Northwest Mississippi Community College’s Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) earned top honors when 52 members and three faculty advisers attended the 2007 Annual Convention for the Mississippi Associate Nurses and the Associate Degree Nursing Students in Vicksburg March 29-30.

Welcoming the convention attendees was Gov. Haley Barbour. He stated his support of nursing and his concern for the nursing shortage across the state. After personally recognizing the Northwest nursing students and advisers, he commended Northwest's enthusiasm and valiant efforts to better the nursing profession.

The students won first runner-up for the “Spirit of the Community” award for their project “HOPE HAPPENS” benefiting HOPE Ministries of Senatobia. Summers Godbold, Community Services Chairman of Senatobia, wrote the essay for the project. “Everyone needs hope and NWCC SNA was able to spread hope to so many through our 'Project HOPE' to benefit HOPE Ministries,” said Godbold. The nursing students collected over 10,000 non-perishable food items for this organization.

Two students were elected to serve on the Mississippi Organization for the Associate Degree Nursing (MOADN) Student Board: Godbold was elected Mississippi Organization of Associate Degree Nursing Student Association (MOSA) Secretary, and Paige Miller of Senatobia was elected MOSA Public Relations Director. Goldbold also received an honorable mention award for her campaign.

Denise Bynum, nursing instructor from Senatobia, will serve another year as MOADN Board Secretary. Claudia Burkes, nursing lab coordinator from Batesville, was recognized for her consultant work with the MOSA Board this past year and was asked to continue this next year.

Two students were individually honored: Deanna Grant of Hernando was recognized as the Outstanding ADN Student for Northwest and received a certificate. Jenni Rich of Senatobia was awarded the Bobbie Anderson $1,000 Scholarship for her leadership, 4.0 GPA, and essay entitled “Why I Chose Nursing as my Profession.”

The chapter entered the scrapbook contest which they have won the past several years. Even though the chapter did not bring home the award this year the advisors commend the scrapbook committee under the direction of Kristi Tutor of Batesville for their excellent job.