Starkville Academy FCA

Earlier this morning, I was invited to speak to Starkville Academy's Fellowship of Christian Athletes on bullying, it's harmful effects, and bullying prevention. These kids were wonderful listeners as I encouraged them to "stop the cycle" of bullying, speak up as victims, and be uplifting and encouraging towards one another.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen."
Ephesians 4: 29

"Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.."
Exodus 23:1-2

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of Love just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:1-2

A few of the members of SA'S FCA

RECENT SCHOOL BULLYING STATISTICS SHOW THAT:

• 1 out of 4 kids is Bullied. An American Justice Department school bullying statistics and cyber bullying statistics studies shows that this month 1 out of every 4 kids will be abused by another youth.
• School bullying statistics surveys show that 77% of students are bullied mentally, verbally, & physically.  Cyber bullying statistic are rapidly approaching similar numbers.
• In a recent school bullying statistics study, 77% of the students said they had been bullied. And 14% of those who were bullied said they experienced severe (bad) reactions to the abuse.  Many have tried to stop cyber bullying according to cyber bullying statistics.
• 1 out of 5 kids on a school bullying statistics and cyber bullying statistics study admit to being a bully, or doing some “Bullying.”
• Each day 160,000 students miss school for fear of being bullied.
• A school bullying statistics reveals that 43% fear harassment in the bathroom at school.
• 100,000 students carry a gun to school.
• 28% of youths who carry weapons have witnessed violence at home.
• A school bullying statistics and cyber bullying statistics poll of teens ages 12-17 proved that they think violence increased at their schools.
• The same school bullying statictics and cyber bullying statistics poll also showed that 282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each month.
• More youth violence occurs on school grounds as opposed to on the way to school.
• Playground school bullying statistics - Every 7 minutes a child is bullied. Adult intervention - 4%. Peer intervention - 11%. No intervention - 85%.

This is OUR STATE!

Look for me on our new commercial!

This is OUR STATE!

http://video.l3.fbcdn.net/cfs-l3-snc4/349138/450/944904771366_53304.mp4?oh=be79ff95b7b1d4a1197b67bb9

video.l3.fbcdn.net




I am truly so blessed to attend and represent a university that I love so much!

First Book on the Radio!

Hello all!

              Recently, WLZA 96.1 of Starkville, MS gave me the wonderful opportunity to spread the word about First Book all across North Mississippi through a public service announcement that will air throughout the rest of the year! I was thrilled at the chance to further inform listeners about First Book and how to get involved!

First Book :60 PSA

My name is Jessica Terrill and I currently hold the title of Miss MSU 2011. Through my work of fighting illiteracy in Mississippi, I became aware of an organization entitled First Book.

First Book is an organization that provides new books to children in need addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books. By providing new books to children throughout our nation, First Book is providing resources to empower teachers, administrators, and volunteers.

 First Book has distributed more than 80 million new books to children from low-income families in communities across the United States. Although First Book is national in scope, it is local in impact! For more information and to find out ways in which you can take part in ending the illiteracy crisis, visit www.firstbook.org.

First Book is determined to see that all children, regardless of their economic conditions, can achieve more in school and in life through access to an ongoing supply of new books.

"Rue La La" Supports Children's Charities

Hello all!
Wanted to let you all know of another great opportunity to help First Book fight illiteracy and change lives---it only takes one minute!

#doyourpart
#endilliteracy
#changelives

Just go to the link below and vote! Voting is limited to once a day, but please vote as much as you can!

Help support First Book when you click on this link.

I just did a little good.

littleruegives.com

You can help, too. Over the next four weeks, Rue La La is donating 100% of all net profits from Little Rue to childrens' charities. How much will each receive? You decide.

I'm Back!

Hello First Book friends!

So, I know I have so much to catch you all up on--so expect several posts soon about competition this summer, as well as my First Book activities!

To get back in the groove of things, I wanted to let you all know of an awesome way YOU can support First Book and lend a hand in fighting illiteracy!

First Book and it's partner, Philosophy, both believe that all children deserve a bedtime story. Philosophy just launched sweet dreams fresh cream shampoo, bubble bath & shower gel, with 100 percent of their net proceeds of this product going straight to First Book--so that this belief can become a reality!
I encourage each on of you to take part and purchase a philosophy product today!  To learn more you can visit the link below, First Book's blog (blog.firstbook.org), or go directly to the First Book website (I have a link on the right side of my page) www.firstbook.org.
Feel great, do good.

