Bill payment help, energy-efficiency tools and more on tap Entergy Mississippi has announced a $3.2-million pledge, funded by its shareholders, to help customers with high bills brought on primarily by high natural gas prices. While the effort will apply to all residential customers, it will focus mainly on helping those with low to moderate incomes. More than half of the power Entergy Mississippi generates comes from natural gas, and the cost to buy this fuel has more than doubled in the last year. These fuel costs are passed through to customers with no profit to the company. However, these persistent high natural gas prices are expected to affect customer bills later this year and into the next. “We not only want to alert our customers ahead of time when we see factors that can affect their bills, we also want to give them the help and tools they need to prepare for those bills,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO. Entergy announced four initiatives designed to help customers: • $150 bill credit for moderate-income customers. Nearly $1.1 million will fund a temporary bill payment assistance program for Mississippi customers. The focus will be on moderate-income customers who struggle to pay utility bills, but do not qualify for federal bill assistance programs. These customers would receive a one-time $150 bill credit. • Up to $1,000 for disabled and older customers in need. More than $540,000 will provide emergency utility bill payments for one or more months to older adults and customers with disabilities facing financial hardship. These funds will also provide agencies with administrative fees to cover added expenses associated with an increased volume of requests for help. • Free $35 energy efficiency kits. Nearly $1.1 million will pay for money-saving energy efficiency kits. Customers can get these kits at community events in Entergy’s service area this fall or can request them online at https://msentergysolutions-marketplace.com/. Available to all customers, the kits can potentially save customers $5 per month or $60 annually, and combined with Entergy’s available online tools, can save customers as much as $300 annually. • $460,000 for customer education. This money will fund a campaign to make Entergy customers aware of additional energy-efficiency and bill help available to them. This will include outreach and assistance to low-income households on how they can apply for federal bill assistance in their area, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program known as LIHEAP. “As part of a settlement, we worked with the Mississippi Public Service commissioners to get bill payment relief in the form of an $80 rebate to all customers in September and a $15 per 1,000-kilowatt benefit toward their bill through next year,” said Fisackerly. “Now we’re working with them again, and with our community partners, to expand on that effort and help Mississippians get additional relief.” Fisackerly said the company is also addressing the natural gas crisis by taking steps to limit its use of natural gas. “We are investing in Grand Gulf Nuclear Station’s low-cost power and incorporating more renewable energy into our generation portfolio,” he said. “An example of that is the recently-completed Sunflower Solar Station in the Mississippi delta.” All Entergy charitable contributions come from shareholder profit, not from customers. No costs associated with Entergy charitable contributions are passed through to customers. The company will share more details about the initiatives as it rolls each one out in the coming weeks. Learn more at entergy.com/answers and entergy.com/billhelp. QUOTES: “During a time of rising costs from every direction, the Mississippi Public Service Commission and our regulated utilities are working closely to keep energy bills as low as possible,” Chairman Dane Maxwell said. “I appreciate the efforts of stakeholders at Entergy Mississippi for making this type of investment and commitment to help customers with high bills.” “The Mississippi Public Service Commission remains committed to ensuring our regulated utilities provide affordable power to Mississippi consumers,” said Commissioner Brent Bailey, Central District. “We appreciate Entergy Mississippi’s efforts to provide the help and tools needed for their customers to lower their energy bills and put more money back in their pockets.”

