CHOCTAW, Miss. — Shonda R. Wesley is from the Pearl River Community but currently is living in Edinburg, MS. Ms. Wesley’s parents are Deborah Tubby, Stepdad Sandy Tubby, and the late Kenneth Wesley. She has three brothers and three sisters and many nieces and nephew.

 A 2010 graduate of Choctaw Central High School, she went on to attend and graduate from Meridian Community College in 2013 with an associate’s degree. In 2020, she graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Bachelor of Science Interdisciplinary Studies. She is currently a graduate student and by May 2020, will receive her three-year non-renewable license to teach English. By December 2020, Shonda will receive her five-year renewable license.

 The Mississippi Coding Academies class is currently being held in Columbus, MS and in Choctaw, MS—the only two sites available in the State of Mississippi. When the Choctaw Central High School Principal asked Shonda if she would like to become the facilitator for the Mississippi Coding Academies class, Shonda admits, “I didn’t know anything about coding, but I accepted anyway. I am glad I accepted, because I see the students enjoy it very much.” Shonda says, “When we first started coding the students were a little shy, but now they are beginning to ask questions. I, myself, am learning with them. When they see me asking questions, they are beginning to ask questions themselves. They do reviews on Fridays. We just learned how to use string, FL statements, operators, For Loops and While Loops. We are now learning how to input random numbers. The kids are working on creating a game. They have to create an out-guess game using random numbers. I think it is a great step up for these high school students. Coding uses math and critical thinking, and I believe it would help students develop and master those needed skills. Coding is challenging, but it is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn it.  I wish coding had offered to them sooner. I know I would have taken it back when I was in high school.” Shonda is doing a fantastic job facilitating the classroom while the students learn coding virtually. The class is scheduled to run through June 2021.

 The Mississippi Coding Academies are part of a non-profit economic development and educational initiative sponsored by Innovate Mississippi, the Mississippi Development Authority, the Mississippi Works program, Mississippi State University, and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, in partnership with Hinds Community College, East Mississippi Community College and the Mississippi Community College Board. For more information, please click on the following link: https://mscoding.org/news/.