Feel Great, Do Good – First Book Blog

blog.firstbook.org

The goal of any great bedtime story is to inspire sweet dreams. Unfortunately, millions of children never have the opportunity to enjoy a bedtime story because they don’t have books to call their own.

Pearson Foundation Initiative Campaign Partner: We Give Books

Hello Everyone!

I recently learned about this awesome Pearson Foundation Initiative entitled, "We Give Books." It is a campaign in which you can read online today, and help share a book with a great literacy partner! There have been 294,677 books read to date---and I encourage you to take part!

Here is more information and how it works:

We Give Books is a free website that enables anyone with access to the Internet to put books in the hands of children who don't have them, simply by reading online.

Simply choose the charity you want to read for and then select the books you want to read. For each book you read online, we donate a book to a leading literacy group on your behalf.

The more you read, the more we give.

For more information, visit: 

http://www.wegivebooks.org/campaigns

One great excuse to buy cookies! :)

Hello Readers!

I just recently found out about this GREAT way to help First Book! I think this is one great excuse to buy cookies! :)

P.S. Pics and information from my recent Practically a Princess Tea Parties and First Book adventures are coming SOON!

First Book

Our friends at Archway Cookies are doing their part to help First Book this summer. For every package of cookies sold, Archway will donate a portion of the proceeds to help us get more new books to kids in need. Pick up some cookies and help us out! After all, you were probably going to get cookies anyway. 

Archway Cookies » Share the Goodness

www.archwaycookies.com

We've all heard (and most likely experienced) that reading is core to a child's ability to succeed in school. Yet the majority of low-income families do not have a single book for their children, with price being the number one barrier to book ownership. Currently, more than 30 million U.S. children

Check out First Book's "Tumblr"

Have you heard about Tumblr? It is a hip blogging format that is sweeping the internet! Check out First Book's Tumblr and follow to learn about what great things the First Book organization is doing! You can also read and contribute to ongoing literacy related discussions!

Just visit www.firstbook.tumblr.com

One of the interesting topics just posted asks this --"Is there a place for traditional children's books or should we begin to introduce kids to reading through e-readers?"
Contribute your response and read the opinions of others by visiting First Book's Tumblr today!

                                                  

First Book Distribution at West Lowndes Elementary

Alongside members of the First Book Golden Triangle Advisory Board, I helped to conduct a book distribution at West Lowndes Elementary School. I was invited to Mrs. Jefferson's Kindergarten class to read and talk to the class about the importance of reading. We had a GREAT time reading, eating yummy snacks, and helping the kids pick out a brand new book provided by First Book!

It was truly like Christmas morning for these kids--they were THRILLED that they were getting a brand new book of their very own!

A special thanks to the Principal, Assistant Principal, Mrs. Jefferson, and the rest of the faculty at West Lowndes Elementary for welcoming us to their school! I was so impressed with the behavior and attentiveness of the kids at this school!

Starkville Reads Program

     

I recently was invited to attend a "Starkville Reads" meeting this past week and was so thrilled to meet community leaders who all share the same passion I have for reading!

These leaders throughout the Starkville community truly recognize the importance of reading and hold events and programs to promote reading all throughout the year!

Currently, the Starkville Reads Advisory Board is taking an initiative called "One Book, One Community."

The book selection for the month of June is My Antonia by Willa Cather. I was thrilled when I learned that this was the book selection! I read My Antonia a few years ago, and it is one of my personal favorites!
There are multiple "One Book, One Community" events in June that encourage everyone to take part in!

1. Learn about the author Willa Cather on Tuesday,
June 14

Dr. Courtney Craig Bates
Graduate of Washington University in St. Louis

Starkville Public Library 

2. Book discussion on Tuesday, June 21 at 7:00 p.m.

with Dr. Bonnie 0'Neill, Assistant professor of English at MSU

Starkville Public Library

3. Book discussion with Dr. Noel Polk
Wed., June 29 at 10:30 a.m.
Starkville Public Library

To learn more about Starkville Reads visit www.starkvillereads.org

FBC New Albany Princesses love to READ!

On May 18th, I visited First Baptist Church New Albany to hold a "Practically a Princess" Tea Party to promote my platform, First Book, and to explain to the girls how they are all true princesses!

What an AWESOME thing to know---we all really are ROYALTY because we are the children of the King of Kings!

