I've had an interesting exchange this week with Don Webb, director of Funeral Service Technology at East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) in Scooba, Mississippi, about the importance of recognizing mortuary science students for their dedication, aspirations and contributions to the profession.

These students are our future, and those who distinguish themselves while in school are probably the ones most likely to take this profession in a positive direction, one that honors the traditions of the past while also honoring the changing needs and preferences of society today.

Jessica Romanowski, EMCC's nominee for the Gayle M. Galloway 2009 Student of the Year Award, is one such student. Jessica was honored as a nominee at the Mississippi Funeral Directors Association's annual convention in July.   

A graduate of Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Tennessee, Jessica enrolled in the Funeral Service Technology program at EMCC in August 2007.  As a freshman, she won the Restorative Art Award for her 1st Place Achievement with the Restorative Art project in Funeral Service Technology. She also was inducted into the Eta Upsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an International Honors Society.

Jessica was elected president of the Mu Chapter of Sigma Phi Sigma, the funeral service fraternity. Under her leadership, her class was able to raise enough money to finance a class trip to the 2008 National Funeral Directors Association Convention. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was presented the Presidents Plaque at the annual Sigma Phi Sigma Banquet in April 2009.

Jessica passed the National Board Examination and graduated with special honors from EMCC"s Funeral Service Technology program in May, and has gone on to accept an apprenticeship with Moore Funeral Service in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Clearly, Jessica has amassed quite a resume in her young career, and I have no doubt she will go on to great things in her chosen profession. Congratulations, Jessica!

Now, a word of caution lest every member out there begin sending me news about their students and employees to post on the ICCFA Blog: That's not how it works!

Yes, we want to post this news. Yes, we want to recognize the good that is being done in this profession. But from now on, we want to cut out the middle man (me). The whole point of having a member blog forum is for members to blog. And it's not that hard ... promise! Give it a try today and share your company's latest news. Find out how here.