By Kara Kimbrough “Is it too early for soup?” I actually asked someone this question this week because technically: A. Fall is just around the corner, therefore, it’s time to start thinking about/making seasonal foods; and B. I will find any excuse to make my favorite comfort food. I didn’t get an answer in the affirmative, but that didn’t stop me from gathering the ingredients for one of my favorite soups. I tell readers and friends that ask for ideas on the perfect, easy meal that you can’t go wrong with soup. It’s easy to make, especially if you let it simmer in a Crockpot all day. Second, it's the full meal deal when paired with a simple salad, bread or savory crackers (in other words, you can fool others into thinking you prepared a real meal) and last, in these challenging economic times, it’s relatively inexpensive to make. I was inspired to start adding soup back to the menu after watching an online video series called Harper’s Bazaar Food Diaries. The magazine creates short videos of celebrities detailing everything they eat in a day. One of the most interesting was from plus-size model Ashley Graham, whose descriptive words and accompanying photos of her hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs on top of buttered bread and a slice of ham thrown on top for good measure caused me to rethink my own hurried breakfast. As expected, Martha Stewart’s daily food diary was over the top, but actress Catherine Zeta-Jones’ leisurely meals filled with hearty salads packed with everything under the sun and topped with dressings I actually wanted to recreate reminded me that meals don’t have to be sparse to be healthy. However, the simple diet of Yolanda Hadid, a “Real Housewives” reality star (don’t ask me which one) was the most inspirational. Each night, she ends her day with a simple soup filled with chicken broth and chopped vegetables. Without any specific recipe in mind, she boils together whatever she can find in the refrigerator into a hot, healthy and light soup. Her simple soup looked so good I immediately went to my refrigerator and retrieved leftover cabbage and carrots from Labor Day’s cole slaw and defrosted a chicken breast from last month’s chicken spaghetti. Defrosting time included, I had a flavorful soup ready for a light supper in about 30 minutes. I hate to play favorites among my soups, but one of the best – and it's relatively new to my soup repertoire – is Cheesy Vegetable Soup. I was introduced to it by a co-worker, who brought a Tupperware bowl of the hot soup to me during a difficult work week fraught with personal and professional challenges. Made with ground chuck, chopped vegetables and a light (depending upon your preference) cheese sauce, it was the perfect antidote to the problems I was facing at the time. I was surprised to learn the recipe for this cure-all soup had been under my nose all along. It's included in a cookbook I compiled in 2018 to commemorate a historical occasion. Her recipe was previously published in a collection of recipes from the past that I edited (obviously not very thoroughly, as I didn’t remember this particular one) and included with a new section of recipes, historic photos and more. I somehow overlooked a recipe that has turned out to be a favorite. And, knowing a friend brought it to me when I needed it the most makes it even more special. Cheesy Vegetable Soup 1 pound ground chuck 4 cups water 1/2 cup onions, chopped 1 cup whole kernel corn 1 cup potatoes, chopped (I use diced, not shredded, hash browns to save time) 1 cup celery, chopped 1 cup carrots, chopped 2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce, optional 1 16-ounce jar regular or jalapeno Cheese Whiz 4 beef bouillon cubes Brown meat and drain; add salt and pepper to taste. Add water, bouillon cubes and Tabasco, if using. Add vegetables and cook until potatoes and carrots are done. Add cheese. Best served with cornbread. Recipe from Cindy Womack Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

Fantastically Horrific Halloween Spooky Parade We cordially invite you to participate in the “Krewe of Boo” parade taking place on Saturday, October 1, 2022, in Downtown Bolton, MS – beginning at 5:00 P.M.! Inspired by New Orleans’ official Krewe of BOO! Parade, this is a community event for the kids and all of us that are still kids at heart. Proceeds from the parade will be utilized to improve our community in multiple ways. Goals include but are not limited to providing public benches, community trash cans, and a food pantry in-town. We are looking for interesting, exciting, and fun entrants for our parade. Our theme of “Krewe of Boo” gives us the opportunity to wear a costume from our favorite movie or character. Think of all the suitable costumes you could wear or characters you could be. Or, forget our theme and have your entry be about something important to your organization. Or, forget a theme and just come march with your group for the fun of it. We look forward to a great parade and having you with us! We hope each one of you will take the opportunity to participate in this event. We welcome: Bands, Clubs, Groups, Businesses, Organizations, Politicians and Candidates, Floats (General), Churches and Sports Teams. Enclosed is a flyer for the parade. Please complete and return the entry form portion at your earliest convenience. The deadline to submit the form is Friday, September 30, 2022. We will need the information to organize the parade and order of the march. After the form is submitted and fees are paid, more information will be disbursed to those participating. PLEASE NOTE: THE PARADE WILL STEP OFF AT 5:00 P.M. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR ENTRY IS AT THE LINEUP AREA ON TIME (4:30 P.M.). • The parade gathers at 4:30 P.M. at the “County Barn” in Bolton for non-marching bands. o Marching bands or groups with predominantly walkers can gather in the Industrial Park of Bolton. • Parade route is approximately 2 miles. • You can pass out information during the parade route. • We ask that you place candy inside small plastic bags and throw those. • More guidelines regarding costumes will be made available after entry forms are submitted. “Krewe of Boo” would like to thank you in advance for your consideration and look forward to your participation. If you have any questions, please call or email. 601-473-5113 highhorsebolton.com dyamone@highhorsebolton.com 250 Bolton-Raymond Road Bolton, Mississippi

In conjunction with the launch of their new website, Central Hinds Academy recently announced the debut of a new mobile app, “CHA Cougars.” The application includes information that existing and prospective parents and students might need regarding Central Hinds Academy. Users can learn more about the latest news and events, the teachers at the school, read about admissions, get information regarding athletics and campus life, support CHA, make tuition payments and more. The app can be found at the Apple App Store and at the Google Play Store. Additional information is also available on the school’s website at CentralHinds.org.

