Published Feb. 17, 2021
In February, University of Louisiana Monroe TRIO Programs Student Support Services
participated in the Ouachita Green cleanup of the Roy Neal Shelling Elementary School
area in Monroe. TRIO-SSS volunteers pictured are, from left, Ayana Green, Willexus
Jones, Eric Lair Jr., Meinyaun Smith, Jasmine Thenekhamsyharath, Alicia Williams,
and Dr. Mystee Burrell.
Photos by Aundi Brown/Ouachita Green
By Ashlyn Dupree
The University of Louisiana Monroe TRIO Programs Student Support Services collaborated
with Ouachita Green in a community service project.
On Saturday, Feb. 5, TRIO-SSS students participated in the Ouachita Green’s Roy Neal
Shelling Elementary community cleanup hosted by Monroe District 3 Councilwoman Juanita
Woods. Volunteers picked up litter in different areas of the neighborhood.
Braxton Stalsby, Jasmine Thenekhamsyharath, and Eric Lair Jr.
Mystee Burrell, Ed.D., Co-Associate Director of TRIO Programs, said, “A clean neighborhood
benefits all members of the community. Community clean-up events are essential to
the preservation of our environment. Events such as this teach students not only leadership
skills but also the importance of doing their part to make meaningful change in their
community.”
TRIO-SSS volunteers included Ayana Green, Willexus Jones, Eric Lair Jr., Meinyaun
Smith, Jasmine Thenekhamsyharath, Alicia Williams, and Dr. Mystee Burrell.
TRIO-SSS is one of the eight TRIO programs fully funded through the U.S. Department
of Education. The mission of TRIO-SSS is to increase the graduation and retention
rates of first-generation college students enrolled at ULM. To learn more about the
TRIO-SSS program or to apply, visit ulm.edu/research/trio.
Ouachita Green is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural beauty, protecting the
environment, preventing blight, litter abatement, promoting environmental education,
and planning and participating in community enhancement projects.
