Maddie Walters, a Pelahatchie High School student, has been named to the 2022-2023 inaugural class for the Mississippi Secretary of State’s (SOS) Student Ambassador Program.
Walters was selected for the program after a competitive application process to identify upcoming seniors who have a passion for leadership and state government. To be considered for the program, students had to have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, prove satisfactory behavioral conduct and exhibit a strong interest in state government and service.
The SOS program is designed to equip high school seniors with the knowledge and resources to engage as leaders within their schools and communities. This year's group of Ambassadors consists of 56 students from 44 schools in 28 counties across all four congressional districts.
"We are thrilled to work with such a diverse group of young leaders," said Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson. "High school students, especially those in Mississippi, are often catalysts for groundbreaking ideas and positive change. I have no doubt this class of SOS Ambassadors will set an admirable tone for the future of the program."
Primary components of the SOS Ambassador Program include a fall summit focused on voting and elections and a spring summit geared toward the study of Mississippi's legislative process. Representatives from the Secretary of State’s office and other government entities will also provide in-depth training to help Ambassadors successfully organize and facilitate voter registration drives on their school campuses during the spring semester.
The program was designed as part of a mission the Secretary of State's Office has to make government more transparent, a commitment Watson says includes even the youngest generation of Mississippians. In addition, the program aims to increase voter education and registration among youth and will encourage students to engage in Mississippi civics.
Ambassadors will be able to ask questions and share ideas about the future of Mississippi with state and local leaders through monthly educational sessions.
In addition to Walters, the 2022-2023 inaugural class for the Secretary of State (SOS) Student Ambassador Program includes Adrian Marshall, Alea Hudson, Alexandria Wall, Alexs Chen, Andrew Lott, Andrew Nguyen, Anne PrestonMcRae, Armoni Redmon, Avery McDaniel, Bailey Holly, Barrett Breazeale, Beau Hinton, Bella Maner, Brayla, Rupert, Cameron Davis, Caroline Odom, Connor Gibson, Emerson Harkins, Emma Scruggs, Garrett Robison, Haley Harris, Hannah Cochran, Jakeyvien Williams, Jane Strawderman, Jeremy Tyler, Kayle Amos, Keerthin Karthikeyan, Kennedy Kuntz, Kennedy Williams, Kyla Rudd, Lauryl Joyner, Madi Lee, Mitzi Bass, Molly-Kate Carley, Reagan Anthony, Regan Ammons, Reid Overstreet, Ria Contractor, Rileigh Griffin, Robert Rector, Sadie Stevenson, Sakshi Kaura, Samuel Overstreet, Sara Smith, Shayne Carson, Stephanie Bolanos, Steven Berry, Sumner Tackett, Sydney Sudduth, Teddi Duckworth, Tucker Smith, Tyren Boyd, Vanndel Chinchen, Vishnu Gadepalli and Walker White.
For more information about the SOS Ambassador Program, call 601-359-4454.
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