By: Raquel Williams | July 15, 2025
Clarksdale, Mississippi – Clarksdale High School’s 2025 Valedictorian, Muriell Hines, continues to shine brightly as a beacon of academic excellence and leadership. This summer, she was selected as one of a few thousand exceptional students nationwide to attend the prestigious Gates Scholarship Summer Institute (TGSSI), an immersive multi-day leadership and career development program held in Phoenix, Arizona.
Muriell, the only child of Michelle Sanders and Michael Hines, is preparing to attend Tulane University in just a few weeks. She brings with her a long list of accolades, including honors from Beta Club, TSA, NTHS, and other academic societies. A talented dancer and active student leader, she participated in her school’s band and Griot programs. Her impressive academic journey earned her the Gates Scholarship—a highly selective award offered to outstanding, minority high school seniors from low-income households.
A Journey Begins
From the moment she received her Gates Scholarship award on April 20, 2025, Muriell described her experience as filled with gratitude and excitement. Her journey began with virtual programming in May, where she joined Zoom sessions alongside 749 other Gates Scholars from across the country. These early meetings provided a foundation of knowledge about the program, team-building, and expectations.
Arriving in Phoenix for the in-person event held June 19–22, Muriell was greeted at the airport and escorted to the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa. She received a welcome backpack filled with TGS-branded shirts, supplies, and a name badge that proudly displayed her name and college choice. Program Lead James Beverly welcomed her to her room, setting the tone for a memorable week.
Immersive Learning & Lasting Lessons
Each morning began with breakfast at 8:00 a.m., followed by full days of impactful sessions. On June 20, Muriell attended Maximizing Your College Experience Part I and II, panel discussions offering practical insights into transitioning through college life—from building relationships with professors to maintaining mental wellness.
Later that day, she participated in her favorite session: Tools for Career Success: Mastering Your Resume, the Job Interview, and Your LinkedIn Profile. Led by a dynamic speaker, the session helped Muriell understand the value of authenticity in professional spaces. She described interviews as being similar to dates—if a company doesn’t value what she brings to the table, it’s not the right fit.
“I now understand that my network is truly my net worth,” Muriell shared. “The Gates Scholarship Summer Institute gave me tools, confidence, and a network that will shape my future.”
Life After College & Financial Wellness
On June 21, the focus shifted to life after college. In Thriving in Your Early Career, scholars received guidance on transitioning into the workforce. Another session, Financial Wellness, provided tools for building financial stability through budgeting, credit awareness, and future planning—skills Muriell said were both empowering and practical.
The final session of the day, Scholar Reflections, gave participants an opportunity to share a 30-second takeaway onstage. Hearing reflections from her peers—many of which mirrored her own emotions—moved Muriell deeply. It reminded her of the shared passion and ambition that unites all Gates Scholars.
A Life-Changing Experience
Reflecting on her experience, Muriell said, “If I could spend hours talking about my experience at the Institute, I would. The four days I spent in Phoenix were life-changing.” Growing up in the small town of Clarksdale, she hadn’t been exposed to many perspectives. But through meaningful conversations with other scholars, she discovered more about the world—and herself.
“I connected deeply with others and learned about their passions. I was reminded of why I strive to attend a top institution, help my mother escape poverty, and inspire Clarksdale to believe in more,” she said.
Muriell’s story is one of perseverance, inspiration, and limitless potential. As she heads off to Tulane University, she carries with her not only the support of her hometown, but also the lifelong network and empowerment of the Gates Scholar community. As the community motto reminds her: “Don’t be a stranger.”
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