence Award later this month from the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education.

     The award will be presented during the Governor’s Award luncheon on March 21 at the Jackson Hilton. The luncheon is part of activities planned for the 27th annual State Conference, which will be co-hosted for the second year by MAPE and the Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREPS), Inc.

     “We’re trying to do something to support our schools, because in return, they support what we do as a community,” said Kenny Goza, chairman of the Lincoln County Mississippi Scholars Program, which previously has received statewide and national attention for its success.

     Brookhaven School District Superintendent Dr. Lisa Karmacharya said the district is proud to receive the award.

     “The district works closely with many partners in our community to bring quality programs to our students and help them in their education,” the superintendent said. “The Mississippi Scholars program is one very good example of collaboration and we are grateful for our relationship with the chamber and the program’s organizers.”

     Goza emphasized the program creates more academic awareness, fewer dropouts and a better-prepared workforce, which all lead to a better community.

     “We’ve seen increases in academic awareness on the part of the student and the parent,” said Goza.

     He suggested that K-12, community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, the community and business all have to work together to create a vibrant community.

     “It takes everybody,” Goza said.

     Goza said the Lincoln County program is the premier partnership program through Mississippi Scholars.

     The scholars program requires a 2.5 GPA, ACT score of 16, 40 hours of community service, no suspension, two years of the same foreign language and many other advanced classes. In exchange, students receive a seal on their transcript and the opportunity for scholarships.

     Businesses are involved by providing monetary support and presenting in the classroom, among other things.