The Friends of the Forest Public Library, partnering with Waffle House of Forest, served breakfast to the senior classes of Forest High School on Friday, August 10, and Scott Central High School on Thursday, August 16. Youth Services Librarian Brandi Parker informed the seniors of The Beverly Rhodes-Friends of the Forest Public Library $1,000 Scholarship to be awarded to one graduating, college-bound senior. The library is establishing a Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and active participation on the board is the qualifying criteria for the scholarship which can be used for any purpose.
“We are thrilled to offer this scholarship recognizing long-time library friend and retired public school teacher Beverly Rhodes, plus we are so excited to establish a Teen Advisory Board at the library. The library offers outstanding programming to residents of all ages from preschool to senior adults; however, teen participation in library programs presents an ongoing challenge. By targeting the senior classes and soliciting their involvement, we hope to encourage greater use of the library by grades 7-12,” Parker said. “Not to mention, $1,000 for the recipient to spend any way he or she chooses!”
To be considered for the $1,000 scholarship, the senior is required to participate on the library’s TAB (Teen Advisory Board) by completing the application provided at the breakfast; attending at least four meetings between August and April; assisting in planning teen programs; submitting new book recommendations; completing one hour of volunteer service each month; recruiting one or more juniors for the next year; and writing a one-page paper about their experience serving on the TAB. Although the $1,000 scholarship does not have to be spent for college expenses, the student must be planning to further his or her education. Students’ GPA (grade point averages), ACT scores, and/or financial needs are not a consideration for the scholarship.
The scholarship recognizes Beverly Rhodes for her 32-year career in education, her continuing example to students, and her love and loyalty towards the Forest Public Library. Her career in education was interrupted briefly when she served as the local librarian. In a Scott County Times feature article, she stated that she almost made a permanent career change because of her love of reading. To quote from the March 16, 2016 article, Rhodes said, “It is almost unbelievable what the city of Forest was able to accomplish in building the new library….It is my second home as I still spend quite a bit of time there.”
Forest Branch Manger and CMRLS Branch Coordinator Kimberly Cook and Lake Branch Manager Selena Swink are both former students of Rhodes. At the Scott Central breakfast, Cook stated that “Ms. Beverly” had impacted her own life as a former student of the gifted program. “She was a mentor to her students in every definition of the word. She was such an inspiration to me, personally, and I can say that she was my favorite teacher. She loves the public library, and she believes in public education. What a great combination for this scholarship.”
Youth Services Librarian Brandi Parker will monitor each member’s requirements and present the documentation to the Friends of the Forest Public Library group. The members will evaluate each senior’s participation and vote to select the recipient of the scholarship. The first meeting for the TAB is Wednesday, August 22, at 4:30 p.m.
For more information concerning the meeting or the scholarship, please call the Forest Public Library at 601-469-1481. The library is part of the Central Mississippi Regional Library System serving public libraries in Rankin, Scott, Simpson and Smith counties.
Pictured above from the left, at the Senior Breakfast are, Forest High School Principal Kim Shoemaker, Samory Lay, Hannah Mitchell, Saebreanna Macon, Marilyn Gibson, Beverly Rhodes, Youth Services Librarian Brandi Parker, and Senior Advisor Kery Kenna.
Pictured at the Senior Breakfast are members of the Scott Central High School senior class, Lead Teacher Christy Martin, Friends’ member Beverly Rhodes, Central Mississippi Regional Library System (CMRLS) Branch Coordinator Kimberly Cook, CMRLS Coordinator of Youth Services Kathy Roberts, and Forest Public Library Youth Services Librarian Brandi Parker.
Pictured at the Senior Breakfast are members of the Scott Central High School senior class, Lead Teacher Christy Martin, Friends’ member Beverly Rhodes, Central Mississippi Regional Library System (CMRLS) Branch Coordinator Kimberly Cook, CMRLS Coordinator of Youth Services Kathy Roberts, and Forest Public Library Youth Services Librarian Brandi Parker.
