Students from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston Campus Gamma Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa recently showcased their original documentary, Cruisin’ the South Mississippi Roads, at the Mississippi Communication Association Centennial Conference earlier this month.

As part of Phi Theta Kappa’s Honors in Action program, students conducted qualitative research under the theme The Power of Stories, focusing on the 2025 Cruisin’ the Coast. The team interviewed participants across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, exploring how antique car owners use their vehicles to tell personal stories and why the annual event remains a meaningful cultural tradition. Using only cell phones, students produced a short documentary highlighting the people and stories that define Cruisin’ the Coast.

Serving as respondent for the panel was award-winning journalist Walt Grayson, host of Mississippi Roads, who praised the students’ professionalism, interviewing skills and technical execution.

Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa, commended the Gamma Nu Chapter for capturing the cultural significance of Cruisin’ the Coast and preserving the stories that shape the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

En route to the conference, students visited five universities: The University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University, Jackson State University, Belhaven University and Mississippi College. They met with recruiters and honors college representatives to discuss transfer opportunities.

Students described the experience as informative and energizing, noting that presenting their research to a statewide audience strengthened their communication skills and expanded their academic connections.

Gamma Nu President Aniya Crawford said, “Being in a room full of people who are just as passionate as you about your project was exhilarating. Participating in the MCA Centennial Conference will be a priceless memory in my mind. I made important connections, put myself out there and learned the real meaning of communications as a discipline.”

Officer Olivia Walker reflected on the impact of the conference and university visits, saying, “The experience was incredible. It inspired and encouraged me to continue my academic journey and create connections that can increase my chances of getting into these wonderful institutions.”

Officer Irmel Dujkovic added, “Presenting a project that you helped create to a large group of prestigious individuals is truly electrifying. It helped improve skills that will impact my future college and career plans.”

Gamma Nu Chapter representatives included President Aniya Crawford and officers Olivia Walker, Irmel Dujkovic and Michael Dienes. Facilitators for the project were Dr. Brad Bailey, vice president of MGCCC’s Perkinston Campus and George County Center, and student Brett Bailey. Panelists included Perkinston Campus Dean of Teaching and Learning, Heather Holliman, and Zachary Dozier, Perkinston Campus Honors Director and PTK Advisor.