{"id":96458,"date":"2025-02-13T08:16:41","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T14:16:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/?p=96458"},"modified":"2025-02-13T08:16:41","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T14:16:41","slug":"dsu-honors-students-involved-in-community-service-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/2025\/02\/dsu-honors-students-involved-in-community-service-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"DSU Honors students involved in community service projects"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

CLEVELAND, Miss. \u2014 <\/strong>Thirteen Delta State University Honors Program students successfully completed service-learning projects during the recently, benefiting communities across the Mississippi Delta. The projects addressed diverse needs, including youth education, community wellness, animal care, and support for senior citizens.<\/p>\n

Student initiatives ranged from organizing coat and equipment drives, revitalizing a school garden, and hosting wellness activities for Delta State students, to performing concerts for residents in local assisted living facilities. Additional projects included volunteering at the Cleveland\/Bolivar County Animal Shelter and teaching digital literacy to elementary school students.<\/p>\n

The projects were part of HON 102: Theory and Practice of Service-Learning<\/strong>, a required course that combines academic study with civic engagement. Students developed their projects by aligning their strengths, skills, and interests with research and community needs.<\/p>\n

\u201cService learning connects academics with civic engagement, and I am proud of the Honors Program students in HON 102,\u201d said Don Allan Mitchell, Honors Program director and associate professor of English. \u201cTheir projects demonstrated creativity, leadership, and problem-solving skills. This course helps students build meaningful connections with the campus and local communities while developing a sense of purpose through public service.\u201d<\/p>\n

Digital Literacy for Delta Youth<\/strong>
\nJakori Johnson, a computer information systems major from Greenwood, Miss., partnered with C2K Ministries to teach K-6 students basic computer skills.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn today\u2019s technology-driven world, digital literacy is crucial,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cMany children from underserved communities lack basic computer skills. My project aimed to bridge this gap by teaching students how to use a mouse and keyboard, navigate websites, and understand basic software applications.\u201d<\/p>\n

Animal Welfare Advocacy<\/strong>
\nPre-veterinary biology major Meredith Seeley, from Merigold, Miss., and environmental science major Molly Mellen, from Cleveland, Miss., volunteered at the Cleveland-Bolivar County Animal Shelter. Seeley focused on training and socializing dogs, while Mellen worked with cats.<\/p>\n

\u201cOlder and black-coated dogs are often overlooked for adoption,\u201d Seeley explained. \u201cI trained long-term shelter residents in basic obedience and leash walking, which improves their chances of finding homes. I also promoted these dogs through photos and videos on social media.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie Grant, director of the shelter, praised their efforts. \u201cMeredith and Molly provided invaluable support, helping animals develop social skills that increase adoption opportunities. Their passion and dedication made a significant difference, and we hope future Honors students continue this impactful work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Building Community Among Students<\/strong>
\nGiulia Scardigno, a flight operations major from Hernando, Miss., organized seminars for aviation students to foster community and address common challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cStarting as a new student can be intimidating, especially with many courses now online,\u201d Scardigno said. \u201cThese seminars shared tips for overcoming challenges, managing time, and accessing resources, creating a supportive environment for students.\u201d<\/p>\n

Music for Senior Communities<\/strong>
\nKaitlyn Rocquin, an entertainment industry studies major from Cleveland, Miss., performed live music for residents at local senior facilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe residents\u2019 favorite song was my version of Outkast\u2019s \u2018Hey Ya!\u2019,\u201d Rocquin said. \u201cThis experience was incredibly rewarding. I gained confidence performing solo, connected with incredible people, and heard stories spanning lifetimes. It was a positive experience for everyone involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

Insights from Guest Speakers<\/strong>
\nThe semester also featured guest speakers who shared diverse perspectives on public service:<\/p>\n