Luckyday Citizenship Scholars Program at Southern Miss

Upcoming Service Opportunities...

2011-06-13T11:21:00.001-05:00

Throughout the semester we will keep this updated with upcoming service opportunities. Check back here to see what service opportunities are happening...

SweatMonkey Help!!!

2010-12-10T16:55:00.002-06:00

Have you been having trouble with SweatMonkey?? We have put together two videos to help explain how to use it. We hope these help. Let us know if you need further assistance.

How to get started in SweatMonkey:

From SweatMonkey Videos

Trouble Shooting in SweatMonkey: Been having problems? We have a simple answer...

From SweatMonkey Videos

The deadline to submit service hours has been extended to Friday, December 17.

Last Minute Service Opportunity!!!

2010-12-01T14:07:00.001-06:00

Lillie Burney Elementary School is looking for 4 people to replace
judges that canceled at the last minute. Reading Fair Judges need to
be at Lillie Burney at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2010. They
should finish judging around noon. If you're able to assist please
contact Carita! Cell #601-297-0605

Service Opportunity tomorrow!!!

2010-11-22T11:27:00.002-06:00

Still need some service hours???

The Greater PineBelt Community Foundation is need of a few volunteers for Tuesday, November 23.

This coming Tuesday (Nov. 23), we need volunteers to help fold and package newsletters anytime from 9am-5pm. We are glad to have as many people who are are willing help us.

Our office is located at 1507 Hardy Street, Suite 208, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Olivia Bushardt directly at 601.466.2403 or our office number at 601.583.6180.

Announcement for Volunteers with Neighbors at Hawkins

2010-11-22T09:10:00.001-06:00

Announcement for Volunteers with Neighbors at Hawkins...

Hawkins Elementary will be closed for the entire week of Thanksgiving. There will be no volunteer activities available for the week.

See you after Thanksgiving!! Enjoy the holiday!

Need More Service Hours??

2010-11-15T13:50:00.002-06:00

Need more service hours??
Teacher Potluck Dinner at Hawkins Elementary this Thursday!! We're looking for a few volunteers to give our teachers a break and work lunch duty at Hawkins this Thursday! Lunch starts at 11am and ends at 1pm. If you're free... pack a lunch and lend a hand!
If interested contact Sharon Miles iamsmiles@gmail.com ...601.467.5333

Wes Harwell Spotlight

2010-11-09T13:31:00.001-06:00

Mentor West Harwell said the Luckyday program has given him the opportunity to be a good role model– and that’s what he wants to do.

West is a junior from Poplarville, MS and he is currently majoring in Biochemistry with hopes to become ACS (American Chemical Society) certified. Following graduation, he has ambitious plans to either enter law school or physical therapy school. His involvement at school reflects his ambitious attitude, as he is involved in many areas of campus. Currently, he serves as the Associate Director of Finance for the Residence Hall Association. This is his second year to be in this position. Also, West participates on the Luckyday Leadership team as a member of the Academic team, holding advisement sessions and engaging in hall visits. Reflecting his academic achievement is his membership in the Lambda Sigma Honor Society.

Aside from helping with organizations and doing schoolwork, he enjoys watching and playing sports. “I am a very big football fan,” he said. His screams can often be heard down the hallway while he plays Madden on the Xbox… West enjoys football– plain and simple. He also likes to ride his bike on the trace and spend time with friends and family.

When asked about what Luckyday has taught him, West said he has learned many things, but the most important thing he has learned is to give back to others and the community. “Luckyday has given all of us an opportunity to further our education and with this opportunity, I feel like it is very important to be a good role model for others and help them succeed in any way that I can,” he added.

For the freshmen Luckyday students, West said to “get involved and make the best of your college experience,” explaining that college goes by very fast and so it’s best if freshmen start to make friends now. Finally, he said “don’t take anything for granted.” So take this from West– a USM student who is taking the Mentor program as an opportunity to give back… a chance to give back and help freshmen get acclimated so they can become successful students.

Lee Armstrong Spotlight

2010-11-09T13:08:00.002-06:00

Lee Armstrong is a senior exercise science major from Columbus, MS. She has been a member of the Dixie Darling dance team for four years, and she has served as Captain for two. She has been a Student Ambassador for the College of Health for two years and currently serves as Secretary. She participates in the Exercise Physiology club and is completing a student practicum in Cardiac Rehab at Forrest General's LiveWell Facility. Lee also currently holds the title of Miss Southern Magnolia 2011 and will be competing in the Miss Mississippi Pageant this upcoming June in Vicksburg, MS.

When asked what the Luckyday program has meant to her through the years, Lee replied, "Luckyday has been a great way for me to get involved on campus and in the community and make friends with the shared interest of service." She also made note of the outstanding support she has received not only from her fellow scholars, but from the the Luckyday staff as well. "Being a Luckyday has encouraged me to pursue my dreams and push myself to be my very best."

As for advice for upcoming students, Lee referenced a motto that the Dixie Darling dance team has recently adopted: Success is the result of small efforts repeated day in and day out. This motto can hold true not only to the dance team and academics, but to many aspects of life. Lee said, "It is important to never underestimate the value of being consistent."

After she graduates in the Spring, Lee plans to pursue a career in Medicine.

Service Opportunity this weekend!

2010-11-01T11:25:00.001-05:00

R3SM is hosting a 5k walk 10k run on November the 6th from 730am- noon, and needs volunteers to help with the event. They need help with the following areas: traffic, concessions, race registration tables, water stations, and help passing out tshirts to volunteers and participants. If you are interested in this service opportunity, please contact Matthew before the event.

Matthew Brumfield
Volunteer Coordinator
Program Data Manager
R3SM, INC
601-596-4081 email: r3smmatthew@megagate.com

Get Your Fright On!

2010-10-27T13:46:00.004-05:00

Luckyday Leadership Team is hosting a Halloween Party!

WHEN?: Thursday, October 28 7:00 pm-- 9:00 pm
WHERE?: Century Park Learning Center

At the party there will be a cake walk and a Halloween costume contest. So get your most frightful costume and come on out!! See you there!

Image courtesy of this site.

Volunteer Opportunity!

2010-10-26T09:32:00.002-05:00

Students at Hawkins Elementary will be taking their school day
pictures on Friday November 5th. We are looking for a few volunteers
to help the photographer tuck in shirts, help kindergartners climb on
the picture stool and keep the line moving! If you're free from 8-10am
on Friday, Nov. 5th ... Come on down, but contact Sharon Miles first!!

Sharon Miles
iamsmiles@gmail.com
601.467.5333

Meet Luckyday Mentor Kelsey Mitchell

2010-10-11T10:33:00.002-05:00

Kelsey Mitchell is a sophomore from Lucedale, Mississippi. As an English licensure major, she hopes to teach in the future. When asked about her plans after graduation, she said: “I hope to teach English at a high school for a few years and then move to China and teach English there.” Her desire to teach in China came from her involvement at the Baptist Student Union and her summer trip to China through the BSU. Apart from schoolwork, Kelsey serves on the leadership team at the BSU, listens to music, and enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her friends.

"Luckyday has taught me how important it is to give back to my community,” she says. With Luckyday’s community service program, Kelsey has had the opportunity to grow. Through her volunteering at the DuBard School for Language Disorders, she states she has learned many things about others. Subsequently, though, she says service there has taught her even more about herself. One piece of advice from Kelsey to freshman is this: “Get involved on campus, be bold and make new friends, and don’t stress!... Enjoy it!” Her favorite thing about serving as a mentor is the fact that she can be available to girls by answering questions, helping solve problems, and simply being a person they can talk to. She enjoys being that kind of person for her mentees and likes learning things from them in the process. Overall, she says, “It's a really great privilege and opportunity that I have while I'm here at Southern Miss to be a positive influence to the new Luckyday freshmen.”

Alumni Spotlight

2010-10-11T10:26:00.003-05:00

Our Luckyday Alumni Spotlight for October is Jason Jones.
Jason resides in Lumberton, MS, where he serves as an unofficial youth minister at Olive Baptist Church. He works with the NASA DEVELOP student program at Stennis Space Center, and he is an alumni who truly embodies the spirit of the Luckyday Foundation. On October 3, Jason received a Gold Medal Congressional Award, an award that required over 800 hours of service, personal development, physical fitness activities, and experiencing unfamiliar cultures. He has a knack for making people smile, a passion for aviation, and he encourages others to follow who they are called to be. Click here to read more about Jason.

What was your favorite part of being a member of the Luckyday family at USM?
My favorite part about being a member of the Luckyday family was the bond that I felt with my fellow Luckyday scholars. It is difficult to explain, but whenever I was with Luckyday students, especially in settings such as our servant leadership class, I felt a different connection that I did with my other Southern Miss friends. In the Luckyday Program, we were all connected by a common passion for serving others and always striving to accomplish remarkable things.

