This year’s celebration was primarily student led. Students from the Jackson area participated in the program. Eighth grader Kenny Street from Midtown Public Charter School spoke to the crowd about his school. He talked of hope and the success that he has found in the setting that best meets his needs.
School leaders also spoke about the value of school choice in Mississippi. Stephanie Harper, founder of Harper Learning Academy and DeArchie Scott, founder of Ambition Prep addressed the crowd.
Lastly, we heard from Empower Mississippi President Grant Callen who thanked the crowd for attending to celebrate the many options that Mississippi has for its students while expressing a desire to see more students have the opportunity to participate in choice programs in the state.
Following the celebration, students entered the State Capitol where they had an opportunity to talk with lawmakers and tour the building.
