The Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service (MCVS) recently announced Sharkey Issaquena Academy (SIA) as the recipient of the Excellence in Disaster Volunteerism Award.

The Excellence in Disaster Volunteerism Award recognizes those that do an exceptional job of utilizing volunteers to meet the needs of Mississippi communities during all phases of disaster. Awardees exemplify communication, coordination, and collaboration and are a model for disaster volunteerism in Mississippi.

“Your nominators and our judges agree that you exemplify these qualities, especially when considering the age and resiliency of your volunteers,” MCVS Executive Director Suzanne Rutherford said. “We are truly honored to celebrate you as a 2024 GIVE Recipient, and we thank you for your service to your community and Mississippi.”

MCVS officials said Rolling Fork has been the definition of resiliency over the last year, as the town continues to recover after a devastating EF4 tornado ripped through it on March 24, 2023, destroying businesses and homes, and killing more than a dozen people. SIA housed the first distribution center in its gym following the storm, and dozens of members, students, faculty and staff volunteered at it for several weeks, serving hundreds of residents daily. The SIA family played an integral part in the recovery effort and continues to give countless hours of their time and resources, MCVS officials said.

“The volunteer efforts SIA initiated in rebuilding Rolling Fork were not done with the goal of being recognized. We did it because we love our community and the people in it,” said Sadie Hester, SIA’s head of school. “However, it is an honor to have that hard work acknowledged. On behalf of our SIA members, students, faculty and staff, I want to thank the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service for this designation.”

SIA will be honored during the 2024 GIVE Awards ceremony and luncheon in April at the Old Capitol Inn in Jackson.