"Celebrating Our Summer Achievements - JSU/ExxonMobil"

June 5, 2026 - In addition to highlighting the value of the ExxonMobil–Jackson State University STEM Camp, I would like to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of several Yazoo City Municipal School District students whose achievements exemplify the innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence fostered throughout the program.

Our students not only participated in hands-on STEM experiences—they distinguished themselves among their peers through teamwork, critical thinking, and effective communication.

Best Presentation Award – “LEGO Outside”

Congratulations to Zakira McGee, Zasira McGee, and Rashida Knox, whose team earned the Best Presentation Award for their project, “LEGO Outside.” Their presentation effectively demonstrated how carbon emissions contribute to global warming while communicating complex scientific concepts in a creative, engaging, and informative way. Their ability to translate environmental science into an understandable and compelling presentation reflected both strong scientific knowledge and exceptional communication skills.

Best Performance — Carbon Capturing Challenge

Congratulations to Jamerio Effinger, whose team earned First Place in the Carbon Capturing Challenge. Through a hands-on engineering activity, students explored technologies used to capture carbon dioxide before it enters the atmosphere. Their team’s success demonstrated an understanding of how carbon capture can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions—an important focus in today’s evolving energy industry.

First Place – Heat Sink Engineering Competition

Congratulations to Isaiah Jones, whose team earned First Place in the Heat Sink Engineering Competition. Heat sinks are essential components used in engineering to absorb and dissipate excess heat from electronic devices, computers, and energy systems, helping equipment operate safely and efficiently. By designing an effective heat sink, Isaiah’s team demonstrated the engineering principles of heat transfer, energy efficiency, and problem-solving that are fundamental to modern technology and advanced manufacturing.

These accomplishments illustrate exactly what the ExxonMobil–Jackson State University STEM Camp was designed to achieve—connecting classroom learning to real-world applications while inspiring students to pursue future opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The district also extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers and staff members, Roselyn McDaniel (Yazoo City High School Biology Teacher) and Katherine Juchheim (YazooCity High School Librarian), who recruited students, coordinated logistics, communicated with families, and supported participants throughout the week. Their commitment helped ensure that all 19 students had the opportunity to learn, compete, and succeed.

As we celebrate these students’ achievements, we also celebrate the partnerships that continue to create meaningful opportunities for young people across Mississippi. Their success is a reminder that when students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to dream beyond their circumstances, they are capable of extraordinary accomplishments.

- Roselyn McDaniel