Do you feel that being a part of Luckyday has benefited you as you graduated and entered the job world?
The answer to that question is a resounding yes! Being a Luckyday scholar prepared me for the "real" world in more ways that I can include in this short answer, but I will quickly describe just a couple ways that it helped me.
For starters, through a study abroad scholarship in 2006, Luckyday opened my eyes to the opportunities of international travel and discovery. That summer, I travelled extensively through the United Kingdom through a USM geography study-abroad class. Since then, I have travelled to Honduras, South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland, but it was that first Luckyday study abroad experience that fueled my desire to explore the world.
Secondly, Luckyday helped me to discover who I am as an individual. Through Luckyday's emphasis on servant leadership, I realized that my true calling is to meet other's needs, mentor students, and be an encourager. If I had stayed true to that calling, I would have saved myself from much misery. After I left Southern Miss, I spent three wonderful months living and working in South Africa through an academic fellowship funded by the National Science Foundation's Office of International Science and Engineering. Then, immediately after my return to America, I signed on to a job traveling with a technology sales team demonstrating the particular technology to potential customers. My colleagues and I quickly discovered that I was completely miserable and out of place. Without being able to work with students and meet people's needs, I felt that I was literally dying a little each day. Although the company and staff members were all top-notch, I was not where I belonged. Now, I am working with NASA's DEVELOP student program at Stennis Space Center and serving as an unofficial youth minister at Olive Baptist Church. Following my true calling, I am finally happy. If I had listened to what I learned at Luckyday in the first place, I would not have gone through so much grief.

Do you have any advice to other Luckyday students?
Follow who you are called to be. Don't rush into anything too quickly. Always listen to advice from wise mentors. If you are torn between two decisions and neither seems right, perhaps you should take neither option and instead wait for another opportunity. And finally, carpe diem!

Is there anything else about yourself you’d like to share?
First and foremost, I truly give glory to God for any accomplishment that I have made. He is the one who runs the universe, and without his blessings, I am nothing. I am excited to be receiving a Gold Medal Congressional Award on October 3rd. I have worked on receiving the award since I was 14. It took 400 volunteer service hours, 200 personal development hours, 200 physical fitness activity hours, and some expeditions / explorations of unfamiliar environments or cultures. My passions are church youth ministry and flying. Although I already hold a private pilot certificate, I hope to one day be a professional flight instructor and teach others how to fly. I enjoy encouraging others, and I have been known to do crazy things to make people smile. If you ever saw some crazy guy bouncing around USM wearing a Tigger suit or giving away black-eyed susan flowers, it was probably me :-)

Jason and local South Africa flight instructor Marilize getting ready to explore how South African air space and air traffic control procedures differ from those in the U.S. Wonderboom Airport, near Pretoria, South Africa.

The Luckyday Study Abroad Scholarship Application

2010-09-16T08:45:00.004-05:00

Applications are now available for the Luckyday Foundation Citizenship Scholars Program Study Abroad Scholarship at The University of Southern Mississippi. Applicants must be upperclassmen in good standing with the Luckyday Citizenship Program and The University of Southern Mississippi. To apply please use the following link: https://www.scholarselect.com/scholarships/1093-2011-luckyday-study-abroad-scholarship

Applicants are due by October 11, 2010. Programs terms that can be applied for are Winter 2010, Spring 2011, Summer 2011, Fall 2011.

The following video give some insights into study abroad experiences for many of our Luckyday Scholars.

Volunteer Opportunity!

2010-08-17T13:36:00.002-05:00

Welcome back! The semester is just beginning! A perfect time to get started on your service hours!

We found out about this volunteer opportunity this afternoon!

Greater PineBelt Community Foundation

This Thursday and Friday, we need volunteers to help fold and package newsletters anytime from 9am-5pm. We are glad to have as many people who are are willing help us. Our office is located at 1507 Hardy Street, Suite 208, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Olivia directly at 601.466.2403 or our office number at 601.583.6180.

Alumni Spotlights - Where are they now? Jason Abrams

2010-08-10T08:59:00.003-05:00

Jason Abrams, Luckyday Graduate 2008, sent us an update on what he's up to these days:

"Currently I am the part time Youth Director for Voice of Calvary Fellowship Church and a full time campus minister for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Jackson State University both in Jackson, MS. As a Youth Director I lead the church's youth department including over 5 youth teacher volunteers and over 40 inner city children in the downtown/west Jackson area. We recently completed a Vacation Bible School where we partnered with Austin Korean Presbyterian Church from Austin, TX. We met dozens of new children that week who have been very excited about continuing to come out to our weekly bible studies!!

As a campus minister I am dedicated at JSU to find students who are passionate to lead small group bible studies across campus among their peers. My vision is to express to the campus that IVCF @ JSU is more than a bible study, it's a movement!

I am also involved in an independent business that allows me to use the servant leadership tools that I've learned through Luckyday. In fact EVERY aspect of my career I have the opportunity to use the concepts of servant leadership. I hope o be that example of a true servant leader to motivate other students to pursue it in their careers. My goal within the next 5-10 years is to train student leaders to take my place as youth director and campus minister in order to finish a MDiv from Reformed Theological Seminary.

One of my favorite memories from Luckyday is definitely the A3 game with the villain costumes running around campus during one of the freshman welcome weekends.

Finally, I would like to thank the Luckyday foundation for enabling this program to make a major impact on my life. I am a man that seeks continued learning & growth because of the investment of the Luckyday foundation."

Alumni Spotlights -Where are they now? Tabitha Epperson

2010-08-09T15:31:00.007-05:00

Tabitha Epperson, Luckyday Graduate 2006, Luckyday Graduate Assistant 2006-2008, recently checked in with the Luckyday Foundation Citizenship Scholars program to let us know what she was up to these days:

"I am currently at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. I am a Ph.D. candidate in sociology and two classes away from finishing a graduate certificate in women's studies. At the university I work for the Opportunity Scholars Program, which is a Trio program and called Student Support Services at other schools, as a graduate assistant. I teach three University 101 classes and am the coordinator for the mentoring program; this year I have 72 mentors in the program. I do training for the mentors and meet with them at least once a month. In the mentoring program, we do at least one community service event and one social event each month, and I plan and execute those events. I also try to teach them about servant leadership.

Since starting at USC, I have done international service projects each summer. Last summer I went to the Amazon jungle in Peru and camped out three weeks in a remote area sometimes working in the rainforest with the natives and mostly spending time with the children. This past May I spent two weeks in Nicaragua with 27 other students from USC and Columbia College. The first week I stayed in a small village working with the children and the second week I went out to the mountains and hiked to nearby schools distributing hygiene items, shoes, and school supplies.

It is hard to put into words exactly how much Luckyay has benefited me because even though I am 600 miles from the program and pursuing a doctorate, I often still think of Luckyday and the profound impact it has had in my life. Sometimes you go into something and do not realize how life changing it will be until you are on the other side of the event; that is how Luckyday was for me. As Luckyday was a new program at USM at the time, I did not know much about it, and there was no way to know how it immensely it impacted my life at the time.

Luckyday gave me opportunities I would not have had otherwise. Through Luckyday, I was able to study abroad in Jamaica. I had never been out of the country prior to college, and now I get on an international flight as often as I can. Through leadership development with the executive team (I think it is called something else now), I learned a lot about about myself, leading, and working on a team. With the executive team I travelled and saw things I had never had the chance to see before and it opened my eyes to the beauty of places like the Grand Canyon and New York. Through working with the Luckyday freshman seminar, I was able to stand in front of a classroom and help teach, which really helps me in the position I am now. I learned a whole other dimension of learning while standing on front of the class. Luckyday also gave me some of my best friends that I still keep in touch with today. In fact, my junior year on executive team, we partnered with the sophomore leadership team, and my partner and I became best friends throughout college, and I am going to be in her wedding next year. Luckyday opened up the world to me - internationally, domestically, socially, academically, and philanthropically.

I have so many favorite memories with Luckyday because those times are held dear to my heart. I would have to say that one of my favorites would be going to Disney World with Luckyday leadership because after going through Katrina, I had not dreamed many dreams in the months that followed, but that trip reminded me to keep dreaming big and to never stop dreaming despite what is going on all around you. Going to Epcot also inspired me to see the world, and I have not stopped since.

My future aspirations include to continue working on my bucket list, which includes things such as going on a hot air balloon ride, walking on the Great Wall in China, seeing the pyramids in Egypt, and visit every state capital building. When I finish school, I want to take the foreign service exam and work for the Department of State, preferably doing embassy work in another country.

