The Marion County NAACP presented several awards to members of the community at the Martin Luther King Jr. program Jan. 16 at John the Baptist Missionary Baptist Church. East Marion High School teacher Gary McCullum was chosen as their Educator of the Year and East Marion High School Principal Cindy Newsome as their administrator of the Year. The Forever in Our Hearts Award was presented to the family of Rev. R.T. McGowan.
President Topeneka Bridges of the Marion County chapter said the organization tries to stay abreast on what is going on in the community, and they saw how McCullum and Newsome were helping to raise test scores and opportunities for East Marion students. This was demonstrated by East Marion having the highest scores in the district for the first time and by the school's performing arts students having so many opportunities.
"We were so amazed how Mr. McCullum prayed with the choir before they performed at the celebration and motivated them," Bridges said.
McCullum is passionate about encouraging and providing opportunities for his students and wants others to become involved.
"It still hasn't hit me because I don't do the work for the accolades," McCullum said. "I'm extremely appreciative for the award and for the community for selecting me for the award. There's far too much work to be done at this point."
He urges any community members who would like to come in and support the performing arts programs at East Marion to please contact him at (601) 736-3006.
Superintendent Michael Day, who was the keynote speaker for the celebration, commended McCullum on his monumental impact on both the lives of Marion County students and the community as a whole.
"His dedication to seeing his students succeed is phenomenal," Day said. "The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. teacher award represents that educator who strives to break down barriers and does more than just teach. They inspire students to believe and achieve their dreams. So many students are moving toward their dreams becoming reality because of his influence as a teacher. He instills in students deep in their hearts a belief that they shall overcome."
Like McCullum, Newsome hopes that this recognition will provide confirmation to those who have already chosen to partner with her in these efforts to continue the fight and invigorate those interested in joining the efforts to help Marion County students reach their highest potential.
"I am extremely honored and privileged to receive such a prestigious award," Newsome said. "Honestly, when I go to work on a daily basis my thoughts, concerns and efforts are focused on my students. I want to create an environment that promotes academic excellence and inclusivity and to serve as the hub of extreme encouragement."
Day called Newsome a true servant leader who empowers those around her to be successful.
"Dr. Newsome is working to tear down barriers that lie between where so many students are at present and where their dreams would take them," Day said. "The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award represents a legacy of fostering positive change for others. It also recognizes those who are currently championing that same cause today by facing head-on challenges of both today and tomorrow so others shall overcome."
The organization also presented the Forever in Our Hearts Award to Donnis McGowan, the wife of R.T McGowan, and Darrick, his son. R.T. was the long time president of the Marion County NAACP who passed away on Feb. 20, 2022. He served in various positions within the organization for more than 50 years.
