Jackson County Hope Squad students visit Mississippi state capitol to advocate for similar programs throughout state
WLOX
Jackson County students took to the state capitol Tuesday, hoping to be the change for mental health conversations in schools across the state. Those students are a part of Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer counseling organization at schools across Jackson County, including in the Jackson County, Moss Point, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula-Gautier school districts. This is the first county in the state to adopt this national program. Hope Squad members spoke before state lawmakers on the importance of normalizing discussions around mental health issues through the power of connection.
Moss Point launches program to teach students about protecting their environment
WLOX
Derek Duckworth is a strong advocate for reducing water pollution. That’s why he’s traveled to Moss Point from Mississippi State University on Tuesday to show sixth graders how to make a difference. “The biggest thing is just to move forward with the future of helping the environment,” Duckworth said. Duckworth is helping Magnolia Middle School launch its Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience, teaching students about conservation, watershed management and stormwater runoff. The initiative focuses on protecting Rhodes Bayou, which is behind the school.
Mississippi shipbuilders ready to work with Trump’s new White House Office of Shipbuilding
Magnolia Tribune
In his address to Congress Tuesday night, President Donald Trump (R) announced a new White House office of shipbuilding to “resurrect” the American maritime industry. “To boost our defense industrial base, we are also going to resurrect the American shipbuilding industry, including commercial shipbuilding and military shipbuilding,” Trump said. “And for that purpose, I am announcing tonight that we will create a new office of shipbuilding in the White House that offers special tax incentives to bring this industry home to America where it belongs.” The President said the nation “used to make so many ships.” “We don’t make them anymore very much, but we’re going to make them very fast, very soon. It will have a huge impact,” Trump said. Mississippi is home to some of the nation’s largest shipbuilding operations that receive significant federal contracts to support America’s military. In addition, the state’s senior U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R) is now the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, holding significant sway within Congress regarding future military readiness.
Development around Pascagoula train depot revs up as Amtrak nears return to coast
WLOX (video)
HII Ingalls Shipbuilding delivers $95,600 in STEM grants
https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/hiis-ingalls-shipbuilding-awards-95600-stem-grants-2025-02-07
HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division awarded $95,600 in STEM grants today to 22 local schools and educational organizations, reinforcing the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and critical thinking among youth. The grants will support a variety of hands-on projects, classroom technology enhancements, and STEM-focused curriculums. “STEM education isn’t just about learning formulas or theories — it’s about hands-on experiences that inspire the next generation of critical thinkers,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said. “As an engineer by trade, I know firsthand how important it is to have opportunities that spark curiosity and encourage problem-solving at a young age. At Ingalls, we are proud to invest in programs that can help us build a strong foundation for future engineers, shipbuilders and industry leaders.”
HII Ingalls Shipbuilding opens virtual reality welding lab
The Fabricator
HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, along with representatives from the U.S. Navy, Accelerate Mississippi, and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, has opened a virtual reality (VR) welding lab at the shipyard. The facility is designed to help welders hone their skills easily and safely and to enhance HII’s ability to increase the number of proficient shipbuilders with this essential skill set. “As we develop the shipbuilders who build our nation’s ships, our training programs are a key part of that effort,” Ingalls Shipbuilding Vice President of Operations Donny Dorsey said. “By working with the Navy and our regional workforce partners, we can provide individuals in Mississippi with a more comprehensive approach to mastering a skilled trade in shipbuilding.” This new facility integrates VR technology into the shipyard’s existing welder certification curriculum, providing new and current Ingalls shipbuilders with an immersive, hands-on experience to develop critical shipbuilding skills.
Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce celebrates successful 2024
WLOX (video)
https://www.wlox.com/video/2025/02/21/ocean-springs-chamber-commerce-celebrates-successful-2024
Black History Month: Moss Point School history
https://www.wlox.com/2025/02/07/black-history-moss-point-school-district
Where history is rich through music and culture, educators within the Moss Point School District wear that recognition with pride. “We have flavor here in Moss Point,” said Superintendent Dr. Oswago Harper. “A rich tradition. Of course, Magnolia Middle School was named after the predominantly Black high school, Magnolia High School. The monarchs and some of those individuals are still engaged in the community today.” Superintendent Dr. Oswago Harper expressed that the middle school has produced greats who have motivated him and others across the district to keep the tradition alive. He highlighted the monarch story through the Magnolia High School alumni association, founded in 1981 and made up of all Blacks.
Economic impact of the Sound Amphitheatre
WXXV
Https://www.wxxv25.com/economic-impact-of-the-sound-amphitheater-on-gautier/
Since April of 2024 The Sound Amphitheater promised to bring a tourist presence to Gautier so businesses like Huck’s Cove on the Bayou could thrive. “When the concerts are going on at the sound we pack the house. We’ll get crowds coming in and people who don’t typically come to Gautier. A lot of people don’t know we are here either so it’s almost like free advertising in a way.” – Assistant Manager of Huck’s Cove on the Bayou Marissa Stephens Even with the growth caused by The Sound Amphitheater Mayor Casey Vaughan hopes the city continues to grow around the music venue.