Mississippi School of the Arts staff and students are planning aspecial day to show their appreciation to supporters and others whohave helped to make the school a reality.

The Day of Appreciation is scheduled for Saturday, May 1,beginning at 10:30 a.m. with the dedication of the Helen FurlowScruggs Y-Hut.

“We’re hoping we’ll have people attend from all over the state,”said Jennifer Jackson, MSA director of development and publicrelations. “We’ve had a lot of interest, and people are calling andasking questions about the day.”

Attorney Richard Scruggs, whose mother is being honored with theY-Hut naming, and former First Lady Pat Fordice, who is creditedwith planting the idea for the arts school, are expected to attendthe day’s events.

Following the dedication, visitors will be able to tour thecampus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. An appreciation ceremony will be heldat 2 p.m. at the Student Life Center.

“We’re using it as a day to say ‘Thank You’ and also to showcaseour students,” Jackson said.

During the campus tours, visitors can view a gallery show of MSAvisual arts students’ work and “Sonnets and Swords,” a ShakespeareGuerrilla Theatre presentation, throughout the campus by MSAtheatre students. At 3 p.m., MSA vocal music students will have aperformance at Mary Jane Lampton Auditorium.

Jackson said the public is invited, and there is no charge forany of the Day of Appreciation events.

At 7:30 p.m. May 1, the MSA Foundation will host an AppreciationReception at the home of Betty Langston. Jackson said the event isa chance to meet and visit with foundation and schoolsupporters.

“It’s also to recognize and thank foundation supporters who’vegiven financial support to MSA through contributions,” Jacksonsaid.

Special honorees for the event include Fordice, and major grandbenefactors Scruggs, who contributed $500,000 to the foundation,and the City of Brookhaven, which donated school property and moneyto the MSA effort. Grand benefactors and patrons will also behonored.

Tickets for the Appreciation Reception are $25 a person forcurrent MSA Foundation members and $40 a person for non-Foundationmembers. Tickets must be ordered by Monday, April 26, and thoseinterested can call 823-1316 or 823-1317 for more information.