|
Hinds Raymond Campus ASG president wins two awards
|
05/22/08
--
Coby Gaines, a former resident of Concho, Ariz., who now lives in Clinton, received two awards during the final meeting of the Raymond Campus Associated Student Government at Hinds Community College.
Gaines, who served as ASG president on the Raymond Campus this year, was selected by the student senate to receive both the Percy Brooks III Leadership Award and the Joe Cooper Service Award.
It’s unusual for one student to receive both awards. Among the year’s accomplishments, Gaines spearheaded a fund-raising campaign for Phillip Graise of Jackson, a Hinds student with cerebral palsy who needs a new van to get to classes. The ASG had two fund-raisers for Graise, including the first-ever Hinds Idol. The fund-raisers netted about $1,400.
“I saw him (Gaines) reach out in love. I appreciate what he’s done,” said Elizabeth Graise, Phillip’s mother.
Joe Cooper of Jackson was Associated Student Government president on the Raymond Campus in the 1983-84 school year. He was killed in a car accident shortly after leaving Hinds. He was known on campus for public service.
Gaines “never believes you can’t do something. He tells you you can,” said dean of students Barbara Blankenship, who presented the award. “He never meets a stranger. He’s never at a loss for words. He makes you feel at ease and usually makes you laugh.”
Percy Brooks III of Clinton was a student at Hinds in 1991 and 1992. He was killed in a car accident on the way back from a campus visit at Mississippi State University before he graduated from Hinds. He was a senator, residence assistant and orientation leader.
Gaines “definitely exhibits the leadership, the friendliness and the ‘go-gettedness’ that Percy displayed,” said Jack Hite, director of student activities. “I don’t believe ‘can’t’ exists in this young man’s vocabulary. He never takes no for an answer.”
Also under Gaines’ leadership, designated smoking signs were posted on the Raymond Campus.
Gaines will continue classes at Hinds this fall and will be one of two Eagle mascots.
|
Coby Gaines, center, is shown with Jack Hite, director of student activities, and Barbara Blankenship, dean of students.
|