"Walter Anderson, B.B. King, Jim Henson and Elvis Presley, these are artists who have had a lasting impact on Mississippi culture. That is why the “Mississippi to THE MAX” project is being put in place for elementary school students throughout Meridian Public schools. We contracted with a local teaching artist who wrote four lesson plans integrating social studies, math, science and reading, along with the arts,” In February after all these lessons are taught, our fourth grade students will go to the MAX museum and they will get to see our exhibits there. And in addition to the usual exhibits, they’ll get to see the brand new Jim Henson exhibit. Only fourth grade students are a part of this project since Mississippi history is a topic in their social studies curriculum. And it’s so important I believe for our students to understand that Mississippi has produced some of the greatest, most well-known artists of our time. And the impact that those artists have had on our culture, as well as the nation’s culture, and the world."