May 8, 2024: The Blossoms Mother-Daughter Reading Club concluded its inaugural season with an awards reception at Murrah High School (MHS), honoring a village of educators, parents, and young people. Each mother-daughter team received the Intergenerational Literary Excellence Award. Dr. Shevonne L. McDuffy-Oatis, Program Implementation Manager with the Jackson Public School District, served as keynote speaker. Special guest, Dr. Doris O. Ginn, who recently retired from her position as Professor of Linguistics in the Jackson State University Department of English and Modern Languages, was presented with the Excellence in Education Award for her 55 years of service. Alexia Anthony and Tracey Robinson, MHS students, received Outstanding Youth Leadership Awards for being instrumental in steering workshop discussions and making exceptional contributions to the overall success of the reading club. Erica Barnes (Monticello High School) and Jalia Holmes (Hinds Community College) were recognized as recent graduates. Ms. Courtney Holmes, one of the participating mothers and MHS Librarian, coordinated the event while including the young ladies in planning and executing.