Gaddis & McLaurin will hold a hunting appreciation event September 8-10. The event will include live entertainment, free food and beverages, prize giveaways and special deals throughout the store. The event is family-friendly. Gaddis & McLaurin, located at 104 Madison Street, has been the feed, seed, hardware and mercantile business in Bolton since 1871. For more information, call 601-866-2279.

Ms. T’s Preschool Daycare is currently accepting applications for fall enrollment for ages six months to twelve years. Located in the Henderson Municipal Building at 202 Raymond Bolton Road, the school operates from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. All-day students are taught to recognize letters, numbers, shapes and colors, as well as beginning writing and spelling, in preparation for pre-K and kindergarten. Breakfast, lunch and two snacks are provided for all-day students. After-school students, for whom transportation can be provided, complete homework, play educational games and enjoy a snack.

By Kara Kimbrough The Presidential Library of the 18th president, Ulysses Grant, is located at Mississippi State University in the Mitchell Memorial Library. Also included are artifacts from President Abraham Lincoln. Reading a national journalist’s recap of a visit to the Mississippi Delta, it dawned on me he didn’t stop by nearby Starkville, where Ulysses Grant’s Presidential Library is located in Mississippi State University’s Mitchell Memorial Library. There’s an intriguing story about how the 18th president’s library ended up in a state targeted during the Civil War. There's also a collection of Abraham Lincoln's artifacts. If you’d like to know more, drop me an email and I’ll send you a link to my previous column. The story and subsequent reminder of the presidential library caused me to wonder why Americans are intrigued with the food our presidents and their families eat. Politics aside, I’m proud to know former Pres. Donald Trump dined on, among other items, gulf shrimp, during his inauguration dinner. Let’s hope it originated from Mississippi Sound, since we know it’s the best. Not surprisingly, Chicago native Pres. Barack Obama was fond of deep dish pizza, a specialty of his hometown. These reports led to a little research on the favorite foods of some of other presidents. In addition to Tex-Mex, George W. Bush also enjoyed pizza. Bill Clinton regularly dined on chicken enchiladas, while George H.W. Bush couldn’t live without pork rinds. In previous decades, Ronald Reagan listed mac and cheese as a favorite side and Jimmy Carter enjoyed steak. The athletic Gerald Ford was a roast and red cabbage man. Lyndon Johnson liked tapioca and Fresca. Urbane presidents like Franklin Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy had simple tastes. FDR loved scrambled eggs and grilled cheese sandwiches, while JFK ordered tomato soup with sour cream or a Boston favorite, clam chowder. Keep in mind these men served a couple of centuries ago when supermarkets selling shrink-wrapped meat were nonexistent before you judge. Presidents William Harrison and James Garfield regularly requested squirrel soup at the White House dinner table. On a more palatable note, I discovered the favorite food of our first president was ice cream. I was disappointed to learn George Washington never chopped down a cherry tree, much less ate cherry pie. However, there’s nothing wrong with going along with a timeworn fable when it produces a recipe for a dessert that’s easy to make and delicious, especially when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Here’s an easy recipe to honor the Father of our Country and keep cherry pie, or at least cobbler, alive and well. George’s Cherry Cobbler 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling 1 cup Bisquick 1/4 cup milk 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature More sugar for sprinkling on top Spread pie filling into bottom of buttered 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Place in a cold oven; turn oven to 400 degrees, heat until dish reaches 400 degrees; continue to bake for 10 minutes. Remove dish from oven. While filling is baking, combine remaining ingredients. With a tablespoon, drop dough onto hot pie filling (about 6 dumplings). Sprinkle each dumpling with a little sugar. Put casserole back into oven and continue to bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By seven in the morning, we are usually out for our daily walk. One day we were about halfway through our route, walking on the sidewalk of a lovely treelined neighborhood. As we approached the next house in front of us, we watched as a car pulled slowly and carefully out of the garage. Had we kept walking at our current rate, we would have found ourselves smack dab in that driver’s way as he kept backing. So, naturally we slowed down and waited on the sidewalk for him to