The students here at MSMS are special in the fact that their interests and talents do not stay restricted inside the school. One example are the students from Mrs. Emma Richardson’s creative writing class who recently recorded their stories for Rural Voices, a partner of Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

Rural Voices is a radio show that broadcasts daily at 3:28 pm, where listeners can hear stories of place, home and Mississippi. The students who submit their work are given thoughtful and specific responses and the ones who are selected are given coaching and rehearsal time for the unique opportunity.

“I had a really great time doing Rural Voices radio; it’s not everyday you get to share your writing with the entire state,” said Laurel Lancaster. Just like MSMS, Rural Voices provides a unique opportunity for students throughout the state. It gives them a way to get their work out there for people to hear and it also gives the students that present the stories a look into themselves and their surroundings.

“It also made me see why I loved the place from which I came, the broad history just like any state but, because it’s Mississippi, it’s that much richer,” said Sumayia Young.

Ryan Hopson, a past participant of Rural Voices, said that it was inspiring reading and listening to everyone’s experiences or perspectives about life. Ryan participated while in middle school and, while that was awhile ago, the point he makes still stands true today but that feeling of inspiration that he felt while participating is felt by the people listening. The participants on Rural Voices inspire their listeners and will make them want to something just like it or related to it.

This was a truly amazing experience for the participants and it may one day carry them to great heights.