The Volunteer of the Week is Becky Jabour. Jabour is a native of Hazlehurst. She is a retired educator with 33 years of service, including working as a consultant in elementary language arts and social studies for the Mississippi Department of Education. Jabour taught for the Vicksburg Warren School District, as well as Vicksburg Catholic School, where she also coached cross country. Jabour received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Mississippi. She is a member of the Church of the Holy Trinity. She was married to the late John Wayne Jabour and has two children, Taylor and Lauren.

How did your volunteering for Miss Mississippi begin? 

When I moved to Vicksburg in the early 1970s, I joined the Jaycettes, and one of their projects was helping to produce Miss Mississippi. Through the years, I have continued working with the pageant as well as other community programs including Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary, The Pilgrimage and I currently volunteer with the YMCA.

How long have you been volunteering with Miss Mississippi?

 I started working with Miss Mississippi in 1975, and this is my 49th year.

What is your favorite memory while volunteering with Miss Mississippi?

While working with the panel of judges, I have made lifelong friendships with others who volunteer with their state pageants. The memories made with them often extend well past the pageant.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering?

Our community thrives because of the people who are willing to volunteer in the various programs and organizations that enrich the lives of the people of Vicksburg. Whether it’s providing meals for the elderly, working with our youth or organizations that foster the arts and entertainment, we can all find a place where we are needed.

What are some of your tasks while volunteering with Miss Mississippi?

I have worked in different capacities through the years. I started working backstage and helping with the dressing rooms. I served on the committee that organized the first downtown parade and currently serve as one of the judges’ chairmen.

What have you learned from volunteering?

Volunteering allows you to help others while enriching your own life. The benefits of volunteering can last a lifetime not only for the people you are helping, but for yourself as well. It provides an opportunity for you to connect with others who share your interests and values while working toward a common goal of helping others.

How can someone who might be interested in volunteering with Miss Mississippi get involved? 

Volunteers are always needed. Contact the Miss Mississippi office to start your volunteer journey.

If there is a volunteer who should be featured, please submit their name and contact information to volunteer@vicksburgpost.com.