MCC sophomore named New Century Scholar

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
March 28, 2002
Alison Davis is planning a trip to Seattle next month where she will be recognized as a New Century Scholar through Phi Theta Kappa, an international academic honor society.
As a New Century Scholar, Davis, 20, a sophomore at Meridian Community College, will be recognized as Mississippi's highest-scoring student based on PTK's application packet.
The packet includes biographical information, recommendations, a student essay and a transcript, according to Barbara Jones, one of MCC's PTK advisers.
For the essay, Davis was asked to write about an experience that shaped her plans for the future.
Scheduled to graduate from MCC in May, Davis plans to attend Mississippi State University. A psychology major, she wants to earn her master's degree and work with adolescent children in the area of grief counseling.
Davis and other New Century Scholars will gather in Seattle on the weekend of April 19. New Century Scholars are awarded a $2,000 scholarship. She will be traveling with her parents, Diane and Ivan Davis, and her brothers, Michael and Drew Davis of Meridian.
Before being selected as the state's New Century Scholar, Davis received a $1,000 award earlier this month as a member of the All Mississippi Academic First Team. Last Tuesday, she was recognized with other team members by being presented to the State Legislature and meeting the governor.
Membership in the All Mississippi Academic First Team is also based on the applications that determine the New Century Scholars.
Davis is the local chapter president of Phi Theta Kappa and is the former president of the region, which covers Mississippi and Louisiana.
Davis is a 2000 graduate of Clarkdale High School. Like many other community college students, academics isn't all Davis has to worry about.
In addition to the 17 college hours of credit she is working toward this semester, she works 20 hours a week as a math and English tutor in the college's Success Center.
She also serves as president of MCC's Ivy League Recruiters, a group that is especially busy this time of year giving tours, helping with orientations and doing presentations at high schools to recruit students.
Before a shoulder injury sidelined her in February, Davis played outfield for the Lady Eagles Softball team. But, she still enjoys playing basketball and tennis. She said she likes run because it helps her gather her thoughts.
Reading is another favorite past-time. Her favorite author is John Grissom.
Other honors Davis has received include The MCC Foundation Key Brothers and Wilma Freeman scholarships. She also earned the state's Eminent Scholars award, based on her ACT score of 29, when she enrolled at MCC in the fall of 2000.