The City of Laurel continued to foster a spirit of collaboration and progress in 2024, with a series of initiatives and events that reflected the city's dedication to education, youth development, and community engagement.
Literacy Grant Boosts Laurel School District’s Educational Efforts
In early January, the Laurel School District was awarded a literacy grant aimed at improving reading and writing skills among students. The grant, which will fund new programs and resources, is a crucial step in addressing the academic needs of the district's students and ensuring they are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. This grant reflects the city's ongoing commitment to supporting education and promoting literacy as a foundational skill for future generations. The resulting program, Golden Pages: Laurel’s Literacy Leap, will focus on building reading and critical thinking skills in the classroom for all of the city’s students. More information can be found here.
Eagle Scout Builds Calisthenics Park
On July 22, Eagle Scout candidate Taylor Graham completed an impressive project to benefit the entire community: a new calisthenics park in Laurel. The park, located in Mason Park, offers fitness equipment for individuals of all ages to stay active and improve their physical health. This project, which was years in the making, demonstrates the power of community involvement and youth leadership. It’s a testament to how local scouts, like Graham can make a lasting impact on their communities.
Science Experiments at Laurel Magnet School
In late October, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) hosted an engaging event at Laurel Magnet School. The group demonstrated exciting science experiments to the city’s young students, sparking curiosity and encouraging a love of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The event aimed to inspire young minds to pursue careers in STEM fields and show them that learning can be both fun and impactful. More information can be found here.
Mayor Johnny Magee Engages with Students through Reading Programs
Community engagement continues to be a cornerstone of Laurel’s leadership. Mayor Johnny Magee took time this fall to read to preschoolers as part of a broader effort to encourage literacy and foster a love of reading among the youngest residents of the city.
On October 17th, at 9 a.m., Mayor Magee visited King Star Head Start to read to the children. His efforts to connect with local children emphasize the importance of early childhood education and the role of local leaders in shaping the future of the community.
Following this, on December 12th, at 9:30 a.m., Mayor Magee read to children at Queen Olive Head Start. It was another opportunity for the mayor to interact with the city's youngest learners and encourage early literacy in the community. He read several books including the tale of The Gingerbread Man, which delighted students who were already excited about the upcoming holidays!
