April 29, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Subject: Mississippi Association of Partners in Education Governor’s Awards Announcement
Contact: 601-837-1080, info@mapems.org
24th Annual Governor’s Awards on Monday, May 18 to Honor Top School-Community Partnerships
The Mississippi Association of Partners in Education will recognize Mississippi’s top school-community partnerships during the 24th annual Governor’s Awards Celebration on Monday, May 18, at William Carey University.
MAPE will award 47 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 Biloxi, Brandon, Camden, Clarksdale, Corinth, Fayette, Flowood, Forest, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Kiln, Lexington, Meridian, Oxford, Pascagoula, Pass Christian, Picayune, Raymond, Starkville, Tupelo, Vicksburg, Winona, and Yazoo City.
“We are elated to celebrate an exceptional group of applicants for this year’s Governor’s Awards! The outstanding submissions showcase incredible dedication, creativity, and passion, as reflected in impactful community projects and innovative educational initiatives throughout the state. Congratulations to all of our award winners—your achievements are truly remarkable,” said Paxton Girtmon, D.M.A., MAPE President. “Your inspiring work and meaningful partnerships are making a powerful difference in advancing education and strengthening community engagement throughout Mississippi. We are deeply grateful for your commitment and proud of the lasting impact you continue to create.”
The Governor’s Award selection committee, composed of the MAPE Board of Directors, as well as representatives from business, industry, nonprofits, and education, judged each entry using a uniform set of criteria to measure the overall effectiveness of partnership activities.
DISTRICT & COMMUNITY-WIDE Governor's Award of Distinction
Pass Christian Public School District, in partnership with the Pirate Excellence Foundation, created a partnership to remove barriers to student success through holistic scholarships and mental health support. Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships and provided ACT preparation for 49 high school students, opening doors to college and career opportunities for dozens of graduates. In response to student wellness needs, the Foundation also provides critical financial support for the district’s Hope Squad, empowering 56 student leaders to build a culture of peer-to-peer suicide prevention that reaches all 959 middle and high school students. Together, these efforts unite schools, families, and local businesses in a shared mission: ensuring every Pirate has the opportunity, support, and hope to thrive.
UNIVERSITY Governor's Award
Rowan Elementary (Hattiesburg Public School District) and William Carey University
William Carey University School of Education Tradition Campus
William Carey University School of Education Alternate Route Program
DISTRICT & COMMUNITY-WIDE Governor's Awards
Alcorn School District
Gulfport High School (Gulfport School District)
Hancock County School District
Hattiesburg Public Schools
Mississippi Schools for the Deaf & the Blind
Oxford School District
Rowan Elementary (Hattiesburg Public School District) with the Alumni Class of 1971
Scott County School District
Vicksburg Warren School District, with community partners
Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School District
HIGH SCHOOL Governor’s Awards
Gulfport High School (Gulfport School District)
Hattiesburg High School (Hattiesburg Public School District)
Jefferson County High School (Jefferson County School District )
Larry Summers Career and Technical Center (Yazoo City School District)
Northwest Rankin High School (Rankin County School District) with Tyjuan Johnson
MIDDLE SCHOOL Governor’s Awards
Coahoma County Junior High School (Coahoma County School District)
N.R. Burger Middle School (Hattiesburg Public School District)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Governor’s Awards
Camden Elementary (Madison County School District)
Hattiesburg STEAM Academy (Hattiesburg Public School District)
Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School (Starkville-Oktibbeha School District)
Highland Bluff Elementary (Rankin County School District)
Pierce Street Elementary School (Tupelo Public School District)
Rowan Elementary (Hattiesburg Public School District) with the Hattiesburg Junior Auxiliary
Spann Elementary (Jackson Public Schools)
Thames Elementary (Hattiesburg Public School District)
West Hancock Elementary (Hancock County School District)
Woodley Elementary School (Hattiesburg Public School District)
MULTI-LEVEL SCHOOL Governor’s Awards
Coahoma County School District
Hancock High School (Hancock County School District)
Jackson County Exceptional School (Pascagoula-Gautier School District)
Kossuth, Alcorn Central, Biggersville Attendance Center (Alcorn County School District)
DISTRICT & COMMUNITY-WIDE Partnership Excellence Award
Hinds County School District
Lauderdale County School District
Vicksburg Warren School District with Hinds County Community College
HIGH SCHOOL Partnership Excellence Award
Brandon High School (Rankin County School District)
Coahoma County High School (Coahoma County School District)
Northwest Rankin High School (Rankin County School District) with the community
MIDDLE SCHOOL Partnership Excellence Awards
Brandon Middle School (Rankin County School District)
Gulfport School District
S.V. Marshall Middle School (Holmes County Consolidated School District)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Partnership Excellence Awards
Grace Christian Elementary School (Hattiesburg Public School District)
Hawkins Elementary School (Hattiesburg Public School District)
Pass Road Elementary (Gulfport School District)
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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