I am extremely grateful to the Luckyday Foundation for investing in my life. Being a Luckyday Scholar definitely set me on my path in life by providing opportunities with access to information to open doors to things like graduate school and leaving the country that I never had known much about before. The idea of investing in people's lives that I have seen exhibited through the work of the Luckyday Foundation is something that has stuck with me as well as the concept of servant leadership. Those two principles are something that the Foundation already does well, and I aim to do with my life."

Summer Volunteers Needed!

2010-06-01T13:45:00.003-05:00

Hi Scholars!

I hope you all are enjoying the summer so far! We have been contacted by Early Encounters Preschool in Parkway Heights United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg with the need of volunteers to help with their weekly field trips. Below is the request for help:

"I am looking for volunteers for our summer camp program. We have a parent that wants to enroll a special needs child in our summer camp program. This child attends our after school program during the school year in which she stays at our center. Our summer camp program goes on 4 field trips a week. We cannot afford to hire a person for one on one supervision. I told her mother that if I could find volunteers to come in and help supervise her on field trips that we will allow her to enroll in summer camp. Our camp started today."

Early Encounters needs a volunteer to help as soon as possible. If you are in the Hattiesburg area and would like to help or know of someone who is, please contact Jenny Kern at 601-544-1591 or earlyencounters@parkwayheights.org as soon as possible.

Thanks! Enjoy your summer break!

Volunteers Needed!!!

2010-05-07T14:25:00.002-05:00

Oak Grove Middle School is need of volunteers to serve as proctors for the MCT2 next week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:45 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

If you are interested in helping out with this, please contact Melanie Hasty by Monday at 601.613.7534.

Thames Elementary needs Volunteers

2010-04-30T08:48:00.000-05:00

Who is still looking for hours!? Thames Elementary is looking for a few students to help out with some work as soon as possible. Some of it is indoors and some is outdoors. If preferred, outdoor work can be done on the weekend. They are currently in need of:

Landscaping help - need to move dirt using wheelbarrows into low-lying areas in interior courtyards. Other beautification projects with landscape.
Classroom/teacher assistants - using copier for student work, mentoring/tutoring children, reading/etc.
Painting interior corridor concrete poles
General school beautification maintenance

For more information, e-mail Tracie Robinson at tracy.robinson@hpsd.k12.ms.us

Last Minute Volunteer Opportunity!

2010-04-27T10:08:00.002-05:00

Volunteers are needed to assist on Friday, May 7 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for the Cancer Survivors’ Picnic. The picnic is at the Cancer Center from 11 – 1, but help is needed before, during and after (even is somebody could come for two hours that would be wonderful!). To help out contact Kathy at Forrest General.

Kathy Emmons
601.288.1309
kemmons@forrestgeneral.com

Volunteer Opportunities

2010-04-26T10:37:00.001-05:00

Volunteer Opportunities at Hawkins Elementary:

Date: Thursday, 5/6/10 / Time: 11:00-1:00pm / Activity: monitor students in the cafeteria.

Date: Friday, 5/7/10 / Time: 11:00- 1:00pm / Activity: monitor students in the cafeteria.

Dates: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday- May 11-13 / Time: 8:00-12:00pm / Activity: hall monitors for testing

Date: Wednesday, 5/19/10 / Time: 9:00-1:00pm / Activity: face painting, making balloon animals, and/or assisting with games for field day.

If you are interested in helping with these events contact Sharon Miles- email: iamsmiles@gmail.com

Looking for summer housing??

2010-04-26T08:54:00.002-05:00

Looking for somewhere to stay in Hattiesburg for the summer? A current Luckyday Scholar is need of a subleaser. More information below:

Boardwalk Apartments
Subleaser needed for the dates: May 11th-July 31st, 2010
May rent will be paid for in full.
One bedroom available (with personal bathroom) in a 4 bedroom apartment.
Rent is flat rate of $445.00 (per person) a month (includes all utilities & amenities).
Amenities include gym, pool, computer lab, tanning beds, and clubhouse.
Female resident preferred.
Please e-mail Anna Dufour: amdu4@bellsouth.net, with any inquiries.

Volunteering and Mudbugs! Oh my!

2010-04-14T09:47:00.000-05:00

Who is in need of service hours for this semester! I am sure there are a few of you who lack 2-3 hours and we have just the opportunities for you to fulfill those!

1. The Greater PineBelt Community Foundation needs help placing seals and labels on their newsletters for mailing. This is a great nonprofit foundation that serves as a vehicle for charitable organizations. They are looking for 2-3 people that could come by on this Friday afternoon. Easy way to knock out 2-3 hours! Contact Samantha McCain (samantha.mccain@eagles.usm.edu) for more information.

2. City Councilman Dave Ware is looking for about 10 students to help out with the 12th Annual Medical Mudbugs - HHNA Crawfish Boil. Volunteers will be working the door and taking tickets. There will be two bands and after students work a shift, they are free to eat and watch the band. It's on Saturday, April 24th. Please e-mail Dave Ware at dave@daveware.net for more information!

3. Aldersgate Mission is in great need of extra volunteers! Contact the office for more details!

Great American Cleanup and Earth Day Kickoff Celebration Volunteer Opportunities

2010-04-09T09:31:00.002-05:00

Keep Hattiesburg Beautiful is looking for volunteers to help with the Great American Cleanup and Earth Day Kickoff Celebration Thursday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Town Square Park located on Main Street downtown Hattiesburg. We have approximately 225 3^rd and 4^thgrade students from Hawkins Elementary and Sacred Heart Elementary School. There will be 10 stations ranging from recycling, liter prevention, storm water pollution and much more. Volunteers will be needed to help with refreshments and pass out goody bags at each station. If you are interested in volunteering, please respond to melissa.carpenter@usm.edu.

Volunteer Opportunity: Mentoring Teen Moms

2010-03-31T09:46:00.000-05:00

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO SERVE AS A MENTOR FOR TEEN MOMS in a Support Group!

Dear Students,

At Petal, the program is comprised of Petal High School students. At Southeast Mississippi Rural Health, they are ages 16-24, and mostly students from Hattiesburg High.

At SEMRH, we meet at the Women's Health Center , which is down Hwy 49, close to the old Beverly Drive-in. Meetings are twice a month from 3:00- 4:30. Refreshments are served, then a program which consists of life skills education, or parenting material.

Help needed:

1. Clerical help would be a priority. Someone with Computer skills who could help produce forms, newsletter layout, filing, putting enrollment packets together, etc. Time requirement would be 3-4 hours once or twice a week.

2. Group meeting help-- someone to come and actually be extra "hands" at our meetings twice a month to help serve refreshments, or whatever is needed. On that note, I hope to get some "mentor" for these young moms in the near future.

For more information on the Support Programs, contact Julie Norman

Phone: 601-606-9228

Email:Julietnorman@bellsouth.net

julie.norman@petalschools.com

norman@semrhi.com.

Volunteer Opportunity with P.A.C.E

2010-03-31T09:43:00.000-05:00

For the first time in P.A.C.E. Head Start history we are sponsoring a community wide volunteer event. P.A.C.E. Head Start wants 1000 community volunteers from Pine Belt area businesses, churches, industries, and schools to come out and support your local Head Start during May 3-7, 2010.

Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 1 hour anyday and anytime during the week.
1000 Helping Hands Volunteer Week is such a simple task that will leave a lasting impression on a child. Pine Belt please join P.A.C.E. Head Start in making a difference in the lives of children through the support of 1000 Helping Hands!!!!

Volunteer ideas include:

Reading or telling a story
Art activity
Indoor Play
Activity
Outdoor Play
Activity

For more information or to sign up, contact Kim Gowdy at kgowdy@paceheadstartinc.com

VERY IMPORTANT: Housing Reassignments!

2010-03-25T09:31:00.003-05:00

Housing will open up for reassignment accordingly:

March 31—Private Room Selection (2.0-4.0 cumulative GPA students)

April 01—Private Room Selection (all students)

April 06-12—Male Reassignment (2.0-4.0 cumulative GPA students)

April 13-19—Female Reassignment (2.0-4.0 cumulative GPA students)

April 20-26—Open Reassignment for all Males

April 27-May 03—Open Reassignment for all Females.

Homes of Home & Pepsi Refresh! Volunteers Needed

2010-03-25T09:31:00.000-05:00

Homes of Hope for Children has a big weekend planned to help promote their involvement with the Pepsi Refresh Everything Grant. We are trying to plan these events quickly as the ideas and opportunities come to us. Below are the locations we'll have computer stations set up for voting.

We would like to have at least 5 more volunteers at each event. Volunteers will help people register on the Pepsi Refresh website and log their vote. Volunteers for Saturday can take shifts, so you don't have to commit to the entire day.

Thursday, March 25: 5:30-8:30 p.m. @ Chick-fil-a - 6099 Hwy 98

Friday, March 26: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

This will be a competition between girls and guys. One site will be girl volunteers and the other the boys.