We had a blast talking about the importance of  reading and the girls learned how important it is to have "D.E.A.R" time everyday --

-Drop Everything and Read!

 

  

A special thanks to First Baptist Church New Albany!

Lend a hand in fighting illiteracy!

Hi Friends! 

As you all may know, my platform is the non-profit organization, First Book.

First Book provides new books to children in need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting illiteracy – access to books.

First Book has distributed more than 80 million new books to programs that serve children from low-income families through a growing network of programs, organizations, and schools.

I have a simple way in which you can get involved and help provide books to children around our nation!

You can lend a hand to a great cause by simply "liking" the First Book organization page. For every "like" they receive, Disney will donate a book to a child to fight illiteracy! You can visit www.firstbook.org (or click the link on the right of my page)  to learn more ways in which you can support First Book!

First Book

What We Do First Book provides new books to children in need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting illiteracy – access to books. How We Do It First Book has distributed more than 80 million new books to programs that serve children ...See More

Page: ‎8,232 people like this.

D.E.A.R. - Drop Everything and Read!

This past week, I was speaking with a dear friend and former teacher who told me about a special way in which she promoted the importance of reading in her very own classroom.

D. E. A. R. 


Drop
Everything
And
Read

She said that everyday her class would take thirty minutes and literally--drop everything and read!

Since learning of this, it has really inspired me to promote this same practice throughout classrooms and other events in which I have the opportunity to speak on my platform, FirstBook, which focuses on tackling the illiteracy crisis that is facing our state and nation.

This is a GREAT thing to practice in your classroom and your HOME!
I encourage everyone to take at least 30 minutes out of their day and --Drop Everything And Read!

Tea Party Time at Holcomb Baptist Church!

This past Saturday, I had SO much fun holding a "Practically a Princess Tea Party and Etiquette Class" at Holcomb Baptist Church in Grenada, MS. We had a BLAST dressing up as princesses, learning about the importance of reading, and eating yummy snacks that the ladies of Holcomb Baptist Church were so kind to prepare!

I had a chance to speak with the "princesses" and ladies of Holcomb Baptist Church about my platform, First Book, and they even brought books to donate to the organization!
At each tea party, my main mission is to explain three very important messages:
First, and most importantly, I want each child to know that she really is a Princess because she is a true daughter of the King of Kings!
Second, I want to instill in each child the true importance of reading and how it offers the chance for one's imagination to run wild!
Third, I encourage each child to truly recognize that each of them has so much potential and that their dreams are attainable! The possibilities of what they can accomplish really are endless!
Some of the ladies and Princesses stop to strike a pose!

The girls prepared a precious song and dance to perform!

A very special thanks to Mrs. Jan Fields and all of the precious ladies at Holcomb Baptist Church for making this a magical day that was truly fit for a princess!

We had princesses of all ages--making the day even more special!



To learn more about or schedule a Tea Party, you can contact me through E-mail at jst161@msstate.edu
or by simply sending me a Facebook message.

"Practically a Princess"

     This past year, with enormous help from my precious aunt, Suzi Blissard, I planned and hosted the first annual “Practically a Princess” Tea Party and Etiquette Class for young girls. Our first tea party was definitely a success, and I was able to conduct several tea parties throughout the year. At “Practically a Princess” I was able to read to the children and talk to them about the importance of reading and school, but also speak with parents on what they can do to encourage their children in school. We also held an etiquette class and tea party, and even had arts and crafts. Through each of these programs and with all of my efforts towards my platform issue, my main goal is to continually express the importance of reading and education to children throughout the state.

     Well, I am so excited to say--It's that time again! I will hold my first "Practically a Princess" Tea Party and Etiquette Class of the season on Saturday, May 14, and have several planned for the following week. I truly look at it as a blessing to be able to visit local churches and schools and visit with young girls and speak with them on a topic that so very near and dear to my heart! I also use each tea party as a book drive and encourage each participant to bring new or gently used books to be donated to FirstBook--an organization that provides books to children in need (there is a link to the right where you can get more information on my platform, FirstBook).

     Having said all of this, I need your help! If you would like to have me--Jessica Terrill, Miss MSU 2011--to hold a "Practically a Princess" Tea Party and Etiquette Class at YOUR church, school, event, etc., please contact me! You can E-mail me at jst161@msstate.edu, or simply send me a message on Facebook.

 I can't wait to hear from you!

