Involving the community in the education of the young people has been one of the goals of Oak Park Elementary School’s month-long community involvement project.

Professionals from throughout the Laurel/Jones County and Hattiesburg communities convened at Oak Park Elementary School each Thursday during the month of February to talk to young people and show them that they can be whatever they dream about and work toward.

The schools’ Positive Behavior Incentives Support (PBIS)/Community of Caring Committee spearheaded the program.

Oak Park Principal Tito Lanier said the Laurel School District adopted the PBIS/Community of Caring Plan to combat student dropouts and provide positive discipline alternatives.

He said Oak Park’s February speakers program was one of the first steps toward accomplishing its PBIS goal.

Counselor Keisha Jones said the motivational speakers were designed to empower academic and educational growth for our students.

Speakers during the final day of the event included a wide variety of professions.

Among those speaking to students were Laurel councilman Manuel Jones, LSD Assistant Superintendent Dr. John Harper, Judge Toby Bartee, Laurel councilwoman Willie L. Evans, Laurel school board president and television personality Miranda Beard, Laurel Police Sgt. Mark Evans and Lt. Kelvin Jackson, local pastor and community activist Rev. Jerry James, Alonzo Brown, Dr. Linda William-Johnson with Ellisville State School, certified master watchmaker Rev. Elbert Lewis, newspaper reporter Eloria Newell James, radio personality Denise Brooks and bank employee Lorann Curry.

“It was awesome,” said Dr. Linda Williams-Johnson, a native of Laurel and director of psychology for community programs at Ellisville State School. “The organization here was excellent. ... The children were well mannered.”

Williams-Johnson said it was also impressive that the teachers remained in the classes with the students and listened to all the presentations. She said “it was fantastic.”

Lorann Curry of Bay Springs, an employee of Magnolia State Bank, also praised the school officials for the event.

“It’s been a grand day. I’ve been so impressed,” Curry said. “I love the way everything was handled. It was well organized and the children were very attentive.”

Students said they enjoyed the visits from the community leaders.

“It was great,” said nine-year-old Tyler Hughes, a fourth grader. “They read great books and told us about great things.”

Brandon Crosby, 10, a fourth grader, said he learned that reading can offer many opportunities. He said he also “learned that you can get a scholarship to go to college.

“Reading allows you to know things,” Crosby added. “You can read maps and books and learn a lot.”

Paul Evans, a local author, said he enjoyed visiting with the young people.

“Children energize me and I love this,” said Paul Evans, who has published several children’s books. “I love to see the young people excited about reading, because reading is how I got my start.”

Keisha Jones said the activities were designed to motivate the young people.

“This event focused on careers and diverse talents in our community,” the counselor said. “We are appreciative of everyone’s support and help toward the educational growth for our students. With the support from the various speakers, students were exposed to diverse learning opportunities. ... We thank everyone for sowing a seed of hope in the lives of our students that will grow forever.”

Lanier said the month-long event was very successful and the school gained support from many throughout the community.

“Through motivating speeches, we hope to make a positive connection between the classroom and careers in our community,” the principal said. “We asked the speakers to encourage the students by sharing their career path. We want to inspire our students to be the best.”

Councilwoman Evans said visiting the young people was also beneficial to her.

“It was wonderful seeing the children involved and paying attention,” she said, telling the young people about all the different hats (responsibilities) that she wears and how much she enjoys what she does.

Willie Evans also encouraged the young people to have dreams.

“It’s important for young people to have goals and to get an education,” she said. “These are things that you need in life.”