The First makes $100,000 donation to Picayune Early Head Start

Mit Cole, a 2004 graduate of Picayune Memorial High School, who is currently part of the executive staff with The First (First Bancshares Inc.), presented a check in the amount of $100,000.00 to support the Early Head Start Program at the Picayune School District during yesterday’s meeting of the Picayune School District Board of Trustees.

Superintendent Dean Shaw, Cole, and Dr. Pamela Thomas, Director of Picayune School District's Early Head Start program

Cole explained the selection of Picayune as one of the recipients of the donation.

“As a community bank, which is where our roots are, it’s important for us to give back to our communities and stay ingrained with everybody. This year, we decided to give four donations to school districts to help with early childhood literacy,” Cole stated.

Picayune was one of those districts along with Forrest, Lamar, and Petal.

Cole added, ”If we are gong to break cycles, that’s the route to go.”

Cole said that he and his family really enjoyed their time in Picayune, moving here in 2003, when his father Milton “Hoppy” Cole, Jr. started the Picayune branch as the launching ground for The First as it grew its presence along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and south Mississippi.

“Me and my little brother (Drew) have great memories playing football here.”

Mit and Drew went on to be a part of NCAA Championship football team at LSU (Mit-2007) and Auburn (Drew-2010).

According to Cole, The First has $5 billion in assets and 80 locations across five states.