back out onto the street. But the driver saw us as he glanced out his side window, and immediately stopped. That put his car directly across the sidewalk in front of our walking path. So, Andy politely motioned for him to continue backing on to the street, and then we would go on our way. The driver happened to be an older, silver-haired sweetheart with glasses, and was obviously being careful about driving in reverse. When Andy motioned for him to go ahead of us, the man rolled down his window and with a smile told us that “by all means pedestrians should go first.” My husband demurred and explained we would wait on him to finish backing off the sidewalk. Then this quick-witted, good-humored gentleman quipped, “I just usually back up ‘til I hear glass!” I loved it. I would call him a man who is comfortable in his own skin. He is aware everyone sees all older adults as probably having slower reflexes and diminished sight. Aware that as a senior adult, people can be very wary of his driving skills. And rightfully so in many cases. But was he defensive and prickly with us, as we cautiously waited for him to finish backing out of his driveway? Absolutely not. In fact, he had charmingly poked gentle fun at himself for being the “scary old man on the road.” But at the same time, he was able to slyly jab us, because he knew that we had him stereotyped him as the average older driver – someone to watch very carefully. But this was a guy who evidently knew his own driving skills and limitations very well, and knew how to function within them. He refused to let people’s laughing comments about older drivers’ abilities make him feel upset and less-than. He struck me as able to let the hurtful comments about old age roll harmlessly off his back. Good-natured enough to join in making cracks about his old age, and wise enough to take into consideration his lessened abilities. An older driver? Of course he was, but he sure had a great outlook on living. Wish all of us had his capacity for not taking our self too seriously. I believe we would have a lot more fun in life.

Due to unsafe field conditions, today's football game versus Carver has been canceled.

By Mika Hartman Bases are loaded, I’m up. This pitcher facing me is the best at fast curveballs. Deep breath. Focus. Believe. I can do this…. I have no choice but to knock it out of the park. As a mom to three and as a mom to a child with special needs, my own health is vital to me. I do understand that much is unforeseen, but the science of genetics and your family history can paint a picture of what’s to come for some of us. My arch nemesis’ are heart disease and breast cancer. Loaded family history. My heart issues were discovered in my early 30’s and I see Cardiology annually to stay heart healthy. As for my family history and having the ATM gene, the breast cancer part of my journey, I decided to be proactive recently. At the end of March, I went under for a preventative double mastectomy. It was an easy choice for me. Not only do I have memories of this ugly disease, but I have a lot of work to do here for Hudson’s future and my time is already stretched thin. Obviously, I was on the right track and had no idea that my preventative surgery was actually removing cancer I already had. I am 46. My mom, grandma and aunt were all 50 and over; not news we were expecting. Carcinoma: Positive. When the news came in, I already had been healing for a week and still had two drainage bulbs as my gory accessories. With the new diagnosis, it’s likely more surgery from the positive margins left behind. And my hope of not needing an oncologist, I was now hearing that I need two. This is all fresh and I still have no idea of what’s to come, but I believe that God uses us to share the message He provides during good and bad times. Here’s what I know so far: I will be fine. I will not let this slow me down. And my favorite part, I will lead by example to my children of how wonderfully God designed me and fight for me and for them. God does prepare us and I pray constantly that this isn’t a way for me to prepare for any more oncologists in our future, but no matter I will face any and all challenges ahead with the same “I WILL KNOCK IT OUT OF THE PARK” attitude. I have no choice. Sharing this so publicly is to encourage kindness. We all have life’s curveballs that many have no idea about. A smile can a long way. A phone call, email or even a text can brighten a day. The friends you have in your communities that have children with Down syndrome often feel alone. Uninvited to parties or playdates, discouraged from outings to not hold other friends back from fun, they are sitting alone in their cars while waiting on therapy and so on. It shouldn’t take a diagnosis of cancer to reach out, they need you now. Please know that I am crazy happy for all who have shown the greatest love and support, but my cancer