After a competitive application process, Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson is proud to announce Tucker Pannel, a current senior at Indianola Academy, as part of the 2024-25 class of Secretary of State (SOS) Student Ambassadors.
The Ambassador program equips high school seniors with the knowledge and resources to engage as leaders within their schools and communities.
This year's group of Ambassadors consists of 70 students from 42 schools in 31 counties across all four congressional districts.
The Secretary of State’s Student Ambassador Program is a program between high school seniors, the Secretary of State’s Office, and Secretary of State Michael Watson.
Through the program, students with a passion for leadership and state government are equipped to return to their schools as proponents of voter education and awareness.
They also have regular interactions with leaders from the Secretary of State’s Office, Mississippi Legislature, and various other state and local officials.
Students who complete the program receive a first-hand account of state government in action, establish a network of like-minded peers from across the state, and experience the processes that ensure Mississippi is a better place for their generation and generations to come.
Primary components of the SOS Ambassador Program include four in-person summits, two in Jackson and two across the state.
Sessions during the summits emphasize voting and elections, the study of Mississippi's legislative process, and training on how to organize and facilitate voter registration drives on their school campuses and communities.
Ambassadors are also introduced to the numerous educational and employment opportunities which abound in Mississippi.
Through monthly virtual meetings, participants are able to ask questions and share ideas about the future of Mississippi with state and local leaders.
“The SOS Student Ambassador Program is a great opportunity for young leaders to cultivate their affinity for public service and expand leadership skills,” Watson said in a statement. “We are excited to take part in the development and growth of the next generation of Mississippians and look forward to providing a greater understanding of one of our greatest liberties, the right to vote.”
Watson and the Mississippi Secretary of State's office are seeking high school seniors with a passion for leadership and state government to apply for the agency's 2025-2026 SOS Student Ambassador Program.
The program aims to increase voter education and registration among youth and encourage students to engage in Mississippi civics.
The deadline to complete the online application is March 31. Applications must be submitted on the Secretary of State’s website in order to be considered. For questions, please contact the Communications & Publications Division at Ambassadors@sos.ms.gov or (601) 359-6344.
