By Michael Watson, Mississippi Secretary of State

There continues to be an increase of focus on the causes and effects of the “brain drain” on Mississippi’s youth. This includes an oversaturation of data attempting to quantify the issues and solutions. While I enjoying “wonking” out on policy with the best wonks, the more I consider this topic, the more I believe the answer starts with something very simple.

Since assuming the role of Secretary of State, I have traveled Mississippi speaking to numerous groups of all ages. As I reflect on the speech topics and discussions, a consistent theme emerges– our high school and college students are some of the most passionate, engaged, and sincere Mississippians in the state. Contradictory to the narrative we hear, I believe this population truly loves Mississippi and her people.

So, what gives?

The real question is– does Mississippi reciprocate this sentiment? Yes, it is easy to say we must stop the brain drain while dealing with abstract theory, but to keep our best and brightest home, it is not just talking about what makes Mississippi great or what should change. We must focus on our youngest generation as individuals, not just a number. To show we truly care, we must invest on a personal level.

It reminds me of the video we filmed during my 2019 campaign for Secretary of State. Sitting at my daughter’s miniature table with teacups in hand, we had a simple conversation regarding my election. While we may have been filming this for a commercial, the concept still resonates. Our children and youth want us to meet them where they are, look them in the eye, and have real conversations.

Although our newest programs at the Secretary of State’s Office may not be politically expedient, they are by far some of my favorites and most rewarding. Through the SOS Student Ambassador program, our Jackson Public School Summit, and the Promote the Vote program, we have the opportunity to invest in young Mississippians through civic engagement while fostering heartfelt relationships. We have been able to say, “We see you, and we hear you!”

By creating these interactions, we give our students a voice and understanding they are part of the big picture. Not only does it engage them civically, but it creates a long-term investment in hopes of them settling roots to continue calling Mississippi “home.”

As I often discuss with our students, growing up as a preacher’s son came with the heavy burden of following in my father’s footsteps. I knew I was drawn to public service but did not feel led to ministry. Through a conversation with one of my own mentors, I realized I could serve others from any position or profession.

Despite “wonking” out on policy and being a statewide elected official, I am truly grateful God has given me a platform to connect with and mentor Mississippi’s future leaders. I also encourage each of you reading this to use your status and positions to positively influence this young generation. Through genuine and transparent interactions, we will make a difference in their lives and ensure Mississippi’s prosperity for years to come.

Note: This article is written by Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson. Any opinions expressed are that of the author and not necessarily that of this publication.

Mississippi State football will have many changes this fall in terms of coaching staff and players. Jeff Lebby will bring his exciting and up-tempo offense to the SEC, and Coleman Hutzler will take over the defense.

The offense will be led by Baylor transfer quarterback Blake Shapen and a trio of talented receivers Lebby added from the transfer portal. However, the defense added a few pieces from the portal, notably Stone Blanton, but fewer difference-makers than the offense.

Because of the brutal road schedule, this team’s ceiling is likely eight wins. State will travel to Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, and Ole Miss, all of which are College Football Playoff contenders.

If MSU wants to hit that ceiling, the offense will have to live up to the expectations of a Lebby offense. Everywhere the former Oklahoma offensive coordinator has gone, points are scored in bunches.

The defense will have to perform better than many expect. There is talent for Hutzler and his staff, but it is a young group that often does not go well in the Southeastern Conference.

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Preliminary rounds of the 2024 Miss Mississippi Competition came to a close Friday night at the Vicksburg Convention Center with Miss Capital City Becky Williams and Miss Rankin County Anna Leah Jolly winning in the evening gown and talent phases of the competition, respectively.

Williams also won the talent preliminary Thursday evening.

After hearing her name called a second time, Williams said she was “even more speechless.” Williams wore a crimson beaded strapless gown she found at Lasting Impressions in Columbus, Ga.

“It’s really funny, I have this thing where I put on the first dress and I’m iffy about it, and then I will try, try, try (on other dresses), but I end up comparing every dress to (the first one I tried on),” Williams said. “That was the situation here. It was surprising that I didn’t fall in love with it to begin with because it really is so stunning.”

As the evening gown preliminary winner, Williams received a $400 scholarship from the Miss Mississippi Organization.

As a first time Miss Mississippi contestant, Jolly said hearing her name called as the talent preliminary winner was exciting.

“I am originally from Ukraine,” Jolly said. “I started dancing when I was twelve years old because I couldn’t speak English and I had to do something to get out of the house and I fell in love with the art.”

Jolly performed a self-choreographed ballet en pointe dance to a classical piece of music by Vivaldi.

In preparing for the talent portion of the competition, Jolly sought to ensure her choreography “wasn’t boring.”

“Ballet is always scrutinized and labeled as boring,” she said. “I wanted to convey to the audience that it can be inspirational, fun and you don’t have to know anything about ballet in order to enjoy it.”

Jolly received a $500 scholarship from the Miss Mississippi Organization.

Previous preliminary winners from this week are Miss Madison County Gracie Bassett and Miss Mississippi State University Morgan Nelson. On Wednesday, Nelson won the evening gown phase of the preliminary competition and Basset won talent. Thursday night there was a tie with both Miss Heart of the South Sarah Randolph and Miss Lafayette County Madison Belk winning in the evening gown. Miss Capital City Becky Williams won talent.

The final round of the competition, where the top scoring contestants and the People’s Choice Award winner will re-compete in all phases of the competition except for the judge’s interview, will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday with one contestant being crowned the new Miss Mississippi.

Tickets for the competition and crowning are $50 and are available by calling 601-638-6746.

The Miss Mississippi Competition will also be livestreamed at www.missmisslive.com. The cost is $35.

Saturday night’s competition will also air on WLBT-Jackson, WLOX-Biloxi, WMC Bounce – Memphis, WTVA-Tupelo, WTOK- Meridian and WDAM-Hattiesburg.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

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“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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