The volunteers at the site that hit 100 votes first will each receive a gift certificate to a local Hattiesburg restaurant!

@ Bop's Frozen Custard - 3320 Hardy Street &

@ Krispy Kreme Doughnuts - 5006 Hardy Street

Saturday, March 27: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

@ Hubfest, in front of Main Street Books

Volunteers Needed!

2010-03-22T09:07:00.000-05:00

Small Miracles Child Development Center has a list of cleaning and painting projects they'd like to get started on and are in need of a few students for help!

Dates needed:

March 27 - April 10; 9am to 4pm

For more information, please e-mail Ruth.Percy@usm.edu

PACE Community Wide Volunteer Event

2010-03-22T09:04:00.000-05:00

The goal of P.A.C.E. Head Start’s first ever community wide volunteer event “1000 Helping Hands” is to involve parents and members of the Pine Belt community in the total operation of the Head Start program to serve as volunteers. This year’s theme has been to increase awareness within the community through established and future partnerships. Therefore, we are soliciting 1000 volunteers within the community to come out anyday and anytime throughout May 3-7, 2010 for at least 1 hour at any P.A.C.E. Head Start classroom to show your support to the efforts of making a difference in the lives of children.

For more information, contact Kim Gowdy at kgoudy@paceheadstartinc.org.

Eat for a good cause!

2010-03-09T09:39:00.000-06:00

On March 24 and 25, Luckyday Freshmen Council will be hosting Luckyday Night at McAlister's! Ten percent of the profits each night will be donated to Habitat for Humanity of Hattiesburg.

So visit McAlister's from 4 p.m. until closing and tell as many people as you can!

Bake Sale for Haiti!

2010-03-01T08:32:00.000-06:00

Luckyday will be in the Union Lobby today with a bake sale. The table will be available from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Stop by and grab a cookie or other sweets!

All proceeds will go to Haiti Relief!

Take a moment to help Southern Miss!

2010-02-26T21:52:00.002-06:00

If you would, please take a second and vote for Southern Miss's OCSL’s picture in the MLK Day photo challenge. If we win this photo challenge we will received more grant money to continue with the garden project at Edwards Street. Simply click the link below as we are 90 votes behind and please encourage others!

We are the third option.... follow the link and vote! Voting closes March 1 so please vote now! Thank you!

http://org.elon.edu/nccc/MLKTechnologyContestFinalists.html

Baseball Tailgating!

2010-02-25T11:22:00.000-06:00

Are you ready for some baseball?! Come join Luckyday in support of our CWS Golden Eagle baseball team on Wednesday March 10 at 6:15 in Pete Taylor Park! Take a break from your week and enjoy the excitement America’s favorite past-time, while wearing your Black and Gold or Luckyday apparel! Feel free to make signs and show your support! Admission to the ballpark is free with your student ID, so come join us for a night of fun! We’ll meet in the stadium and form a Luckyday cheering section! Hope to see you there!

The Big Event

2010-02-24T16:03:00.002-06:00

On 2/25/10 The Big Event will have a table outside of The Hub from 11 am to 2 pm. This is an opportunity for people to learn more about The Big Event and to register to become a volunteer. Please spread the word to all! Feel free to stop by and say hello!

Volunteer Opportunity: Pace Head Start

2010-02-18T08:39:00.000-06:00

Below are opportunities to work with Pace Head Start here in Hattiesburg.

March 1-5 Read Across America Week

Read a story at any Head Start Center/Classroom throughout the week.

March 9 1^st Annual PACE PARENT IDOL

6:00 p.m. at Saenger Theatre

Assist with preparation and backstage assistance of event.

Also needed, a judge for Parent Idol and an entertaining MC that would like to donate time!

Contact Kim Gowdy if interested at 545-8110 ext 141 or kgowdypaceheadstartinc.com

Volunteer Opportunity: Mississippi Science Olympiad

2010-02-17T10:39:00.000-06:00

This opportunity comes in the form of a competition for junior high and high school students that will be held here at USM on Friday, March 26. Students come from all over the state to compete in various events from Anatomy and Physiology to Astronomy and Elevated Bridge.

You can find more information about our tournament at http://www.usm.edu/outreach/mso.html and information about the Science Olympiad in general at the national website,www.soinc.org .

The tournament is looking for volunteers to help. Please know that volunteers do not have to be a science major or be getting any kind of science endorsement—volunteers are needed for numerous jobs, such as showing students where to go, selling t-shirts, grading papers, and setting up events. Help is needed from 7 am until 6 pm, so we can easily have them work around classes or other obligations.

Volunteering for events like the MSO look great on a résumé, and students usually have fun while there!

For more information, contact the office at luckyday@usm.edu.

Looking to be involved?

2010-02-08T09:42:00.000-06:00

Hey scholars! We have an opportunity and an announcement for you:

Eagle Connection

Eagle Connection is the student recruiting organization on campus and they are taking applications for the 2010-2011 academic year.

Details:

· To apply online for Eagle Connection, go to:

http://www.usm.edu/admissions/freshmen/eagleconnection.php

·        You will need to have two recommendation forms. (those forms are also online)
·         Once you have applied, you need to sign up for an interview time in the Office of Admissions (Kennard Washington 212)
·         Deadline is Feb. 26^th.

Project Haiti Relief

Some of you may not be aware but the Southern Miss Activities Council (SMAC) President Franz Solomon is from Haiti. Many of his family members still live there. As of this writing Franz learned that his uncle, Eddie Etnettienne, survived the quake and is living in his car, but his aunt, Jinette Etnettienne, remains missing. Franz has joined forces with other Southern Miss students in organizing a “Project Haiti” relief campaign. The plan calls for a benefit concert on the Union Plaza February 18th from 5:30-7:30pm which will include a drop-off area for people who wish to donate money, clothes, non-perishable food items and other essentials. Please pass this on to the students and staff that you work with. Together we can make a difference!

Join the Luckyday Twitter and Fan Pages!

2010-02-07T11:57:00.002-06:00

You can receive updates on Twitter and Facebook on Luckyday Citizenship Program Announcements. On Twitter follow us @LuckydayUSM or Facebook join our fan page @ this link or by searching for Luckyday Foundation Citizenship Scholars Program.

Volunteer Opportunity!

2010-02-01T15:53:00.000-06:00

During February there are several projects at Edwards Street that need to be done:

Mulch the blueberries planted on MLK day.
Finish amending the soil in the boxes and plant sugar snaps.
Work on the butterfly garden on the west side of the baker.
Plant shrubs to screen the AC's.
Install a catchment and drain pipe between the baker and the new bldg.
Install drip irrigation along the east drive and the back.
Prep the garden for planting potatoes.
Transplant the camellias and Crape Mryles in the city's ROW

Beginning 2/14, work will commence at Edwards Street on most Saturday mornings. If you can work, please let us know so we can contact the coordinator a few days ahead to plan and get the materials together. Bring friends too!

Happy New Year

2010-01-27T15:58:00.001-06:00

The Luckyday Office is constantly moving forward and it seems like January passed by without us knowing!

It's a busy time here, but as always - we are glad to see the students back.

Fun events will happen soon, as our Leadership Team is always busy planning ahead for the semester.

If you have any questions about anything, please feel free to drop by the office or e-mail us at luckyday@usm.edu.

Please be sure to check the links to the right. The community service list, project request form, and service log are all listed!

Check back frequently for pictures and updates!

Time for hours!

2009-11-13T12:30:00.002-06:00

It's time to turn in your service hours!

We'll take these through the end of the semester!

Here is the link : Luckyday Service Log

Luckyday supports the Golden Eagles

2009-11-11T08:40:00.002-06:00

Even for an away game, Luckyday Scholars show up to support the Eagles!

The social team recently scheduled a get-t0gether for the Southern Miss vs. UAB game and a number of our students showed up to participate in the "Away Tailgate."

Students devoured pizza and snacks as they watched Southern Miss go against the UAB Blazers. Unfortunately, Southern Miss did not win. However, our students enjoyed the time they got to spend together as friends and fellowship with one another.

Homecoming

2009-10-22T09:37:00.003-05:00

Last year, Luckyday experienced its first Homecoming team. A lot of fun was had, but students planned for an even better time this year!

The Luckyday float is right in front of the Administration Building and is looking amazing!

Our students are working hard to pull of a great event Saturday and they are building friendships in the process.

Here are a few photos from the week so far.

Tailgating - Luckyday Style

2009-10-19T09:48:00.000-05:00

In 2007, Luckyday began tailgating at a few football games during the Fall. We find great joy in giving our students a place to gather, eat food, mingle, and spend time with each other.

The tent has never had a "poor" turnout and rain never stops them! They just move the party somewhere else!

