HCSD Receives MSBA Beacon Award for Outstanding Student Achievement

(March 10, 2025) – We are thrilled to announce that the Harrison County School District has again been honored with the prestigious Beacon Award from the Mississippi School Boards Association! Every year, MSBA recognizes the school district leadership team (the school board and the superintendent) in the MSBA Lighthouse School Leader (LHSL) Awards Program at the MSBA Conference. The LHSL Awards Program applauds outstanding student performance on required testing under the state's accountability system. This Beacon Award recognizes HCSD for exceptional student achievement based on three criteria:
 
• “A” rated school district
• All schools rated “C” or higher
• District is in good standing as defined by the MDE Office of Accreditation

HCSD School Board members Dr. Barbara Thomas and Mrs. Betty Daniel accepted the Beacon Award during the MSBA Conference in Flowood last month. Dr. Thomas also serves on the MSBA board. She presented the award to Superintendent William Bentz during Monday night's school board meeting. 

Mr. Bentz stated that HCSD is ranked among the top 25 school districts in Mississippi, and he thanked everyone for their support and hard work in maintaining academic excellence.

“This award represents the dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and community members. I am very proud of what we have accomplished together, and this award symbolizes all of us.”