By By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
May 12, 2001
Donna S. Tucker, a daughter of Neshoba County sharecroppers, was recognized Friday for a perfect 4.0 grade point average over all four years of college.
Tucker, of Philadelphia, received a B.S. degree in elementary education from MSU-Meridian Campus and was presented a medallion during graduation ceremonies in recognition of her academic accomplishments.
She was the only graduate of MSU-Meridian to achieve a perfect grade point average over her entire college career,
which included earning an associate degree from East Central Community College in Decatur.
But she also said just getting to college was an achievement in itself.
Tucker said she had little formal education, but her parents instilled a "stick to it" attitude in her. She said the support and encouragement of teachers and sacrifices made by her family also helped her achieve her goal.
Married at the age of 16, Tucker never finished high school. She did earn her GED, however, and home schooled her four children for 12 years while living in Florida.
After moving to Mississippi Tucker worked as a teacher's aide. She said it was her love of teaching that inspired her to go back to school.
Tucker and her son, Brandon, graduated together from ECCC. She enrolled at MSU-Meridian and continued pursuing her bachelor's degree.
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.