Below are pictures from this semester's tailgating events. Enjoy!

Hall Visits

2009-10-12T10:41:00.002-05:00

It's a longstanding tradition with Luckyday to conduct freshmen hall visits. For eight years, they have been a highlight of our program. They take place once a month and normally involve snacks, it also allows us a chance to see the students and interact with them, where they live.

Over the years, students have truly connected with each other and the visits bring more fellowship out into the halls of our living communities. With midterms lurking, September's visit gave our students scantrons, pencils, pens and a little bit of candy!

Career Focus Fridays

2009-09-21T10:44:00.001-05:00

Friday, September 18th was Luckyday's first ever Career Focus Friday. We are excited about this event as it is an opportunity for Luckyday students of all ages to come together and learn more about their major and the opportunites present for them in their chosen field. This week we had Miss Kari Leavell, a graduate student working towards her PhD in Psychology. Students ranging from first semester Freshman to Seniors who are preparing for Graduate School benefitted from this program. During her presentation, Miss Leavell focused on what psychology is as a major, what can be done with a degree in psychology,and she answered a lot of the students questions about applying for graduate school. We hope to make this a monthly event where a speaker will come and present information on certain majors to all Luckyday students who are interested.

Submitted by: Ryan Meyers, Media Team

Welcome Back and all that jazz

2009-09-09T09:12:00.003-05:00

Hi all!

Luckyday has officially gotten off to a great start with the new year. Move-in weekend was extraordinary with a jam-packed schedule.

We moved in roughly 130 new freshmen, mastered the A3 game, climbed the heights and tested team-work abilities at Challenge Country, and the new joined the old with an 80s Skate Party. A lot of fun was had, and of course new friends were made.

For your entertainment pleasure, we have more than enough photos AND at least a video or two to share with you. Get excited! You may even see yourself!

Freshmen Move-In

Freshmen Move-In Weekend Activities

A3

Challenge Country

80s Skate Party

Senior Sendoffs

2009-04-14T23:07:00.003-05:00

Between now and the end of the semester, we will post a few pieces of advice from our Graduating Seniors. This week, Barbara Wakeland and Samantha McSparrin will share some wisdom from the last four years.

Look for involvement opportunities that are different from what everyone else does! Freshman Associates is NOT the only cool thing to do at Southern Miss as a freshman. Also, look into internships. Your professors will think highly of you if you pursue educational opportunities outside of the classroom. There are opportunities locally and in other parts of the country. Ask for help in your department, they should have plenty of resources to help!
Also, Congrats to Barbara for being accepted into Law School! Good Luck!

Take advantage of the study abroad scholarship that Luckyday offers! There are amazing opportunities for short and long term programs all over the world. The scholarship makes it possible for many students to travel during their undergrad careers, when it many have otherwise been impossible. College is short, but taking the time to go abroad is certainly worth the investment. My semester abroad has even given me a greater sense of pride for my home state and university.

Samantha is currently studying abroad and is helping with English language tutoring for law students at the University of Orleans. Great job!

Priority Preview Recap

2009-04-14T22:23:00.001-05:00

Over 75 students joined us on April 5 and 6 for Priority Preview. They were introduced to Luckyday and met a lot of different people! In between signing up for classes and meeting roommate possibilities, they also became acclimated [somewhat] to the University and had a little fun in the process.

They also participated in a mass ice breaker movement coordinated by PlayFair. Good time was had by all!

We are very excited about the Class of 2013 entering the program in the fall. Here are just a few pictures to exhibit the fun that was had!

Priority Preview Weekend!

2009-04-05T19:46:00.001-05:00

Oh how we love Priority Preview Weekend! We are visiting with around 100 new students this weekend, and we invite you to join us as we do so!

If you have a twitter account, please follow us at www.twitter.com/luckydayUSM.

Check back soon for pictures from the big weekend!

Senior Advice Callout

2009-03-04T09:50:00.002-06:00

Hey Seniors!

It's getting that time... yes, you know. When you GRADUATE! Who knew it would pass by so quickly?

As a way to leave a bit of legacy, please tell us what you would say to incoming freshman if he or she were to ask you for advice about college life.

It can be anything like, "Stay away from the cafeteria on Wednesdays." to "Give everything 110%." It's up to you!

The link is here: https://luckyday.wufoo.com/forms/senior-advice/

Also, do not forget that The Luckyday Foundation will be coming to see you this spring. It will take place on Tuesday, April 21^th, 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Thad Cochran Center Presidential Suites on the 2^nd floor. This is a special time in which you have the opportunity to say thank you for all of their support and encouragement!

Please dress professionally and think about any words you would like to share with the foundation as we will take time to express our thankfulness for their gifts to us. You will also have the opportunity to sign up for the Alumni Association with the Luckyday Program paying for your first year of membership!

This is a big day, so please arrange it as a part of your schedule for that week!

Candid Camera?

2009-03-03T23:55:00.003-06:00

Hey students! Want to be in a video that will thank scholarship donors for all of their time and monetary donations? Great!

If you will, please be present at the front lawn of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building on Monday, March 9 at 5 PM. It will last until 8 PM and free pizza will be served!

There will be not be any one-on-one videos, so don't be shy! If you would like to wear Southern Miss apparel, feel free. It is not required. However, please do not wear apparel that promotes other schools. Click below for the poster with the complete details!

If you can, come out! Remember, the Luckyday Scholarship is the biggest gift in the school's history. Come out and support a video that will thank them! They deserve it!

Congratulations Maggie!

2009-02-28T23:29:00.001-06:00

We are consistently proud of all of our students as we know that they accomplish great things all year long. Sometimes we aren't as fortunate to hear about them, so when we do we love to publicly congratulate them!

Maggie Evans, a junior Luckyday from Louin, recently won the Miss University of Southern Mississippi Pageant on Feb. 21, 2009.

In a press release issued by Southern Miss, Evans stated, "I wasn’t’ expecting it, and now I’m just excited about preparing for Miss Mississippi,” said Evans, who is the daughter of Iris and Marcus Evans of Louin."

Evans is the second consecutive participant from Southern Miss [and is a Luckyday!]. Christine Kozlowski is currently serving as Miss Mississippi and will turn over her crown this summer. Who knows... Maggie could be it!

Congratulations Maggie! We are proud of you and your Luckyday family supports you!

A Skatin' Good Time

2009-01-29T22:32:00.000-06:00

Every now and then Luckyday tries to do something that has not been done before. And to kick off the new year with a bang, they hosted a Skate Party to welcome back the students.

Luckydays, young and old, made an appearance. They skated, played games, and socialized with old and new friends. It was a great event, and it was wonderful to see so many students!

Our Miss America

2009-01-26T22:27:00.000-06:00

As we all watched in anticipation, Christine presented herself and Mississippi with elegance and grace - everything we believe Miss America should be.

Even though she did not bring home the crown, she already has the crown in our hearts! We are proud to call her our Miss Mississippi, and she'll always be our Miss America!

TRIVIA!

2008-12-03T14:19:00.002-06:00

If you have been reading the Luckystar, you know it is NOW time to enter in your answers to the last three trivia questions. If you don't remember them, go back through your past Luckystars!

You can enter your answers here: Trivia Answer Form

Foundation Re-Cap

2008-11-30T22:51:00.003-06:00

On November 17, 2008, the Luckyday Foundation Board of Managers visited the Southern Miss campus and met with many students and professional staff, including the President! The board of managers returns every fall to welcome the new class of freshmen, and also visits in the spring to send off the graduating class. It's a way of them welcoming fresh faces into university life, as well as helping them move onto the professional world after graduation.

The day started with the managers meeting with Dr. Saunders, a student panel, and a luncheon where Mr. Sparkman presented the recent updates with the program. Later in the afternoon, the managers met with the freshmen at Dr. Saunders' house. It was a pleasant event, and we look forward to seeing them again in the Spring!

Hall Visit 11/16/08

2008-11-19T14:16:00.000-06:00

To remind the students about the Foundation Visit on the 17th of November, members of cabinet and social teams decided to grace the halls of Hickman and Bolton. Luckily, the mentors were hosting a program! Look at the pictures below to see the fun that the girls were having at their Fashion Show! Don't worry, the guys were able to get camera time too!

Luckyday takes intramurals by storm!

2008-11-10T23:32:00.001-06:00

This year, Luckyday has taken on the new challenge of Intramural Sports. The first Luckyday team has been the Flag Football Co-Ed Team. They made it all the way to the second round of playoffs! Congratulations! Click below to see pictures of the Luckyday Co-Ed Flag Football team playing Pi Kappa Phi.

Homecoming Extravaganza

2008-11-10T22:10:00.002-06:00

Luckyday came home to gold during Homecoming week as students came together to create a beautiful float and celebrated the only way we know how to!

