April 25, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Subject:          Mississippi Association of Partners in Education Governor’s Awards Announcement

Contact:         601-837-1080, info@mapems.org 

23rd Annual Governor’s Awards on May 20 to Honor Top School-Community Partnerships

The Mississippi Association of Partners in Education will recognize Mississippi’s top school-community partnerships during the virtual 23rd annual Governor’s Awards Celebration on Monday, May 19. 

MAPE will award 33 school-community partnership programs that have produced outstanding results for students in K-12 public schools throughout Mississippi. Award-winning schools, districts, and organizations are in Brandon, Carriere, Columbia, Columbus, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Jonestown, Pascagoula, Pass Christian, Ridgeland, Starkville, and Vicksburg.

"We are delighted to celebrate an exceptional group of applicants for this year's Governor’s Awards! The outstanding submissions we received showcase remarkable dedication, creativity, and passion evident in numerous successful community projects and educational initiatives. Congratulations to all our award winners for your notable accomplishments. Your inspiring efforts and effective collaborations significantly enhance educational outcomes and community engagement throughout Mississippi. We deeply appreciate your commitment and applaud the positive difference you continue to make," said Paxton Girtmon, D.M.A., MAPE president.  “We appreciate the continued support from PREPS for this worthwhile endeavor.”

The Governor’s Award selection committee, composed of the MAPE Board of Directors, judged each entry using a uniform set of criteria to measure the overall effectiveness of partnership activities.

2025 Governor's Award of Distinction Recipients

MULTI-LEVEL SCHOOL Governor’s Award of Distinction

Hattiesburg Public School District with the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg Public School District, Dr. Jo Hawkins-Jones implemented the i.R.O.C.K. Academy at L.J. Rowan Elementary School. This program has continuously demonstrated remarkable success and growth since its inception in 2018. As of March 2025, the program has expanded significantly, thanks to the $350,000 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant awarded in 2022

The program now serves pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students and their families, offering comprehensive literacy-based academic support and enrichment opportunities.

2025 Governor's Award Recipients

UNIVERSITY Governor's Award

Hattiesburg High School (Hattiesburg Public School District)

DISTRICT & COMMUNITY-WIDE Governor's Awards

Pass Christian Public School District

Rankin County School District

Rowan Elementary School (Hattiesburg Public School District)

The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

HIGH SCHOOL Governor’s Awards

Vicksburg Warren School District

MIDDLE SCHOOL Governor’s Awards

Partnership Middle School (Starkville Oktibbeha School District)

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Governor’s Awards

East Marion Elementary (Marion County School District)

Rowan Elementary School (Hattiesburg Public School District)

Spann Elementary School (Jackson Public School District)

Woodley Elementary School (Hattiesburg Public School District)

MULTI-LEVEL SCHOOL Governor’s Award

Lillie Burney Learning Center (Hattiesburg Public School District)

2025 Partnership Excellence Award Recipients

DISTRICT & COMMUNITY-WIDE Partnership Excellence Award

Hattiesburg Public School District 

Harrison County School District

Pearl River County School District

MIDDLE SCHOOL Partnership Excellence Awards

N.R. Burger (Hattiesburg Public School District)

Old Town Middle School (Madison County Schools)

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Partnership Excellence Awards

Brandon High School (Rankin County School District)

Grace Christian Elementary School (Hattiesburg Public School District)

Hattiesburg STEAM Academy (Hattiesburg Public School District)

Hawkins Elementary School (Hattiesburg Public School District)

Jackson Elementary School (Pascagoula-Gautier)

We thank the Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREPS) for its continued support of MAPE and the annual Governor's Award competition. 

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MAPE has served as a statewide network of educators and community partners since 1984 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is committed solely to providing training and materials to help build local support for the success of all students.

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