Cole Frank of Kosciusko is home from the Mississippi Governor’s School, now armed with leadership and creative skills he said he will take with him as he enters his senior year at Central Holmes Christian School in Lexington.
The Governor’s School, held on the campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, was established in 1981 by Governor William F. Winter.
Frank, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Frank of Kosciusko, said he was approached by his school counselor who told him he was eligible for the Governor’s School on the basis of his academic rating, leadership experiences, exceptional ability and potential.
“I gave it some thought, then went to work on choosing a topic from a list of suggestions for writing a paper, which was a requirement for acceptance,” he said.
He chose “Diversity” as his topic, which proved to be his ticket for entrance to the school.
Each summer, the MGS brings together high potential learners from across the state for a three-week collegiate experience that blends cultural, academic, social and recreational components into a rich and natural learning environment.
Frank said activities were well rounded for the 75 students at the school. Following a physical workout, he said he took part in a morning class of Fake News in which they were instructed in determining the difference beween real and fake news. They were also taught news analysis, he added.
The morning workouts helped him maintain the exercise program vital to his position as an offensive guard, linebacker on the Trojan Varsity Football Team at Central Holmes. Afternoon classes focused on recreation. Ballroom dancing lessons were offered and proved to be a new learning experience for him, he said.
Frank said he came home from the school with many new friendships.
“I made friends with many amazing students and experienced bonding,” he said. “Teachers were also amazing. If you did not understand, they were there to explain.”
One lesson Frank learned from participating is that one can survive for three weeks without a cell phone.
“You talk more when you do not have a phone,” he said.
Dormitory living also added to the experience, and students were permitted to leave campus between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Sundays, their free day.
At Central Holmes, Frank has been on the football team and was selected all-conference on the baseball team. In Who’s Who, he was named Beau, Campus Favorite and Most Dependable.
In community activities he has served as a volunteer with the Belzoni Animal Rescue Kennels, Horses for Handicapped volunteer and the Christmas Shoe Box program, assisting with gathering supplies and deliveries. He has also volunteered with his classmates at the Martha Jo Leslie Veterans Home in Kosciusko, distributing cards and Christmas items and also at Veterans Day activities.
He attends Williamsville Baptist Church, has participated in D-NOW with Sallis Baptist Church and attended Chrysalis.
He plans to begin his college days at Holmes Community College as he prepares to pursue a career in orthodontics.