The students gathered each night to stuff and decorate a float that sat in the front of campus. As a part of a greater team, they participated in the Fountain Sit, Mr. and Miss University Pageant, and the Parade. A ton of pictures were taken, so PLEASE feel free to browse around and see all the fun that was had!

To all those who participated, Thank You! It was you who caused the event to be such a great success!

Luckydays Make a Difference

2008-10-26T22:51:00.004-05:00

Nearly 25 Luckyday students showed up at 9 am Saturday, Oct. 26th to help the Office of Community Service Learning to put on another successful Make a Difference Day. There ended up being fewer children assigned to Luckyday than volunteers. "We did end up working more with the children one-on-one,"Casey Taggart, Social Team Chair. Casey mentioned one Luckyday scholar who picked out one child who seemed very shy, and worked with him or her until the child opened up. It's not the quantity of people that we serve, but the quality of the service. We can put this down as another Luckyday success!

Internship opportunity in the Gulf of Mexico

2008-10-26T20:38:00.003-05:00

Looking for an internship for the Spring '09 semester? Want an opportunity to make a difference in the environment and earn class credit while doing it? Then contact Collin Thomas, Campus Coordinator for the Gulf Restoration Network, at collin@healthygulf.org or visit www.healthygulf.org for more information.

Luckyday Coffee House

2008-10-26T16:38:00.003-05:00

The Luckyday program held a coffee house on Wednesday night, October 22. Luckyday scholars came and enjoyed coffee, hot chocolate and an assortment of doughnuts and bagels and were able to enjoy performances from other USM students. Members from the campus group CHAOS came and shared poetry and Casey Taggart performed. The turnout was great and everyone who came seemed to enjoy themselves. Let us try to have an even better turnout at our next coffee house.

Luckyday Upperclassman Hall Visits

2008-10-13T15:19:00.003-05:00

The Luckyday Leadership team will soon be making an appearance near you! October 21-23 are the dates for the Upperclass hall visits and you don't want to miss it.
Tuesday, 21st - The Village
Wednesday, 22nd - Hickman, Elam Arms, Bond, Bolton, Roberts, and Wilbur
Thursday, 23rd - McCarty and Hillcrest
The visits will be from 7-9 so make sure you are in your room or you will miss the visitors and the special treat they have to bring. See ya then!

Luckyday does the District!

2008-09-29T08:53:00.001-05:00

No one tailgates like Luckyday! If you missed out on tailgating with your fellow Luckydays at the last game, no fear! Please stop by the blue and white tent [towards the corner of the District] to enjoy good food and fun friends!

Luckyday Tailgating Dates:
Oct. 4, Oct. 11, and Nov. 1

Luckyday Intramurals

2008-09-24T11:49:00.003-05:00

If you would like to participate in the Luckyday Intramural Teams, please attend the next meeting this Thursday [Sept. 25] at 8:30 PM in the Bolton Classroom.

If you cannot attend the meeting, and still want to play... please fill out the form below!

Please fill out my form.

Start!

2008-09-24T10:11:00.003-05:00

The whole world is going green with saving and recycling the topic of every conversation... However, on Sat. Sept. 27, the Hattiesburg community is all about saving something else: the heart!

This Saturday, our University and City community will join together to walk for a better life. According to the American Heart Association, you can gain two hours of life per every hour of exercise!

Please join Luckyday and the entire campus community as we walk for an incredible cause!

Saturday, Sept. 27
8 AM - 12 PM

The University of Southern Mississippi Pride Field:
2895 West 4th Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401

September Freshmen Hall Visit

2008-09-14T20:14:00.003-05:00

Luckyday raids the residence halls!

Bolton, Wilbur, Roberts, and Hickman halls were recently raided by the members of the Luckyday Leadership team. Each month, Freshmen are surprised to see Luckyday Office Admin and Upperclass Luckyday Scholars in their very own halls.

"We enjoy getting to meet and greet with the students. It's our way of making a connection on their level," said Miranda Ramsay, Connection Team Leader.

The students were given snacks and information about upcoming events. The Leadership Team makes a habit of visiting the freshmen at least once a month, and the Upperclassmen at least once a semester.

Be on the lookout! You never know when they will be at your door!

Abbey Program Information

2008-09-08T11:06:00.004-05:00

Hey Scholars!

International Programs at Southern Miss would like to invite you to an informational [includes pizza] about the The Abbey in France! Remember, the Luckyday Program offers an opportunity to compete for a study-abroad scholarship! If you are interested in studying abroad or if you aren't sure what studying abroad includes... join the meeting and ask questions! Details are below:

Tomorrow, September 9th @ noon
International Center's Conference Room 410.

Also!

The freshmen will receive a Hall Visit Tuesday night around 8:30. This is upperclassmen taking the opportunity to get to know you and see how you are doing. If you have some lingering questions, please be sure to ask them!

A3 Photos and more...

2008-09-04T09:57:00.002-05:00

Hello friends!

I hope that wherever you were for Gustav's appearance that you were safe and did not sustain any damage!

We are glad to be back in the swing of things and hope that you are as well.

The link for the 2008 A3 game has been posted to the right, but is posted below as well:

A3: Freshmen Class of 2008

Stay tuned to the blog as more information about the Start! Heart Walk, PICA and movie night will be posted!

What's going on this week?

2008-08-25T10:55:00.002-05:00

Hey Luckyday Scholars! With a brand new look, we are hoping the blog will serve as a one-stop shop for you to get all the latest information you need [Luckyday and School-wide]. Every Monday, there will be a post that will include all upcoming events and any important information you may need to know!

Luckyday Leadership: Most individual team meetings start this week, so be sure to contact your team leader and know when your team is meeting!
August 26th: Rec Sports is hosting Eagle Expo in the Payne Center from 11am to 3pm. The first 100 to come by Pine Belt Graphics booth will get a FREE T-shirt! FREE food! FREE smoothies!
Join the Southern Miss students, faculty and staff as they check out the latest products, technology, services, sounds and tastes from selected local and national companies. Hosted by Southern Miss Recreational Sports. Admission is FREE!
August 29th: Black and Gold Day! Be sure to sport your Black and Gold as we kick off football season at Southern Miss.
August 30th: Southern Miss Football vs. Louisiana Lafayette @ 6pm. Luckyday Tailgating in the District!

That's it for the upcoming events this week! Enjoy the 3-day weekend and be safe!

A new day. A new beginning.

2008-08-22T08:31:00.003-05:00

On Fri. August 15, the Luckyday Program welcomed their largest class to date. Nearly 140 wide-eyed freshmen moved into both Bolton, Hickman, Wilbur, and Roberts Halls. After the students moved into their rooms, the fun began! All students were asked to take part in the infamous A3 game, a digital spin on the traditional scavenger hunt that incorporated texting and digital cameras. It also allowed the students to become acclimated with the campus and to learn a little Southern Miss trivia. After the game was over, they took part in an ice-cream social with the Leadership Scholars that included an improv show by Third String Varsity.

For the first time in a few years, the program took a turn from the norm and worked with the Office of Community Service Learning to plan a morning of service opportunities. It was intended so that the students could get their feet wet in the service pool, but they walked away with much more. Students participated in projects at Habitat for Humanity, Wesley Manor, Hope for Hattiesburg, Salvation Army, Hawkins Elementary, and Red Cross.

It was a busy, yet very involved weekend; and we are more than happy to welcome our newest class to the Luckyday family!

Southern Miss to the Top!

Our Very Own: Miss Mississippi

2008-08-20T10:41:00.002-05:00

Sophomore LuckydayChristine Kozlowski, is making her way back to the Southern Miss campus on Thursday, August 21st to join her friends, family, and university community as they celebrate her new title as Miss Mississippi.

Christine has a wonderful platform, and we are all very excited to see her set forth on this incredible journey.

If you can, please come to see and congratulate her!

Details:
5:30 to 7pm
Thad Cochran Center: Ballroom III

Zoo Daze - Volunteering Gone Wild

2008-07-22T12:49:00.010-05:00

If you were one of those kids who always wanted a pet tiger or penguin growing up, and you aren't afraid to get a little messy, volunteering at the Hattiesburg Zoo might be just your thing.
Based, of course, on your level of commitment and consistency, volunteer opportunities range from general labor, helping create the diets of the animals, working with the educational animals, helping with kid's classes, and even working directly with a keeper to care for the general animals!The educational animals are what they use to do demonstrations and teach the classes, they are slightly more accessible than, say, the tigers, and volunteers may build up to being able to do demonstrations with them for the kids. Educational Director Krissy Hamilton expressed special interest in Education majors, explaining that there is a current need for help with the classes and you can really get involved, even creating the lesson plans. The possibilities are extensive and although this opportunity would require some stick-to-it (they require 16 hours monthly, minimum), the rewards are great. For more information, contact Krissy Hamilton at 601-545-4579.

