When it comes to choosing a college, students and their families like to look for programs that excite them and a warm, friendly atmosphere in which to learn.
“The feeling of friendship is what we like here, and the chance to make good grades,” said Ann Black, who with her son, Levi, of Jackson and a Mount Salus Christian School senior, attended this year’s Thursday Night Lights pregame recruiting event Oct. 7.
Levi, for his part, wants to have the full college experience when he graduates high school.
“I’m looking to go into biology and do intramural sports,” he said.
Levi Black, center-left, and his mother, Ann, visit with Student Activities Director Rod Jones during Thursday Night Lights.
The annual recruiting event is a chance for prospective students and their families to find out about the college’s academic transfer programs and more than 80 career and technical program options. Faculty and staff in booths set up across from Joe Renfroe Stadium offered an array of information on housing, athletics, honors program opportunities, and the college’s multitude of other activities outside of the classroom.
Alayshia Rushing, left, and Tarianna Talbert, both of Union County, visit with recruiters at Thursday Night Lights.
“Thursday Night Lights is a great event for high school seniors because they get to meet so many Hinds faculty and staff members. Guests receive a lot of information about Hinds, but we also have a lot of fun,” said Kathryn Cole, dean of Enrollment Services. “We kick back and relax, enjoy a special band performance, and cheer for the Eagles at the football game.”
Colby Williamson, left, of Columbia, Miss., visits with head tennis coach Jacki Millet during Thursday Night Lights.
Emma Neal, of Vicksburg and a Warren Central High School senior, wants to keep up a family tradition in the healthcare field.
“My mom came to school here and is a registered nurse,” Neal said. “I’m looking to being a nurse because I like helping people and keeping them well.”
The information students receive from faculty often help put a wide range of interests into sharper focus as they transition to college-level studies.
Lawrence Smith, of Jackson, visits the Student Government Association table at Thursday Night Lights.
“I’m looking to get my core subjects out of the way and then eventually major in psychology,” said Eva Jones, a senior at Park Place Christian Academy in Pearl.
Eva Jones, left, and Emma Harper, both seniors at Park Place Christian Academy, visit with recruiters at Thursday Night Lights.
For more information on what Hinds can offer to upcoming high school graduates, go to www.hindscc.edu and click on the Apply tab, Cole said.
Shakyla Jernigan, center-right, of Byram, visits Thursday Night Lights were her brother, Kevion Daniels, sister Shanyla Daniels, father Keith Daniels, and mother Aquanya Daniels.