Talented young people from a wide array of disciplines took their place in competing recently by being recognized as state winners in the NAACP ACT-SO competitions.
ACT-SO–the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics–is a major youth initiative of the NAACP. Gold, silver and bronze medalists were announced during the Mississippi NAACP’s annual celebration of ACT-SO that concluded with award ceremonies and a third place winner from Winston County.
Jamya Janay Rush earned a bronze medal and a third place finish in the state ACT-So competition in the Health and Medicine discipline.
Rush who is an Louisville High School Graduate and member of HOSA created a display board, wrote a paper and presented all to the judges on physical therapy.
"This gave me a chance to compete and measure my abilities against others," said Rush.
Rush's focus in the competition of Physical Therapy goes well with her future plans to be a Physical Therapy Assistant. She plans to attend Meridian Community College and gain her degree.
"I want to help people get back to a normal life and improve lives," said Rush.
Rush is the daughter of Dexter Rush and granddaughter of Bonzell Triplett.
Melissa Davis and Linda Hampton of the Winston County NAACP mentored and attended the competition with Rush.
ACT-SO is a yearlong enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African American high school students. Gold medalists at the local level qualify for the national finals held each summer.
Founded in 1978 by renowned author and journalist Vernon Jarrett, ACT-SO provides a forum through which African American youth demonstrate academic, artistic and scientific prowess and expertise, often gaining recognition reserved for entertainers and athletes.
ACT-SO programs span most of a year beginning in the fall, followed by planning and coaching of participants through winter months, culminating in nearly 200 local competitions that run through April. The ACT-SO program is based on the dedication and commitment of more than 100 community volunteers and business leaders that serve as mentors and coaches.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