Relay for Life

2008-04-29T11:59:00.003-05:00

Relay for Life [ree-ley fawr lahyf] noun: an annual event providing students with a good reason to stay up all night while raising awareness and money for cancer research.

Relay for Life was an amazing event this year! Luckyday was in full participation too. Along with two teams started by Luckyday Scholars, many of the volunteers throughout the night were also Luckyday. Logan Tisdale, a Luckyday Senior, served as the president of Club Relay (the campus organization helping the American Cancer Society put Relay on) this year. With some preparation, a lot of hard work, and one long night Relay was a success.

The overarching theme for Relay is "Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back", encouraging everyone to celebrate those who have beaten cancer, remember those lost, and to fight back through awareness and research. "Be A Superhero" was the theme for the year.

Melissa Ladner and Oscar Shoemaker served as the team captains for the Luckyday Team. With the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as the superhero, Luckyday team members came with 'shredding power'. The Heroes On a Half Shell walked away with two awards this year, 3rd Place in the Sunrise Award (most members still in attendance at Sunrise) and 2nd Place in Most Money Raised by a College Team. Congratulations on a job well done!

Luckyday freshman, Sammy Wise, started a team for any freshmen student to join. Being the Freshmen Flash, this team could be seen all over campus raising money and getting excited about Relay. The Freshmen Flash took home 2nd Place in Making a Cancer Connection, 2nd Place in Spirit, and 3rd Place in Most Money Raised by a College Team. A job well done by the Freshmen Flash!

Throughout the night many different events took place that anyone could participate in. From a three-legged race to the limbo finding something to do during the early morning hours was not hard. Freshman Physics and Civic Engineering major, Stradford Goins was able to out-eat a few other guys and won first place in the hot dog eating contest. He showed his talent for scarfing down 5 hot dogs faster than anyone else!

All in all a great night with lots of fun! Congratulations to all the teams! Can't wait for next year!

A Mile in HER Shoes

2008-04-29T10:54:00.008-05:00

Men in high-heel shoes? Oh my!

On Thursday, March 24 the Shafer Center on campus held an event for Sexual Assault Awareness. Organizations were encouraged to nominate a male participant to "Walk a Mile in HER Shoes". Being a participant allowed the men to wear high-heel shoes and walk from the fountain in Shoemaker Square to the Administration Building and back. Having the men walk represented all the ladies their lives and how everyone is affected by sexual assault. The men were judged by their gracefullness, creativity of the shoe, and difficulty of the shoe. A good crowd showed up to support.

Two Luckyday Scholars strutted their stuff down the Plaza. Freshman nursing major, John Causey represented the Luckyday Freshman Council during the walk, and Junior agriculture major, Austin Smith represented Southern Miss Cheerleaders. The two successfully completed the walk with no twisted ankles. Thanks guys for being such great sports!

Above, Austin and John in their heels.

UNV 310 - Senior Seminar

2008-04-28T11:10:00.001-05:00

Don't forget you have a Senior Capstone Project with Luckyday. How can you complete your capstone? We have a couple of options, but you are required to complete the capstone unless you graduate early (in less than 4 years).

The option we promote first for completion of the capstone experience is taking the Luckyday Senior Seminar, UNV 310. It is a one credit hour graded course that will meet on Thursday's only this fall from 5:10-6:25 p.m. (and is offered every fall and spring semester). In this course we cover information that is important for your transition from the undergraduate experience to whatever is next (work, graduate school, etc.). Topics have included: professional image, credit management, resume development, graduate school applications, dining etiquette, interview tips, etc.

If you choose not to take this course or are unable to, you will be required to complete a 5 page reflection on your experience at Southern Miss over the past four years. Areas to be reflected on in this paper are your service experience, academic experience, personal goals for the next 10 years, challenges overcome to persist in college, and Luckyday Program experience. One of these two capstone experiences is required before the ending of your fourth year. Senior thesis or McNair project can be accepted in place of this reflection paper. __We encourage everyone to consider the Senior Seminar due to its value for students as they transition to the next chapter in their life. To join this class contact someone in the Luckyday Office. It is available only to Luckyday Scholars.

Luckyday Welcomes New Scholars

2008-04-01T13:05:00.003-05:00

Priority Preview was this past weekend. It was a wonderful time for the incoming freshman to become oriented to the USM campus and to the Luckyday Program. We have had over 100 scholars and their parents this weekend! We played the Luckyday famous "Name-O" to get to know each other. The next day, the scholars had the opportunity to get to know potential roommates in a roundup game. This was an awesome game in which the students exchanged business cards (provided by the Luckyday Office). The students continued to get more information about living on campus.

Luckyday would like to thank all of the volunteers that helped make this event a success. We would also like to say to the new scholars that we look forward to you guys coming in the fall!

Sophomore Council Raises Awareness

2008-03-31T14:27:00.001-05:00

My name is Crystal Woodard and I am a sophomore here at USM. I was full of excitement and enthusiasm as I entered college in the fall of 2006. In September, 2006, during the extreme heat wave, I got too hot on the marching band practice field and almost blacked out. The next morning I noticed my right foot was numb. As the days passed, it seemed as if it was spreading to my hand and my walk was affected. I kept thinking maybe I had a pinched nerve or something minor. On October 9^th, I had an appointment with a neurologist. I had to have a MRI on my brain and an hour later I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 200 people are diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis every week. Multiple Sclerosis was an illness that I had very rarely heard of until my diagnosis. It is a disease of affecting the central nervous system. There is currently no cure for MS. However, there are medications to help curve the possible deadly affects of Multiple Sclerosis.

As a Southern Miss student, I am facing a challenge that very few people of my age have to face. My whole life has changed, from being an active teenager with no limits and no handicaps, to a teenager battling MS and all the limitations and bouts with fatigue, depression, mood swings, and horrible pain. I have to wake up each morning with a positive attitude and my mind set on making it through the day.

I do realize that Multiple Sclerosis is something that very few students have to face. As I mentioned earlier, there are medications for MS. I take shots that leave me with flu like symptoms 3 days a week. My dream is to wake up one morning to read in the paper that a cure has been found for Multiple Sclerosis meaning I no longer have to take injections. With the Multiple Sclerosis walk coming up on Saturday, April 12 and 8 am at the Longleaf Trace and with your help and donations, my dream of an MS free world may soon become reality. I would like for all of you to join me at 8am April 12 at the Long Leaf Trace Parkway across from campus or you can drop off any monetary donations to your Luckyday Mentor or on the second floor of Hickman Hall in the office of Ms. Amy Wade. I want to thank each of you for your help.

Sincerely,

Crystal Woodard

Alumni Adventures: Destination New York City!

2008-03-30T14:32:00.000-05:00

Now that we have alumni, it is a lot of fun to hear about the different places they have been and where they are going. This month, I was able to catch up with Jeri Boren, an inaugural graduate of the Luckyday Program.

Luckyday: Can you go over briefly why you are in New York, and who you are working for?
Jeri Boren: I graduated with a Fashion Merchandising degree from the College of Business. I always wanted to be a buyer for a high-end, luxury retailer in the fashion industry. I am currently working for Saks Fifth Avenue in the corporate headquarters as an assitant buyer. I work specifically in the Fashion Jewelry department.

LD: How did Luckyday affect your time as a student at Southern Miss?
JB: Luckyday exposed me to several different opportunities to exercise leadership skills through community service projects, activities, and leadership positions held within the Luckyday program. I met some of my favorite people in the whole world and closest friends to this day through the Luckyday program. By living with fellow Luckyday students my freshman year, I formed friendships that will be cherished forever.

LD: How did Luckyday help you get where you are now?
JB: I was enrolled in the Luckyday class my senior year, and we were required to attend the Career Fair on campus. I went reluctantly, never imagining to speak to anyone that I would really want to work for. When I saw that Saks Incorporated was listed, I went straight to their booth. I spoke with a former USM alum who turned out to be the Senior Vice President of Human Resources & Talent Acquisition at our support center in Jackson, MS. They were recruiting for IT and human resource positions, but after I told him my major and what I wanted to do, he informed me of the Executive Excellence Progam at Saks. After several interviews and a trip to New York for the final round of interviews, I was informed in May that I was accepted into the Executive Excellence program to become a buyer. I moved here in July to begin the program. I completed the program in January and started as an Assistant Buyer in February. With all that said, I can thank Luckyday for "requiring" me to attend the Career Fair where I actually was given a great opportunity to accomplish something I have always dreamnt of doing.

LD: How has your experience with Luckyday affected life after college?
JB: Luckyday allowed me to earn a college degree. Without the support of the Luckyday program, it would have been much more difficult (coming from a family of five children) for me to receive the education that I needed for my future.

