Explosion of Excellence expands into Stone County

After 13 years of recognizing and rewarding local high-school graduates, the Explosion of Excellence scholarship program is now expanding into Stone County. The program began in 1990 as a way to encourage Jackson County high-school graduates to continue their education, and to return to their home communities to work and live.

The explosion starts in Gautier this year on May 4 at 7 p.m. at the college’s JC Campus. The next event will be in Lucedale at the college’s George County Center on May 10 at 7 p.m. Stone County will hold its inaugural Explosion scholarship program on May 11 at the college’s Perkinston Campus.

Throughout the year, local businesses and individuals make donations to the Explosion of Excellence funds. Those contributions are given to the top 10 percent of senior classes at each high school. Student receive a minimum $250 book scholarship, however some larger scholarships are also awarded. Last year, more than $61,000 was awarded to 168 local students.

Sylvia Bradley, chairperson for the George County program and a member of the MGCCC Board of Trustees, says, “It’s not the size of the scholarship that counts. It’s the fact that we are acknowledging these students. We want them to come back to our communities after they complete their education and help improve our areas.”