Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is proud to announce that Shana Nero, a Language Arts instructor at the Jackson County Campus, and Marielle Wedgeworth, a student at the Perkinston Campus, have been selected as William Winter Scholars for 2025. This prestigious honor recognizes their academic excellence and commitment to education. Both will be recognized at the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration, taking place March 27-29 in Natchez, Mississippi.

Wedgeworth, a freshman majoring in English, expressed her gratitude for the honor. “I am excited and grateful to receive the William Winter Scholarship and to be provided the opportunity to attend the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration. Being a history enthusiast, I feel that this event will be engaging, educational, and memorable. I welcome these enriching experiences.”

Originally from Vancleave, Mississippi, Wedgeworth graduated with High Honors from Ocean Springs High School in 2024. She was part of the AP Capstone program, participated in Advanced Placement Research and Literature, and played clarinet in the Wind Symphony during her senior year. Her achievements earned her a full scholarship to play in MGCCC’s Band of Gold, as well as an Academic Excellence scholarship for her outstanding ACT score.

Nero, who has been with MGCCC since 2008 and on the Jackson County Campus since 2009, teaches Composition I and II, American Literature, and African American Literature. She holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in English and a Master of Arts in English from the University of South Alabama.

Reflecting on the significance of receiving the award, Nero said, “Governor Winter was a transformative figure and champion of public education and civil rights, so it is an honor to receive an award in his name. I strive to make all my students—from dual-enrolled high school students to grandparents—feel welcome. I aim not only to provide content that will enrich their lives but also to arm them with the tools they need to succeed. This diversity that I experience in the classroom is the beauty of public education.”

Nero also highlighted her passion for teaching at MGCCC, saying, “The best things about teaching at the Jackson County Campus are my colleagues, who are supportive, encouraging, and fun to be around, as well as the staff who go above and beyond to make everyone’s job easier. I also cherish the diverse learners from all walks of life, backgrounds, and cultures, and the opportunities to positively impact the community.”

MGCCC congratulates Nero and Wedgeworth on their selection as William Winter Scholars and looks forward to their continued success in academia and beyond.