Last week, an Academic Signing Day took place for the seniors who are attending colleges and universities throughout the United States. Of the 22 students who participated in this signing day, six students also signed athletic scholarships. Each spring, JA holds a series of signing ceremonies for students who accept academic scholarships at universities and colleges in the state and outside of the state.
Former U.S. Representative Gregg Harper, who served Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District from 2009-2019, spoke to the Upper School students Wednesday, directing his remarks to seniors who are embarking on their college careers soon. Congressman Harper shared life advice to seniors before they begin their next chapter of life. Congressman Harper reminded the soon-to-be college students that God directs their paths, and with great opportunity comes great responsibility.
Congressman Harper’s comments offered many other pearls of wisdom, including:
- Don’t lose contact with your friends.
- Be nice to everyone.
- You judge character by the way someone treats a person who has special needs.
- The joy is in the journey.
- Think for yourself.
- Don’t take things at face value, making decisions from sound bites. Dig deeper.
- The Old Testament book of Nehemiah has everything you need to know about leadership.
- Intern in DC. There are many young Mississippians providing leadership in Washington.
- Get off social media -it truly does affect hiring choices.
- Be an encourager of others.
- Dream big. You know what God has placed on your heart.
- It’s great that you are going off to school. Mississippi needs you. There are many opportunities for you when you return.
- Don’t be afraid to try.