MSU Relief Effort

Hello friends!

As we all know, this past week has brought much pain and sorrow across our communities. As soon as the devastation occurred, I am sure many of you were like me and wondered, "How can I help?" Although there are MANY ways in that you can lend a helping hand, I wanted to let our communities know a way that they can be a part of MSU's relief effort.

Mississippi State's Student Association is sponsoring a collection of toiletry supplies to support fellow students at the University of Alabama affected by tornadoes this week. SA President Rhett Hobart said he has been in contact with University of Alabama student leadership to determine how MSU students can assist with relief efforts.


*Specific needs include toilet paper, toothpaste and deodorant. Items may be dropped off at the Union Dawg House until 5 p.m. on Monday. The Student Association will deliver the items Tuesday to the Tuscaloosa, Ala., campus. 

Please remember there is one very simple way you can help. The most powerful of all-- and that is to keep the victims and their families in your prayers. If there is one thing that I know to be true in life, it is that prayer is a mighty and powerful thing.

MSU's "Take Back the Night"

"Pushing Past the Pain" was the topic of inspirational remarks by Jackson television personality Barbie Bassett during the April 12 public program "Take Back the Night" at Mississippi State.

Take Back the Night (www.takebackthenight.org/) is an international effort to protest and direct action against rape and other forms of sexual violence.

This program was sponsored by MSU's Division of Student Affairs and its Outreach and Sexual Assault Services Department.

I had the great honor of speaking at the ceremony and introducing Chief Meteorologist, Barbie Bassett.
The program was not only educational, but truly inspiring as Barbie Bassett, Former Lt. Governor Amy Tuck, MSU Faculty, and even students came to 'take back the night'--- and take direct action against forms of sexual and domestic violence.

Barbie Bassett, a true inspiration for me--not only as a broadcaster/meteorologist (my major and career goal), but as a Christian woman who literally beams the light of Christ!

It was awesome to see all of the students who came out to show their support!
 
A special thanks to the Outreach and Sexual Assault Services Department for inviting me to be apart of this event!

MSU Annual Easter Egg Hunt

On April 14, Mississippi State Univesity President Mark Keenum and his wife Rhonda opened their lawn to host the MSU Annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by MSU's fraternities and sororities.

In addition to the traditional Easter Egg Hunt, I also held a book drive and encouraged families to bring new and gently used books to donate. I had a wonderful time and the book drive was a great success!


Two of the precious Keenum girls! Aren't they just too cute?!

 
A special thanks to all who participated and donated!

First Book

 “Access to books and educational material is the single biggest barrier to literacy development in the United States and beyond. If we can solve the problem of access, we will be well on the road to realizing educational parity – a goal which has eluded this country for generations.”
- Susan B. Neuman, Ph.D. University of Michigan, Ctr. for Improvement of Early Reading Achievement

On a rainy day, or lazy Sunday afternoon, one can likely find me curled up reading one of my favorite classic books, or even a sappy love story. I have a true joy and passion for reading and have always considered reading as a hobby and an activity that all have the opportunity to partake in; however, through my work in a local after-school program and schools throughout Mississippi, I have learned that reading is actually a privilege that should not be taken lightly.

First Book is an organization that provides new books to children in need addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books. By providing new books to children in preschools, after-school programs, mentoring and tutoring programs, day care centers and more, First Book is providing resources to empower teachers, administrators, and volunteers. With access to these resources, these caring leaders of our communities across the nation can better teach, plan curriculum, and even more importantly impart a love of learning, elevating the quality of the programs and opportunities available to children in need.

 First Book has distributed more than 80 million new books to children from low-income families in thousands of communities across the United States. Although First Book is national in scope, it is local in impact! There are more than 275 First Book Advisory Boards forming an extensive network of volunteer community leaders serving as ambassadors dedicated to fundraising and therefore supplying millions of children in need with new books.

By promoting First Book, it is my mission to give children the opportunity to not only have the resources needed to further one’s education, but also give children the opportunity to share in the same joy I receive from reading.

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." — Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"

Join me on my journey to Miss Mississippi!

I ask that you come along and follow me on my journey across Mississippi encouraging children and hopefully lending a hand in providing them with the tools they need to obtain the best education possible, but also in encouraging them to be led by their dreams---just as I have been in my efforts towards Miss Mississippi.

I will post news, interesting facts, events, and even information on my Miss MS preperations weekly!