Each year, outstanding Humanities Division students, faculty members and professionals from Mississippi’s universities, colleges and community colleges are honored by being named William Winter Scholars at the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration (NLCC). This year’s recipients are, Shana Nero, Language Arts instructor, and Katherine Phelps, student, both from the Jackson County Campus, and Susan Bosarge, Language Arts instructor, and Macy Chism, student, both from the Jefferson Davis Campus.

The honorees were recognized at the 2019 Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration February 21-23 in Natchez.

Phelps and Chism, both of Biloxi, are sophomores.

Phelps plans to pursue a degree in nursing after graduating from MGCCC this May.  “I was very excited to receive the award and enjoyed attending the conference,” she said.

After graduating from MGCCC, Chism plans to major in English/secondary education and wants to become a high school English teacher.

“I am very thankful to have been nominated and chosen to be the William Winters Scholar,” she said. “I am passionate about English and sharing it with others. I appreciate the opportunities MGCCC has given me to help me achieve my educational goals.”

Nero, from Fairhope, Alabama, has taught at the college since 2008.  She teaches Composition I and II, American Literature I and II, African American Literature, and World Literature I.

“The opportunity to network with outstanding humanities scholars from both universities and community colleges from around the state was an exceptional opportunity,” Nero said.  “Being chosen as part of that group was truly an honor.”

A resident of Woolmarket, Bosarge has been an instructor at MGCCC for 21 years.  She currently teaches Composition I and II.

“Winning the William Winter Scholar award is an honor,” she said. “Being recognized by champions of the humanities in our state is quite an achievement.”

Winners are honored publicly at the opening and closing sessions of the NLCC, in printed materials, and in publicity. The group is also photographed with former Mississippi Governor William F. Winter, after whom the scholarship is named.

Winter has served as director of proceedings for the NLCC each year since the event began in 1990.