TUPELO, Miss. – Alcorn State University Director of Athletics Derek J. Horne will be recognized at the 16th Annual Mississippi Trailblazers Awards Ceremony and Black Tie Gala on Saturday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the BancorpSouth Conference Center.
Horne will be honored as The Mississippi Trailblazer of the Year.
Horne has distinguished himself in the world of collegiate athletics as both a student-athlete and sports administrator. As a player, Horne was a four-year letterwinner on the Ole Miss men's basketball team including two years as captain and earned Academic All-SEC honors.
"We work every day to make a difference in the community and in the lives of our student-athletes. It's a privilege for someone to look over my entire career, both as a player and administrator, and believe that I am worthy of such a lifetime achievement," Horne said. "I've been fortunate enough to work with people who have put me in positions to succeed, and this award is a sentiment to all of the great colleagues I've had over the years."
At Alcorn, the football program has won the SWAC East Division all four years of his tenure including two SWAC Championships and one HBCU National Championship. Alcorn has also seen a significant upswing in Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores, and student-athletes have earned over 200 SWAC Honor Roll accolades since his arrival.
"There is not a more deserving person, in my opinion for this great honor. I am blessed to be married to a man that has the utmost integrity, compassion and kindness toward everyone he comes in contact with. His desire is for everyone to succeed in life and works hard every day to shine a light on others. I am so proud of my husband and thankful that the Mississippi Trailblazer organization will be shining a light on him this time, in recognition of his hard work," said Sheila Horne, Derek's wife.
Tickets for the event are $75 per person prior to May 7 and $500 for a table of eight. After May 7, tickets cost $100 individually or $700 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased on wtva.com or call 662-213-3027 or email
trailblazersofmississippi@aol.com.
The event includes an elegant evening of fine dining, jazz music and recognizing distinguished Mississippians who have made significant contributions to diversity.
Since 2003, the Mississippi Trailblazers Awards have recognized many of Mississippi's most dedicated citizen-servants who have made distinguished and significant contributions to diversity and multicultural exchange throughout our state by their professional accomplishments and personal service.
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