I will fight and it will be gone. Hudson was born with an extra chromosome that won’t go away and he needs the love more than I do. I am accepted in society. But having a child with special needs has sadly been lonely. Let me decide what we can and can’t do…. To be invited is the game changer for all who are on my path. Down syndrome has opened a beautiful door to new friendships that I would be sad to not know now, you should get to know these wonderful people, too. Many extra big acts of kindness are found in many ways, like nominating Prom Kings and Queens with Down syndrome or cheering at the Buddy Walks in your area or getting your school or office to wear crazy socks for WDSD. We love all this, we do, but being invited to birthday parties, sleepovers, to the movies… these acts are way more inclusive and impactful on our children and us, too. Having people who see our children’s abilities in their learning environments is encouraging and provides hope. We already know that are precious children, so that is great, but as a teacher, we need you to push them as you would a typical child, like your own child. Churches, find your own “Buddy System”. See that every child has the opportunity to know God. However it works for your church, make it happen. The parents and the kids in your disability community need to be a part of your community. That OUR is capitalized for a reason. It belongs to both you and I, together. We can work with anyone who wants to learn more and do better, just ask. One thing I hear a lot is about children and their curiosity. If your child has ever embarrassed you in public by asking a question loudly about a child with a disability and you hushed them, you missed a beautiful opportunity to teach them. Maybe its because you aren’t educated in the disability to share? Or maybe you think it will upset the person or momma hearing you? Or maybe it’s that you don’t think you have the time to “get into it”? No matter the reason, your child is asking and we would love for you to teach them or ask us to help. I am not educated in all disabilities, I am well educated in kindness. A generic answer can suffice, “God made her/him, just as He made you… both very special”. Or you could say, “lets go talk them and learn together”. To hush your child is awkward for everyone. It leaves us wondering what your real thoughts are or question why you don’t want your child to learn? Be kind. Always. Let me educate you about Down syndrome: A person born with Down syndrome has an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. This means that they have a total of 47 chromosomes. Most people born have 46 chromosomes total. This one extra gene causes them to develop differently. Children still look like their families. They may have almond shaped eyes, a flatter profile, larger tongues, sandal toes, sparkles in their eyes called Brushfield spots, shorter arm or legs, but they have a mom and a dad that they get their genes from. Down syndrome is not contagious. You are born with the extra chromosome, No one know how this happens, but it is a miracle that we have these wonderful people in our communities. Larger tongues can make speaking clearly harder for individual with Down syndrome. The ability to speak truly depends on the child, but friends and family have no problems communicating however is best with them. That's why learning and not hushing is so important. Most individuals have low muscle tone. This isn’t to say that they aren’t strong, it’s saying that the control to crawl, walk, run and more is often a more difficult task. But many are able to do all these hard tasks in their own time. People with Down syndrome are so loving. Hugs and acceptance go together. To be afraid is silly. You’ll miss out on this love if you shy away from them. Give them a chance to be your friend, I know they’ll give you one. Down syndrome doesn’t have a number system. You are born with it or not. Many challenges face our friends, especially their health. This varies from child to child. Some have heart defects at birth and some don’t. Some have the battle of cancer and some never do. Some have autism and many don’t. Just like everyone born, we all have our own journey, no two alike. Similar paths can be found, but none are cookie cutter. Talk to your children Teach them to not be afraid. God created us all. Period. No mistakes. Take every opportunity to raise the next generation to be more inclusive. Diversity is talked about daily, this includes my son. Kids and young adults can use “Down syndrome” as a rude comment or as a joke. This hurts. If you hear ANY child or person belittling one of God’s children, be a voice for change. We shouldn’t have to fight all the battles alone. I’m fighting for him, like my cancer, I have no choice but to knock it out of the park! My life’s EXTRA curveball can’t stop me. Bases are loaded, YOU’RE up….

