Gray, Ware named Miss, Mr. MUW
Graduating seniors Khayla Gray (communication), of Columbus, and Jarius Ware (associate of science in nursing), of Pontotoc, have been named Miss and Mr. MUW for the 2024-25 academic year.
The awards are part of the graduating class’s Hall of Fame, and winners are elected by their peers.
“It means everything to me, because I feel like when I got to campus, I had a slow start,” Gray said. “So, for me to be able to turn it around, get involved on campus and become a social person–and to kind of get that recognition–feels good.”
Ware contributes receiving the award to his involvement on campus.
“It means a lot to me,” he said. “I have been heavily involved on campus. I started as a freshman here in fall 2021, so to receive this shows that the hard work I put into the campus through student engagement mattered to the students as much as it did to me.”
Both Gray and Ware were actively involved on campus throughout their time at The W.
Gray served as vice president of the Silhouette Social Club, PR representative for United Harmony Gospel Choir, reporter for The Spectator, member of Young Black Leaders Association, radio host at WMUW and orientation leader for the 2023-24 school year.
She also participated in community service projects with United Way of the Golden Triangle Region through her social club.
Ware was a W-Ambassador, residential advisor (MSMS), member of Alpha Delta Nu- Nursing Honor Society, member of the Mississippi Organization for Associate Degree Nursing Students, member of Young Black Leadership Association, member of Student Programming Board, member of Alpha Omicron Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Orientation Leader and Class Cheerleader.
He was involved in numerous community service projects through his clubs and organizations, as well as participating in Project H.O.O.T. this year.
Both graduates are looking to the future and what’s next..
For Gray, it is a career in public relations, with the ultimate goal of owning her own firm.
“I would really like to get into public relations, to start building my portfolio, getting to know some more people and networking really well,” she said. “Overall, my number one goal is to have my own firm.”
Ware plans to further his education, as he prepares to enter the RN to BSN program this fall. He will also be working in the ICU at Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee, while completing the program.
“I’ve wanted, since I was in high school, to go into healthcare,” he said.