The 56th MSASC Annual State Conference

Dr. Tommie Mabry is a renowned international speaker, nationally acclaimed educator, and published author. Authoring books like A Dark Journey to a Light Future: A Memoir. His story of the trials, success, and service has inspired millions around the world. News of Dr. Mabry’s achievements instantly went viral, breaking national headlines. Dr Mabry has appeared on USA Today, PBS Network, FOX Soul and many more. Dr. Tommie Mabry grew up in one of Jackson, MS roughest neighborhoods. Trouble followed him everywhere before and after fifth grade when he was arrested for breaking into the state fairgrounds. After that arrest, he was suspended or expelled from several schools due to his behavior. A judge once prophesized that in five years his attitude would either get him killed or incarcerated. Tommie grinned at the judge who did not know that the “monster” lurking within him was fueled by the prophecy. Things started to change for Tommie when he joined an AAU basketball league that traveled around the world. He was the first person in his family to graduate from high school when he crossed the stage at Bailey Magnet in 2007. Although he was shot in the foot after skipping school during his senior year, Tommie healed and received a full basketball scholarship to Missouri State University-West Plains. He later received a B.A. cum laude in Education from Tougaloo College and his M.A. in Child Development in 2017. After his undergraduate studies, Tommie was hired as a teacher by the same Jackson Public School District that had suspended and expelled him many times during elementary and secondary education. Dr. Mabry’s story and achievements have enabled him to use his voice to inspire and impact millions as a renowned speaker. Dr. Mabry received his Doctorate Degree – an Executive Ph.D. from Jackson State University in 2020 where he majored in Urban Higher Education. He has written and published four books that target all age groups. He travels the world sharing his story to motivate and inspire others – and he lives by the motto, “I cannot walk in my future with my foot in my past." In 2022, Corwin honored Dr. Mabry with the New Voices Award for his book “Perspective! The Secret to Student Motivation and Success.

"The Power Hour Sponsored by MS Power" at the MS Association of Student Councils Leadership Conference. The panel will consist of eight of the most recent Student Body Presidents at Laurel High School. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions about how the student council molded them into the leaders they are Today, in their communities, organizations, and careers. The panel will be facilitated by LHS alum Heather Brown of Magnolia State Bank. Your student council members will want to take advantage of this grand opportunity.