LD: If you could give any students advice about college - what would it be?
JB: Advice to students...enjoy each moment of your college career because it goes by entirely too fast! Take time to develop friendships and relationships with the people around you. It's worth the effort, as this is what you will remember the most. You won't remember each test or lecture (do try to exceed and do your best in these things of course), but you will remember the people and the activities you completed together. You're making a memory, so make it a good one!

LD: Any additional comments you'd like to say to students?
JB: Always remember where you came from and what you represent. Be yourself and don't allow anyone to let you believe you are incapable of accomplishing your dreams. Wherever life takes you, be proud of your education at Southern Miss and represent our school well!

Service Opportunities

2008-03-28T14:36:00.000-05:00

National Volunteer Week
April 21st - 25th

April 21 - A Day for the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity @ 1-5 P.M.
April 22 - A Day for the Environmen, Hattiesburg Zoo Cleanup @ 10-12 A.M & Keep Hattiesburg Beautiful @ 1– 4 P.M.
April 23 - A Day for the Elderly and Hungry, Christian Services Soup Kitchen @ 11-1 P.M., Wesley Manor @ 2-5 P.M.
April 24 - A Day for Health Awareness, Blood Drive @ 9:30—2:30 P.M.
April 25 - A Day for Literacy, First Book Distribution @ TBA
April 25 &26 - A Day of Memory & Celebration, Relay for Life @ 6 P.M.—6 A.M.

Mississippi Senior Olympics

Chandra Fontenot, Special Services Coordinator for the City of Clinton Parks and Recreation Dept, is looking for volunteers to work with this years Mississippi Senior Olympics. This is a qualifying year for the 2009 National Senior Games in San Francisco so they are expecting to have around 1000 participants. With that type of crowd, they can use all the help they can get! If you are interested, please email Chandra at cfontenot@clintonparksandrec.com.

Luckyday Executive Team Builds a Shed

2008-02-12T10:38:00.000-06:00

Saturday, February 19, 2008 the Luckyday Executive Team joined the Habitat for Humanity build day and helped put together a shed. The team put their blood, sweat, and tears in the process. It was a joyous experience, the team was very engaged and motivated to get the job done. Some of the members never did construction work before and was afraid of their inadequacy.

Luckystar Archive

2008-02-12T08:19:00.000-06:00

Volume 2 Issue 1 (October 2005)

Volume 2 Issue 2 (November 2005)

Volume 2 Issue 5 (March 2006)

Volume 2 Issue 6 (April 2006)

Volume 3 Issue 1 (October 2006)

Volume 3 Issue 2 (November 2006)

Volume 3 Issue 3 (February 2007)

Volume 3 Issue 4 (April 2007)

Happy Black History Month

2008-02-06T08:26:00.000-06:00

Today is Ash Wednesday, the day after Fat Tuesday. We students are back into the grove of things after a long weekend. No more breaks until Spring Break :(. This week there is so much going on in the world: Mardi Gras, Super Tuesday, Tornadoes, and even Luckyday applications!!

Despite all of this February marks Black History Month. It originally started as "Negro History Week" in 1926 developed by Dr. Carter G. Woodson (pictured on left). And the theme for 2008 is "Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism." The reason why he picked February is because both Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln's birthday is in this month.

Random Black History facts:
Did you know the first African American Senator was Hiram Revels representing Mississippi in 1870?

The first African American person to receive a bachelor's degree was Alexander Lucius Twilight in 1823 from Middlebury College.

I donate plasma every week. Well... The person who invented the method of extracting plasma from red blood cells in order to store blood (hence "blood banks") was Dr. Charles Drew in 1940.

Thats all the black history facts for today... Happy Ash Wednesday!!

Remember the "Handcuffs"

2008-01-28T10:07:00.000-06:00

Luckyday welcomes the 2007- 2008 NEW Freshmen Council! The council has started off with a great start. In order to begin the team development process, the council met together Saturday, January 26, 2008 for team building activities with Dr. Wolfe. One of the most memorable experiences was the "Handcuff activity." After countless minutes of fun and frustration of trying to figure out how to get un-cuffed, it became really difficult and almost impossible. The Freshmen remain excited of full of energy as they begin this semester with a great start!

Let's give it up to our Freshmen Council members. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Dr. Wolfe also made visits with the Sophomore Council, Executive Team, and the Y2I students for further team building. It was a very reflective experience and the aspects they learned about each other should be used effectively for the remainder of the semester.

Snow Day!!

2008-01-24T10:16:00.000-06:00

Saturday, January 19, 2008 occurred the event that is now down in the history books! Snow DAY!! Countless students across USM gathered together at the Rock and united to play in the snow. The campus was painted a beautiful white and cars were decorated with miniature snowmen (and women). Some students created "Frost-ine" the snowwoman, creating a skirt out of snow. This was a good way to start the semester. One of the most famous snowmen was the replica of our alumnus, Brett Farve, coming back to The Rock just like old times.

The snow stayed on the ground almost all weekend! This was exciting for all the Mississippi natives. Snow is pretty, but it has brought the cold.

Reminder: Service Hours

2007-11-24T18:51:00.000-06:00

Attention Luckyday Scholars... Service hours are due soon! Do not forget to complete those mere 20 hours. Fill out the Service Log:
If you need more check out the blogspot and e-mails for updates and ways you can complete the hours.

- Smiley

Photo Gallery

2007-11-24T18:40:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the Luckyday Slide Show Gallery

November, November

2007-11-06T15:19:00.000-06:00

Hola! November is here, and oh how busy it will be. Hopefully you have received your copy of the Luckystar with important dates for this month. If not, no fear... we will be emailing out an electronic copy (you will need pdf viewer to see it). In the meantime, let's see what's going on:

This weekend and following week day are very big days for the program. We will be recruiting for next year's Luckyday Class while also getting ready for the big Foundation Visit, which is always an exciting time for the program. Freshmen! Remember that the dress is professional, and to meet the buses at 3pm. Excuses for class (if needed) are available in the Luckyday offices.

Nov. 10th - Black & Gold Day
Nov. 11th - Freshmen Hall Visit
Nov. 12th - Foundation Visit

Please be sure to register for classes before SOAR goes down for the upgrade... while it's offline, you will have no way to register for classes!

Freshmen, Seminar convocation is Nov. 26th, so be sure to attend this mandatory event. You will be introduced to other components of the program (Study Abroad & Freshmen Council). You will also be introduced to Service Opportunities, so please be sure to attend!

Thanksgiving Holidays are Nov. 21-23, be sure to eat lots of TURKEY!

and...

Luckyday Exec Team is hosting a movie night on Nov. 29th. To get you into the Holiday spirit, we will be watching "Elf" with Will Ferrell. This just so happens to be my favorite movie, so I will definitely be there. Refreshments (popcorn and drinks) will be available.

On another note... Please be keeping track of your service hours. They are due at the end of the semester!

That's all I have for now... Check back here often for updates within the program (including videos and pictures)!

Homecoming Week

2007-10-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

Hey Luckyday Scholars,
Don't forget that this week is advisement week! All those seniors remember to apply for graduation with your college. Check Registrar for more information.

Luckyday Executive Team will be tailgaiting for the Homecoming game in the District this Saturday at 2pm. Please come out for some free food and fun! We will have a great time watching the parade and everything.

Thanks, have a great week!

Smiley

Welcome

2007-09-15T15:37:00.000-05:00

Hey all!
Welcome to the Luckyday Scholars Program blog. Here you will find important websites, current updates, pictures, and videos all related to the Luckday Citizenship Scholars Program at the University of Southern Mississippi

Thanks,
Smiley

Study Abroad

2007-03-03T22:51:00.000-06:00

The Luckyday Citizenship Scholars Program continues to encourage study abroad and foreign travel by financially helping 22 students make their traveling dreams come true.

Each year Luckyday Scholars, of all ages, apply for a very competitive $4,000 scholarship. This can go towards a semester program or a summer program, covering at least half if not more of the expenses required.

In the past we have sent students to Spain, The Abbey in France, Jamaica, and London – just to name a few. Our students come back changed and more apt to try new experiences. It’s an eye opening experience for everyone. The following students have received the scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic year:

Alden Alexander
Laurie Benvenutti
Jenniifer Bosarge
Bethany Brown
Denise Dickerson
Tessa Eubanks
Melanie Hasty
Amanda Kinnison
Melissa Ladner
John Leek
Ashley Long
Maribeth Love
Ashley McGraw
Trisha McMillon
Samantha McSparrin
Whitney Morris
Linda Nguyen
Miranda Ramsay
Meghan Snyder
Emily Stechmann
Logan Tisdale
Candice White

Congratulations!