Mississippi Delta Community College

MDCC Instructor and Student Named 2023 William Winter Scholars

 

MOORHEAD, Miss. (March 6, 2023) – Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) is proud to announce the 2023 instructor and student who were chosen as William Winter Scholars. The instructor selected was English Instructor Dr. Elizabeth Melton. She was accompanied by student Christopher Tonos.

Each year, outstanding Humanities Division students, faculty members and professionals from Mississippi’s universities, colleges and community colleges are honored by being named William Winter Scholars at the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration (NLCC).

Winners are honored publicly at the opening and closing sessions of the NLCC, in printed materials and in publicity.

“I feel incredibly honored to have been chosen to receive this award,” said Melton.

Tonos, who is a General Studies major, felt similarly honored.

“It was a great honor to be chosen to be a William Winter Scholar. I’m thankful to all my teachers and peers for their help during classes. This award tells me that I have potential to play a part in the future of our society. I also cannot thank my community enough for the level of support they continue to show me. If you have a dream then go on and chase that dream,” said Tonos.

For Melton, this award carries with it some personal meaning.

“Years ago, I met Governor Winter at the Governor’s Mansion and had my picture taken with him. Even though it was a very brief meeting, I remember that he impressed me as being a kind gentleman. With that image in my mind, I am honored to receive an award that was named after him and is modeled on his strong focus on excellence in public education,” concluded Melton.

The pair were officially recognized at the 34th annual Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration in February.