District News

Hattiesburg, MS - Every day in school matters. From learning in the classroom to developing friendships and life skills, regular attendance lays the foundation for academic success and future opportunities. This September, the City of Hattiesburg and Hattiesburg Public Schools joined  together to spotlight the importance of showing up by recognizing Attendance Awareness Month.

On September 18, 2025, Mayor Toby Barker and the Hattiesburg City Council issued a proclamation officially declaring September as Attendance Awareness Month. The proclamation acknowledges the nationwide school absenteeism crisis and emphasizes the need for prevention, early intervention, and supportive environments that encourage students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

“Regular school attendance plays a critical role in ensuring that students have the opportunity to achieve academic success, develop essential life skills, and build a brighter future,” said Jasmin Baxter, Communications and Engagement Coordinator for Hattiesburg Public Schools, “This proclamation serves as a reminder that ensuring students are present, engaged, and supported in school is a responsibility we all share—families, educators, and community leaders alike.” This recognition aligns with the National Attendance Works Campaign, which Hattiesburg Public Schools actively participates in during September. Using the theme “Here Today, Ready for Tomorrow,” the district is jump-starting efforts for a positive 2025–2026 school attendance year. Throughout the month, HPS highlights research, resources, and tips to support good attendance while addressing challenges such as chronic absenteeism, enrollment declines, and learning gaps.

The proclamation stresses that improving attendance and engagement requires collaboration. Families, schools, elected leaders, and community partners must work together to rebuild trust, identify barriers to attendance, and provide students with the resources they need to succeed. It notes that taking attendance daily in a caring and consistent manner is essential for ensuring students receive timely support before falling too far behind.

The campaign is more than a month-long initiative for Hattiesburg Public Schools; it’s a commitment to student growth and community strength. Good attendance is a win-win for us all and is one of the most powerful indicators of student success.

As the proclamation affirms, building an engaging school environment that motivates attendance is key to ensuring every child has the chance to learn, grow, and reach their potential. Hattiesburg’s families, educators, and leaders are proving that Tigers are mighty; here today, and ready for tomorrow.

Click Here to view Attendance Awareness Proclamation of 2025

Anthony McNair, a proud member of the Hattiesburg High School Class of 2012, is a Spring 2017 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Pre-Occupational Therapy.

His professional background includes serving as Assistant Director of Recreation Therapy at a specialized treatment facility in Gulfport, Mississippi, and as Director of Activity Therapy at Bedford Care Center in Petal. These roles reflect his commitment to improving quality of life through therapeutic services and leadership in healthcare environments.

Currently, Anthony serves as the Market Manager for C Spire in Waynesboro, Mississippi. Alongside his professional duties, he is pursuing further education in Radiology, with plans to become a Nuclear Medicine Technician upon completion of his studies.

Centryanna Patterson, proud Valedictorian of Hattiesburg High School’s Class of 2016, has continued to shine in her academic and professional journey. After graduating, she attended ‘Thee’ Jackson State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.

During her junior year in the summer of 2019, Centryanna began a 10-week internship at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Virginia. Her performance during the internship stood out, and she was offered a full-time position during her senior year. Just one month after graduating, she officially started her career as a Systems Engineer at NSWC.

In her current role, she integrates software onto Modular Weapon Systems for Littoral Combat Ships. She also manages system requirements and mitigates risks for various naval weapon systems programs and projects. Over the past five years, Centryanna has taken on leadership roles within her branch and continues to grow professionally, always seeking ways to work more efficiently and effectively.

She credits her foundation for success to Hattiesburg High School, where the support and guidance of teachers and counselors helped shape her path. Her journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and the power of preparation.

Madison Maddox is a proud graduate of Hattiesburg High School, Class of 2022. Her journey through Hattiesburg Public Schools began in 2009 as a Grace Christian Elementary School kindergartener. Over the years, she developed a passion for helping others and a deep appreciation for the value of education—both of which continue to guide her today.

In 2020, Madison joined the Middle College program, where she and her classmates balanced high school coursework with college-level classes. Through this experience, she graduated with a high school diploma and an associate degree, gaining an early introduction to higher education that prepared her for university life.

Madison is a senior at The University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in Health Sciences with minors in Biology and Public Health. Upon graduation, she will expand her clinical knowledge through a position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the largest science and energy research facility operated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Her long-term goal is to return to school as a travel clinical technologist.

Throughout her time at Southern Miss, Madison has cultivated meaningful professional connections and has lived by the motto of leaving every place better than she found it. She serves on the community service committee for several organizations, including the Student Government Association (SGA), Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation (LSMAMP), NAACP, EAGLEthon, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

In April 2024, Madison was nominated as president of USM’s LSMAMP chapter. Under her leadership, the organization—established in 2022—has grown significantly. One of her goals was to expand the group’s reach beyond STEM students to include minorities in various career fields, a goal she successfully achieved. At the 84th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences Symposium, Madison was named Student of the Year for USM’s LSMAMP chapter. The organization will also receive its first “Outstanding Student Organization” honor at the university’s Celebration of Service Awards.

In August 2023, Madison became a Certified Mental Health First Aider, equipped with the training to identify and respond to signs of mental health distress, including suicidal ideation, ensuring timely care and support for those in need.

Beyond academics, Madison is the founder of the annual Panty Drop Drive, an initiative that collects new, unused undergarments for women and girls of all sizes. Her passion for supporting women in her community is rooted in her strong belief in women’s rights and the often-unrecognized strength women carry. She collaborates with local Black-owned businesses like Hair Creations by Shelia and The Boujee Extensions to host donation drop-off locations, and she partners with student organizations such as the N.R. Burger Middle School Junior Beta Club to encourage youth involvement.

Initially focused on supporting the local women’s shelter, Madison’s initiative has expanded its reach recently. In February, she partnered with Our 3 Memorial Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit supporting domestic violence survivors, to donate 100 pairs of panties and help assemble purses filled with women’s hygiene essentials. She also extended donations to support communities across Mississippi impacted by severe storms.

Madison remains committed to making others feel seen, heard, and cared for—especially those who feel overlooked. Her unwavering compassion and leadership continue to make a difference on campus, in her community, and beyond.

As a proud Hattiesburg High alumna, my journey in education has been fueled by determination and a passion for teaching. Graduating in 2007 as an Archonette of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, a Diamond Girl, and an FCCLA member, I was awarded a full scholarship to Pearl River Community College for completing two years in the Early Childhood Program at HHS. There, I discovered my love for teaching, which led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education at Jackson State University.

With over a decade of experience in early childhood education—including work in daycares, Head Start, and as a kindergarten teacher assistant—I knew my impact could be greater. In 2020, I returned to school to earn my Pre-K–3rd grade certification, followed by a Master’s degree in 2023 from Grand Canyon University. That same year, I achieved my goal of becoming a Pre-K teacher at Grace Christian Elementary School.

I am beyond blessed to share my passion with my students and their families. Each day, I strive to build a strong foundation for young minds—for education and life. Though my journey took time, every step prepared me to inspire and uplift young learners at the perfect moment.