Palazzo's Youth Leadership Summit

  Congressman Steven Palazzo

will host the first annual

Palazzo Youth Leadership Summit

on Tuesday, October 30th

9 AM - 2PM 

University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg campus

Thad Cochran Center, 118 College Drive

Confirmed guest speakers include

Governor Phil Bryant, former New Orleans Saints Running Back Deuce McAllister, Major General Jeff Hammonds, and USM Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Joe Paul

“I want to recognize and encourage South Mississippi students who exhibit strong leadership qualities in their schools and communities. These students are the future of our state and our nation, and it is my hope that they will come away from this summit with the tools they need to continue serving their communities.”

Deuce McAllister

Deuce McAllister was born in Lena, Mississippi, and went on to attend The University of Mississippi. As an Ole Miss Rebel, McAllister broke and set many records as a running back. In
college, during his down time, McAllister could be found visiting with children in the community establishing himself as a positive role model on and off the field. In 2001, he was drafted in the first
round as the 23rd overall selection by the New Orleans Saints. He wasted no time getting to know the New Orleans community. As a rookie, McAllister participated in NORD park and pool openings, various school visits as a guest speaker, Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, and various other
charitable outings. After one year of orientation in the NFL, McAllister decided to start a foundation to maximize his giving in the communities he knows best — New Orleans and Jackson areas. To date, Deuce McAllister and his Catch 22 Foundation have donated over $1 million throughout Mississippi and Louisiana.

Governor Phil Bryant

Phil Bryant was sworn in as Mississippi’s 64th governor on
January 10, 2012. He was elected in November 2011 after
capturing 62 percent of the vote. Bryant, the son of a diesel mechanic and a mother who stayed
home with her three boys, learned early the values of hard work and the importance of education. The Moorhead native and former deputy sheriff earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Hinds Community College and completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern
Mississippi. He holds a master’s degree in political science from Mississippi College, and before assuming his role as governor, Bryant served as an adjunct professor of government there.

Grace Claire Cordes , Miss Southern Miss

Grace Claire Cordes is a vocal performance major, a Luckyday Scholar and a member of Chi Omega and the Southern Miss Opera and Musical Theatre Outreach Program. She is a
contestant in this year’s Miss Mississippi Pageant after qualifying by becoming Miss Southern Miss.
Kenna Spiller , Miss William Carey University Kenna Spiller is an education major at William Carey University, and won the Miss William Carey University Pageant. She is a contestant in this year’s Miss Mississippi Pageant.

Kennal Spiller Miss William Cary University

Kenna Spiller is an education major at William Carey University, and won the Miss William Carey University Pageant. She is a contestant in this year’s Miss Mississippi Pageant.

Jeff Hammond, Athlethic Director at the University of Southern Mississippi

Jeff Hammond, a former Southern Miss student-athlete and football standout, joined the Golden Eagle athletics staff as a Senior Associate Director of Athletics in July 2010 following a distinguished military career. In his role at Southern Miss, he has worked to raise funds and plan the celebration of 100 years of athletics, “A Century of Championships and Commencements.”