Mississippi School For Mathematics and Science - Annual Events

Annual Events

MSMS has unique events that take place every year. They include:

The Ceremony of Lights is an induction for new juniors of MSMS in which a pledge is signed. This ritual is repeated at class reunions. This ceremony is one of the most serious for MSMS students and faculty, and requires "Sunday" dress.

Winter Formal is the annual winter dance, taking place sometime in December. A queen and king are crowned.

Tales from the Crypt is a multi-genre history project done by the Junior US History class of the same name. In the first half of the year, members of the class select a person buried in local historic Friendship Cemetery, built by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and research that person using primary document sources from the archives at Columbus-Lowndes County Library in Historic Downtown Columbus. In January, students write three- to five-minute monologues based on their research and audition in front of a panel of judges who, in the past, have been their classmates. Sixteen to eighteen people are selected to perform individually during the Tales event during Columbus's Spring Pilgrimage, and the other students work as guides, escorting audiences through the cemetery. Each year features a performance by "The Four Decoration Day Ladies", four women who gained fame by decorating the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. This action would later be known as Memorial Day. The project was originated by the late Mr. Carl Butler, and the class is taught by Mr. Chuck Yarborough. Each class chooses a public service in which to invest the proceeds from admission. . The program was honored with the 2005 (MS) Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts - School Division and a national finalist for The History Channel's "Save Our History" Award.

Prom, in April is held in typical Prom fashion. A Prom King, Queen, Prince, and Princess are crowned.