Anderson graduates with USM Citizen Scholar distinction

Special to The Canton News

The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Center for Community Engagement (CCE) has recognized fourteen graduating seniors who completed requirements for the USM Citizen Scholars distinction, a recognition for students demonstrating significant involvement in community engagement.

The Citizen Scholars program recognizes undergraduate students who have made significant contributions to their communities by incorporating service and community engagement into their academic experience. Students who earn 100+ service hours, participate in a community-engaged learning experience, and complete a reflective exit interview are eligible to be recognized as Citizen Scholars.

Cal’Detria Anderson, an elementary education major from Canton, completed one hundred seven service hours through volunteer work with organizations such as Rowan Elementary and Tender Hearts Montessori Academy. Anderson’s community-engaged learning experience was a practicum with Bellevue Elementary School.

“The Citizen Scholars program recognizes students who already have a deep commitment to serving others, and, in addition, introduces them to the many different ways they can use their unique skills and passions to positively impact the community,” said Christy Kayser, director of CCE. “It is always amazing to see the breadth of the activities that students are involved in and what they choose to do for the community-engaged learning requirement.”

Students in the program can volunteer with a variety of community-based organizations to earn their one hundred service hours. They may also choose from several options on how to satisfy the community-engaged learning requirement, such as interning with a nonprofit organization, enrolling in two service-learning classes, or implementing a leadership project that benefits the community.