Juliana Adams is Mamie Martin Elementary’s Parent of the Year, and was also named as 2022 Mississippi Parent of the Year finalist.

The Mississippi Department of Education announced Wednesday the 2022 Mississippi Parent of the Year is Tara Denevan, a mother of two students in the Oxford School District.

Denevan was nominated by the school district and is described as an amazing overcomer, innovator and a strong supporter of education for all students and teachers.  Denevan’s enthusiasm, love and passion for helping others is a gift she gives freely. She always finds time to volunteer for the school district and the community. In the Oxford community, Denevan has connected with many local businesses to help with projects that benefits both the students and teachers.

Denevan believes it is important to be involved in your children’s education because students with involved parents tend to make better grades, exemplify better behavior in the classroom, and score higher on tests.

Research has repeatedly shown that parental involvement is a critical factor in determining the academic success of students. As part of the annual Parent of the Year program, MDE asks each district to select an outstanding parent who has made a significant impact on school improvement efforts in the school district.

The committee reviewed numerous applications submitted by school districts and selected a Parent of the Year finalist from each of the four congressional districts. From those four district winners, the 2022 Parent of the Year is determined.

Other Parent of the Year finalists for 2022 are as follows:

• Congressional District 2 finalist is Shequite Johnson, who was nominated by the Sunflower County School District for strong leadership, dependability, love and making a difference in the lives of all.  She has four children, including two currently in the district.
• Congressional District 3 finalist is Juliana Adams, who was nominated by Brookhaven School District for having a servant’s heart, giving her love to all, and being a true leader for the district and community. She has three children currently in the district.
• Congressional District 4 finalist is Dawn Albert, who was nominated by the Pass Christian School District for her caring and nurturing personality, dependability and hard work. She has six children, including three currently in the district.