Page 16 - Susie B White Scholarship Foundation 2020

LaPetra J. Wilson

2011 Susie B. White Scholarship
2012 Continuing Education Award
2013 Continuing Education Award
2014 Continuing Education Award

LaPetra is a resident of Denham Springs, LA; but was born in Natchez, MS. She is the
daughter of Bernadette Wilson and an overjoyed mother. She is a member of Greater
Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church where she served as Sunday School Secretary,
Youth President, Praise Team member and a member of the youth choir.

In 2009, LaPetra participated in the National American Miss Mississippi Pageant (NAM)
and won the title of Miss Mississippi Cover Girl. While holding the title Miss Mississippi
Cover girl, she was sent to compete in Anaheim California for Nationals. It was an honor
for her to represent Mississippi on both the state and national level. She later received
the Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 611 that was signed by Governor Phil Bryant and
Senator Bob M. Dearing, District 37.

LaPetra is a 2011 Mississippi Scholar graduate from Natchez High School. In 2011, she
was the first recipient of the Susie B. White Scholarship. In addition to her high school
achievements, she received accreditation from Delta State University that assisted her in
receiving a degree from Alcorn State University. As a Delta Statesman, LaPetra was a
staff writer for The Delta Statement Newspaper, a Gridiron Girl (2011-2012), and a
cheerleader (2012-2014). She graduated from Alcorn State University in 2016 with a
bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. While serving time as an Alcorn Brave, she
was a student worker with the Institution of Research and Assessment where researchers
proposed new ideas to improve graduation rates.

After graduating from college, LaPetra started her work career with Natchez Adams
County School District for two years. After relocating to Louisiana, she gained employed
with Capital Area Human Services District as a Registered Line Technician at ASCEND
Clinic where techs use ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) as an effective intervention for
many individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

She understands the importance of preparation, hard work, and respect. She has applied
these values to her endeavors by making an inventory of resources, planning activities
for efficiency and working on her goals every single day. She has encountered quite a lot
of awesome experience and support, but much of the support, such as the Susie B. White
Scholarship, leaves an impact on her life.

This scholarship heightened her chances of going to the college of her choice. It reduced
the financial burden and stress from the lack of money and rising costs of tuition. The
Susie B. White Scholarship gave her the opportunity to focus on a well-rounded college

16 | SUSIE B. WHITE SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY