Excellence in Education

By Staff
April 22, 2004
Richard Webb, who graduates next month from the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson, has been accepted into the University of Florida Graduate Tax Program.
The program, which prepares lawyers for careers in tax law, is widely recognized by tax scholars and practitioners nationwide as one of the leading programs for the advanced study of tax law.
The one-year course of study leads to the degree of master of laws in taxation. It attracts students from all parts of the country who have satisfied the program's exacting admissions standards.
Graduates are employed by law firms, accounting firms, industry and government in every state in the nation; some also number teach at U.S. law schools.
Webb, the son of Woody and Cathy Webb of Meridian, is a 1997 graduate of Lamar High School. Webb also is a 2001 graduate of Mississippi State University, where he earned a degree in political science.
While at MSU, Webb was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Webb is married to the former Shelly Sacca of Jackson, where they now reside.
Melinda Roberts Alston has been selected to receive the Dr. O.D. Polk Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Polk's son, Octavius Polk Jr., of Silver Springs, Md., funds this $500 award through the Meridian Community College Foundation.
Polk practiced medicine in Meridian for 40 years. He also served on the Meridian School Board and the MCC Board of Trustees.
A 1990 graduate of Meridian High School, Alston is a third semester student in the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Prior to returning to college, she worked in the medical field as a certified phlebotomist.
She is a member of the Organization of Student Nurses. She plans to pursue a master's of degree in nursing. In addition to her schoolwork, she works part time and has three children.
Gayla Monay Buchanan of Collinsville has been chosen to receive the Dr. Dan Thornton Nursing Scholarship at Meridian Community College.
The $1,000 award is funded through the MCC Foundation from an endowment established by June Thornton in memory of her husband. Thornton practiced obstetrics and gynecology in Meridian for 45 years.
A 1993 graduate of West Lauderdale High School, Buchanan is a third semester student in the Associate Degree Nursing Program and the student nursing organization.
In addition to her class work, she works at Rush Foundation Hospital, cares for her 3-year-old daughter and serves her church as the pastor's wife. She plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing.
Maegan Rawson of Meridian has been selected to receive the Ralph E. Young Sr. Memorial Scholarship at Meridian Community College.
The $1,000 award is funded through the MCC Foundation from an endowment established by Young's family.
Rawson graduated from West Lauderdale High School with high honors. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the Health Occupation Students of America.
A dean's list scholar at MCC, she is in the University Transfer Program. She plans to complete her degree in business and become an accountant.