Released November 08, 2004

HATTIESBURG - The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies will host a family and friends 25th anniversary dinner celebration Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center. All center students (past and present), parents, family members, teachers, administrators, psychologists, counselors and other persons interested in the programs or activities at the center are invited to attend this family event.

Jason Dorsey, a nationally recognized motivational speaker, will appear to share his inspirational story, "How Gifted Education Changed My Life." Jason has been featured on NBC's "Today Show," ABC's "The View," and the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. In the past, Jason's audiences have included students, teachers, administrators, parents, and corporate executives.

In addition to Dorsey's presentation, winners of the "What Gifted Education Means to Me" writing contest will be announced. This writing contest is open to all identified gifted students.

Tickets are $9 per person, which includes the price of admission and a full-course dinner. For more information on the event, please contact The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies at (601) 266-5236 or e-mail us at gifted.studies@usm.edu.

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