By Bob Garver Last year, a longstanding tradition was bucked when the MCU’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” opened to an impressive $75 million at the domestic box office over Labor Day weekend. For some reason, maybe having to do with the kids being back in school, Labor Day weekend is typically one of the worst box office weekends of the year. Not just one of the worst holiday weekends, weekends overall. Now in 2022, things are back to relative normal, and theaters were once again nearly deserted over Labor Day weekend. The big movie was a re-release of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” from last December with $6 million, followed by “Top Gun: Maverick” from May, “DC League of Superpets” from July, “Bullet Train” from early August, and “The Invitation” from last week. I was on vacation last weekend and unable to review “The Invitation,” so it gets the dubious honor of warranting a review on this ditch on the box office calendar. The film follows Evie (Nathalie Emmanuel), a struggling caterer from New York City. She takes a DNA test and finds out she has family in England. She meets a rich cousin named Oliver (Hugh Skinner), who invites her to a family wedding at the estate of even richer family friend Walter (Thomas Doherty). Parts of the trip are like a dream come true, with luxuriousness at every turn and an extended family that welcomes her with open arms (none of the white relatives are bothered that she’s African-American, owing to an interracial affair a few generations back). Other parts are not so pleasant, like condescending butler Fields (Sean Pertwee) and standoffish bridesmaid Viktoria (Stephanie Corneilussen), though timid bridesmaid Lucy (Alana Boden) seems okay. Other parts are downright frightening, like things going bump in the night. So many things go bump in the night, as if this movie can’t think of a way to drum up scares for its first hour. It’s not hard to figure out that something is amiss with the rich weirdos, especially because the movie opens with a suicide by hanging and maids keep getting yanked offscreen, never to be seen again. I thought the villains were just into run-of-the-mill ritualistic killing, but it turns out there’s a supernatural element too. The mastermind behind it all is named Walt. Change the W in his name to the letter before it in the alphabet, the T to the similar-sounding D, and switch the A and L around, and you’ll get an idea of what the twist is. Once the secret is out, the movie is just plain goofy. A dinner scene marks a point of no return for any hope this movie had at dignity, plus it features a death that I felt had no place in a PG-13 movie (a last second cutaway from… well, a cut, is what technically saves it). The movie wasn’t great at doing horror before with its cheap jump scares, but there was potential in its “Get Out”-meets-“Ready Or Not” setup. And Evie is a likeable protagonist, struggling to keep her humility in the extravagant setting with funny video-chat help from her best friend (Courtney Taylor). But Walt is bland in every role: as a host, as a potential love interest, and as a villain. I won’t say that secondary villains Fields and Viktoria “steal the show” exactly, but I would have preferred either of them as a sort of Big Bad at the movie’s climax. It’s an easy joke to say that you should decline “The Invitation,” but judging by the lousy box office, you’ve probably been doing that anyway. Grade: C- “The Invitation” is rated PG-13 for terror, violent content, some strong language, sexual content and nudity. Its running time is 105 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) invites nominations and applications for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The award is the highest honor the United States gives to teachers of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Two Mississippi 7-12 teachers will be selected for the 2022-23 PAEMST award cycle. National honorees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, recognition at a White House ceremony, and the opportunity to provide input on policies to improve science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science education. Parents, students, fellow educators, or members of the public can nominate a 7-12 grade teacher who teaches science, technology, engineering, or mathematics as part of their contracted teaching responsibilities at the 7-12 grade level. Teachers may also nominate themselves. Eligible teachers must have at least five years of full-time employment as a K-12 teacher prior to the 2022-2023 academic school year, with science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teaching duties during each of the past five years. Nominations will be accepted until Jan. 9, 2023. Teachers must complete the application process by Feb. 6, 2023. “There are so many Mississippi 7th - 12th-grade teachers deserving of a PAEMST award for their dedication to students in the subject areas of science and mathematics,” said Dr. Kim Benton, state superintendent of education, interim. “I encourage friends, families, and colleagues to nominate a teacher who is achieving positive student outcomes and is passionate about teaching and learning. Teachers may also strongly consider nominating themselves.” Congress established the PAEMST Awards in 1983. The award recognizes teachers with deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the nation’s teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Each year PAEMST alternates between recognizing K-6 and 7-12 grade teachers. The 2023-24 PAEMST cycle will award the nation’s top teachers who teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science in grades K-6. To nominate a teacher or apply, visit: paemst.org.