[03/28/03] In meetings that usually deal with business affairs, the Vicksburg Warren School District Board of Trustees took time Thursday to recognize students.

Honoring outstanding students, athletes and coaches was second only to electing officers on the board’s agenda.

The board presented the Vicksburg High School’s basketball team with a trophy and plaque for winning the 5A State Championship.

“It’s an honor for the school board to recognize us,” said the team’s point guard Devin Jones, 18 and a senior. “I think it’s great that we did something for the city of Vicksburg that can bring more unity to the community.”

Board members also honored star students Greg Scurria, 18 and a senior at Warren Central High School, and Vicksburg High School’s senior Mark Harris, 18. The two were selected as star students for having their school’s top ACT scores. The American College Test is a nationally recognized college entrance exam.

Board members also recognized the Warren Central Quiz Bowl Team, National Merit finalists, the district’s top speller, Chelsea Worley, and Chris Banks, whose artwork was chosen to be in the 2003 Energy Calendar.

“Heaven to a school person would be a school full of kids like that,” superintendent Donald Oakes said.

Board members re-elected each officer to the same position. District 5 trustee Kay Aasand will remain as board president, District 2 trustee Zelmarine Murphy is vice president, and District 4 trustee Jan Daigre is secretary.

In other matters, the board:

Approved the calendar for the 2003-2004 school year. The 187-day calendar will include a convocation for teachers, staff and faculty in August.

Approved a change order for the band hall under construction at Vicksburg High School. A divider wall and three new doors were added to comply with fire codes. The additions will cost the district $5,849, and was deducted from a contingency amount of $40,000.

Accepted cash donations from local businesses and organizations for various school activities and programs.

Accepted a donation of five computers to Warren Central High School from the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

Approved purchasing PLATO Coursework and Software at the cost of $14,000 to benefit all grade levels in the district.

Approved an agreement between the City of Vicksburg and the district’s Child Nutrition Department to provide meals for a summer program.

Approved out-of-state travel requests.

Approved personnel matters.

Approved bus turnaround repairs at 601 Hudson St., 750 Whitaker Drive and 4672 Oak Ridge Road.